Former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss has found herself in hot water after she tweeted an African proverb in response to the #PennySparrow racist comment, which has had the entire country in a heated debate since Sunday night.
Penny made some nasty comments about black people and went as far as calling them monkeys. This got a lot of people up in arms and she was called to order.
She has since apologised for her Facebook post. However, a lot of people are still not impressed. While some were sharing their thoughts on the matter, Jo-Ann also shared her views by posting a proverb.
The African proverb did not sit well with some Twitter users who thought that the Top Billing host was out of line for posting something that insinuated that people should ignore the derogatory and racist terms directed towards them.
After the tweet, Jo-Ann was met with a barrage of angry tweeps who have requested that she thinks before she tweets about serious matters.
Jo Ann Strauss gas lighting all over the show. Tata must come back, and close this whole country pic.twitter.com/Ow16vqRNFD
— Gugulethu Mhlungu (@GugsM) January 4, 2016
Jo-Ann don’t throw around African proverbs while great injustices are done to Africa’s very own ! @Cleongqulunga @mbindwane @jo_annstrauss
— Obzster (@Obakeng_N) January 3, 2016
That’s a cute and lofty way of looking at life , but we can’t be subjected to racism and asked to not react , I’m sorry @jo_annstrauss
— Obzster (@Obakeng_N) January 3, 2016
So like ‘I’d rather ignore you than deal with what you’re calling me?’ Lala tu. @jo_annstrauss
— Milis’uthando Mbete (@Milisauthando) January 3, 2016
Jo-Ann, who was clearly annoyed by the attacks, tweeted that she stood by her tweet and found it disgusting that people think she was condoning racism.
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But she did have a change of heart after one Twitter user shared his opinion.
Meanwhile other celebrities, such as Simphiwe Dana, have also voiced their opinion about the #PennySparrow racist comment.
I find that people rethink their racism quickly when their livelihood is threatened. At least publicly
— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) January 4, 2016
Racists are wilding in SA. Don’t let them get away with it. Let’s not infantilize racists #PennySparrow #JustinVanVuuren #ChrisHart #DKB
— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) January 4, 2016
Maps Maponyane and Terry Pheto also shared their views.
That #PennySparrow apology is reminiscent of a classic “I’m not racist because my best friend is black” apology but with no tact whatsoever.
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) January 4, 2016
Dear #PennySparrow If you can’t stand “monkeys” then Africa is a wrong continent for you. #RacistsMustFall pic.twitter.com/2bPWwW8OKj
— Terry Pheto (@TerryPheto) January 3, 2016
