The emergence of social media has brought out the good, the bad and the ugly side of some of the country’s politicians. It’s let South Africans into the hearts and minds of many public figures that without it – their convictions would otherwise remain a mystery to many.
Ambassador to Denmark and daughter of struggle icons Winnie and Nelson Mandela, Zindzi Mandela, former President Jacob Zuma, ex-DA leader Helen Zille, Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina, ANC National Executive Committee member Tony Yengeni and Finance Minister Tito Mboweni are some politicians who are using the platform fearlessly; sometimes striking a raw nerve of some South Africans.
Mandela has been trending for several days now following her post on the land issue.
Dear Apartheid Apologists, your time is over. You will not rule again. We do not fear you. Finally #TheLandIsOurs
— Zindzi Mandela (@ZindziMandela) June 14, 2019
The Tweet has taken a life of its own – with racism, her father’s legacy and whether the diplomat should be fired taking centre-stage. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) is investigating the incident.
Dear @denmarkdotdk, @GoVisitDenmark, @DanishMFA, we have a South African Ambassador in your country that absolutely despises white people. Note the tweet below in which she stereotypes white people and associate theft and rape to them. Will there be action taken? Unacceptable? https://t.co/wtkQqvS5Vs
— Renaldo Gouws (@RenaldoGouws) June 14, 2019
If @ZindziMandela is recalled because of her views on #OurLand, I call on all progressive movements to embark on a campaign against that action. I will participate in that campaign full force. EnoughIsEnough
— Pinky Khoabane (@pinkykhoabane) June 16, 2019
“Father’s legacy” “Fathers teachings”… whatever. Zindzi Mandela is a human being in her own right. Whatever the influence, she has formed her own own values, principles and convictions, and has every right to express them as she sees fit. #OurLand
— Mmabatho Montsho (@MmabathoMontsho) June 16, 2019
The legacy of Nelson Mandela whites in South Africa will never give time of day #OurLand#ZindziMandela pic.twitter.com/f7WSyJAR6t
— KatlehoMK (@KatlehoMK) June 17, 2019
Follow Everyone with the #HandsOffZindziMandela hashtag, we will not let anyone silence our Leader. That time is OVER! We are Zindzi Mandela and we will defend and protect her to the last drop our blood!
Let’s go#HandsOffZindziMandela #HandsOffZindziMandela #OurLand pic.twitter.com/AkRmYJcETV
— Zindzi and Zenani’s Stan (@MpiloKhumalo_) June 17, 2019
#HelenZille tweeted about colonialism & #BlackPrivilege. #AfriForum never called for her to be removed as Premier. Nelson Mandela Foundation never sought a meeting. #ZindziMandela tweets about #OurLand jikijiki she has to explain herself to foundations & racist groupings.
— Hloni Nyetanyane (@HloniNyetanyane) June 16, 2019
Mandela’s views are not the only ones that have exposed South Africa’s racial division and the hurt many still feel over the brutality of the apartheid rule and the settlement reached by politicians during the negotiations held before the country’s first democratic elections in 1994.
The DA’s Helen Zille is another public figure who has stirred the pot in the past. Her most recent controversial post was on Black Privilege, which saw former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela stepping into the murky waters of a Twitter war.
Generalization. Stereotyping. I see a suit on the way Ma’am. #SocialJustice
— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) May 19, 2019
The two leaders have since kissed and made up over a cup of tea.
Had a very productive 3-hour tea over citrus cake, cucumber sandwiches and mixed nuts with @ThuliMadonsela3 . We each had a time to speak, listen and learn. More interactions to follow! #LoveSouthAfrica.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) May 28, 2019
The platform has, on the other hand, also revealed a soft and fun side of some leaders, like Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, who was previously only known to the public as a no-nonsense and bottom-line type of a guy. However, now South Africans have had a glimpse not only of his love for tin fish, Rwanda and farming, but his culinary skills too.
Just about done!! pic.twitter.com/W0sqslJ7og
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) June 6, 2019
Done. Simple delicious tinned fish and pap! pic.twitter.com/iT0D5KeN7l
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) June 6, 2019
This led to some having fun with the Minister.
Who did this? You people are bad bad bad! pic.twitter.com/n2cB5W1f6w
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) June 7, 2019
Minister @tito_mboweni, in the absence your tweets on chicken recipes on this public holiday, this: garlic, ginger, butter & olive oil, browned chicken breasts & then slow cooked with diced tomatoes & coconut cream; creamed spinach. So simple. Wine: Chocolate Block ‘17 5* a steal pic.twitter.com/jQteAPg4C9
— Anton Eberhard (@AntonEberhard) June 17, 2019
Former President Jacob Zuma also took to social media, openly throwing his weight behind embattled eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede.
I have sadly learned that Comrade Zandile Gumede has been charged with corruption. I hope it is not politically motivated and that the state has enough evidence to substantiate this charge. I speak from experience from my own politically motivated charges.
— Jacob G Zuma (@PresJGZuma) May 19, 2019
He contradicted the ANC’s stance on Gumede a day after she was instructed to temporarily bow out of office until the outcome of her corruption case is pronounced.
I shall show Comrade Zandile Gumede the same support that she has shown me for the past decade. Be strong my Leader, this too shall pass.
— Jacob G Zuma (@PresJGZuma) May 19, 2019
South Africans fired back.
You are birds of the same feather. Jail beckons.
— Thabo Leshilo (@leshilot) May 20, 2019
She learnt from the best, didn’t she !
— Londi (@londid53) May 19, 2019
Cyril need both the EFF and DA support to fight this battle…
— Tshifhiwa Chris (@Mafhunisa) May 19, 2019
Masina and Yengeni are other ANC leaders who’ve lashed out at some of the Ramaphosa administration’s decisions on social media.
names @City_Ekurhuleni
— Mzwandile Masina (@mzwandileMasina) June 13, 2019
Things like these that give me courage to remain principle. I think it’s time some people with political views to consider forming have their own Party’s which are non-barbarian. This level of disregard of organisational line is appalling https://t.co/GawzulZMkO
— Mzwandile Masina (@mzwandileMasina) June 6, 2019
While others have accused these leaders of sowing divisions with their controversial and sometimes blunt statements, others believe it is good for the country’s healing from the trauma of apartheid and development. They say it should be encouraged rather than suppressed.
