Is South Africa’s mainstream media a safe haven for abusers?
What does Jub Jub, AKA, TallA**Mo, Sjava, Somizi and DJ Fresh all have in common? Apart from being avid contributors to South Africa’s entertainment industry, then and now, all these artists have had abuse accusations levelled against them. To make matters worse, despite being labelled as abusers, society and the media continues to condone them, […]
What does Jub Jub, AKA, TallA**Mo, Sjava, Somizi and DJ Fresh all have in common? Apart from being avid contributors to South Africa’s entertainment industry, then and now, all these artists have had abuse accusations levelled against them. To make matters worse, despite being labelled as abusers, society and the media continues to condone them, in turn supporting them and providing them with platforms in mainstream media.
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THE LAND WHERE ‘ABUSERS’ CONTINUE TO THRIVE
We’ve seen this with rapper Jub Jub where despite being released from jailed for murdering four children during a drag race accident, and being accused of sexual assault, the rapper was still welcomed back into society with open arms, even landing a gig from Moja Love’s Uyajola 99 reality show.
Again, we’ve seen this with AKA, where even though he was accused of contributing to the death of his fiancé Nellie Tembe, and questions about her death still loom, fans still continue to support his music. Similarly, Sjava who was accused of abusing his ex-girlfriend Lady Zamar, is still getting support despite accusations.
Somizi who is accused of physically abusing his estranged ex-husband Mohale Motaung continues to get booked on television and radio.
Oh, and let’s not forget how recently streaming platform Showmax has dropped an explosive first trailer for a new documentary series called Unfollowed, the series is said to dissect cancel culture and its impact in South Africa. Two of the show’s guests include Jub Jub and TallA**Mo, of which is seen throwing a tantrum in one of the episodes. Lady Zamar also appears on the show, detailing the backlash that she received when she accused her ex-boyfriend and musician Sjava of abusing her.
The show hasn’t debuted yet, but it is a clear indication of how alleged abusers continue to thrive without being held accountable.
ALSO READ: Celebrities who have accused Jub Jub of sexual assault
WHAT ABOUT THE VICTIMS
While these alleged abusers continue to live their lives, the victims on the other hand are often ridiculed, intimidated and even cyberbullied into oblivion.
Since disclosing abuse allegations Nampree, Lady Zamar, Lerato Moloi and Amanda du Pont are still to this day crucified and mocked for standing up against their alleged abusers.
Whether you see it or not, how South Africa’s mainstream media continues to condone alleged abusers versus how victims are treated, certainly forces you to ask yourself the question; “Is South Africa’s mainstream media a safe haven for abusers?”
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