Celeb Twitter Round-Up: SONA Sails Into Choppy Waters
Another week, another round of South African politics making everyone get deep into their feelings.
If being tone-deaf was a sport, several bigwigs in government would be gold medallists, but this time, the military top brass hit ALL the wrong notes when they ordered that the South African military brass band play Tyla’s smash hit, “Water”, at the State of the Nation (SONA) address outside Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, 12 February.
Major respect to the band members for performing such a spot-on rendition of the popular track – which was obviously a tribute to Tyla’s recent Grammy win – but many in Mzansi noticed something was out of place (to put it lightly).
Investigative journalist Mandy Wiener noted the irony of the song during a time where multiple sections of Johannesburg have either had their water cut off – some for days or even WEEKS at a time – and grumbles of “Day Zero” on the horizon for Cape Town.
Right on time, netizens shared their thoughts. Some complained, and others tried to laugh in the face of absurdity:
Every now and then, you get a clever chappie who points out that the military is a separate entity from the government:
This would be an isolated incident if it didn’t feel like it was taking a leaf out of the book of Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, who, while attempting to seem relatable during a discussion with angry Joburg residents, mentioned that he also struggled with the lack of water and would visit hotels to wash up.
IMAGINE! A whole premier being so oblivious to the struggles of the average citizen. As you would predict, Mzansi Twitter/X let him have it.
Yoh. Folks are big mad but no matter how depressing it all gets, that indomitable spirit shines through.
You also have those paying attention and remembering that the local government elections are coming.
SONA? More like sooo nah, but according to multiple publications, President Cyril Ramaphosa did manage to give attention to several urgent points to give some hope for the year that will be 2026.
