Celeb Twitter Round-Up: Online Crowd Rages at MacG Over “Joke”
It’s a universal truth that South Africa battles the cancer of being a society that doesn’t do nearly enough to combat its violent tendencies. Often, you find those who do what they can to help. Other times, you will hear about the types who do the opposite and contribute to the problem in a frustrating way.
The 16 September episode of MacG’s – real name MacGyver Mukwevho – “Podcast and Chill” brought yet another storm of controversy upon the infamous media personality. In the recording, the 37-year-old broadcaster was talking to fellow host, Sol Phenduka, about the recent spate of murders in Kempton Park, which had captured the nation’s attention.
Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo had gone missing after jogging in the area. Her body was later discovered, bringing the total tally of murdered women to 10 in just two months.
Phenduka and Mukwevho joked that Moselakgomo had been grabbed because of the numbers on her jogging top – she was apparently training for a marathon – an attempt at humour that left everyone else with awkward glances while the two hosts laughed.
The clip eventually found its way onto Twitter/X and quickly went viral as multiple users reacted with disgust and calling the joke offensive and labelling the co-hosts misogynistic.
One user stood up to admit their shame at owning Mukwevho’s book with the most coincidental title and criticised the podcast duo for being ignorant.
Mzansi grapples with unconscionable levels of gender-based violence that isn’t taken seriously enough and this is plain to see in a space such as “Podcast and Chill”. The production crew had its defenders but the internet has a way of drowning out those voices when the situation calls for it and sanity prevails.
Speaking of sanity, three hours after tweeps roared, Phenduka found his conscience becoming heavy and posted an apology with the simple caption “I’m sorry”.
Now, it’s not often that you see a sincere apology on these social media streets, but Phenduka took the time to explain himself and his comments in a post on the same day. The 39-year-old podcaster explained the context behind the clip and apologised for his “distasteful remarks”.
His words come across as sincere but a change in behaviour is often the best apology, as the adage goes. Some tweeps accepted his apology, believing that he could change his future conduct and commending him for admitting his words had been insensitive.
One user accepted his heartfelt explanation but offered a warning that highlights the viciousness often demonstrated on social media without mercy.
Others continued to drive home the point that Phenduka had made a very poor decision and he needed to be firmly reminded.
In the end, a handful of socials citizens gave some earnest and productive replies, such as reminding the duo that they have a popular platform and must present it with responsibility while keeping the country’s reality in mind.
One tweep acknowledged that humour gives a view into a person and their character, while another suggested that Phenduka must meet his “higher self” in order to grow and not repeat human mistakes.
Overall, there were plenty of harsh words, but also honest, meaningful dialogue on how to go forward. There was anger, there was also understanding that more must be done to not only ensure citizens are aware and held accountable for their actions, but to contribute to a society that respects and protects one another.
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