In a recent televised interview that has sparked widespread discussion and controversy, South African poet and social activist Ntsiki Mazwai and social media influencer Lasizwe Dambuza found themselves at odds, leading to a significant fallout. The incident, which took place during a Newzroom Afrika segment focusing on the economy and politics ahead of the general election, has ignited debates across various platforms, highlighting the tension between traditional respect norms and modern celebrity culture.
Mazwai, known for her outspoken nature and activism, took issue with Dambuza’s manner of addressing her by her first name without any honorifics, which she deemed disrespectful. The expectation of being referred to as “Aunty Ntsiki,” a term of respect and endearment in South African culture, was not met, leading Mazwai to express her displeasure publicly. Following the interview, she turned to Twitter, sharing clips and criticizing Dambuza’s approach, stating, “The child calling me by name is distasteful, and I would die if I had a child like this…I would die. Uyadelela and it ain’t cute.”
Mazwai further speculated that the incident might have been orchestrated by Dambuza’s management as a deliberate attempt to undermine her, suggesting a planned effort to dilute her influence and message. “I suspect his white management told him to just go against everything I said…I suspect this was a planned attempt to dilute me,” Mazwai articulated in her tweets.
The fallout from the interview has not only highlighted the clash between individual personalities but also underscored broader societal debates around respect, generational differences, and the dynamics of public discourse in South Africa. As the story unfolds, supporters and detractors of both figures have taken to social media to voice their opinions, with many siding with Mazwai, pointing out the importance of maintaining respect in public interactions.
This incident adds to a series of controversies surrounding Mazwai, who has previously been embroiled in legal and social media disputes over her outspoken comments. Despite the backlash, Mazwai remains a prominent voice in South African cultural and political discussions, advocating for social justice and challenging the status quo.
As the debate continues, the incident between Mazwai and Dambuza serves as a reflection of the evolving norms of respect and communication in the public eye, highlighting the tensions that can arise when traditional expectations meet modern celebrity culture.
