Public pressure prompts Moja Love to speak out on GBV concerns

by Zintle Mdaka

Moja Love addressed the gender based-violence (GBV) issue following an online uproar and calls from activist groups to discontinue the airing of Isencane Lengane as it was perceived as though it condoned abuse.

The online backlash to the channel and the show ensued after the latest episode of the reality show showed Siyacela Dlamuka forcing his wife, Thando Dlamuka, to accept that he will marry a young girl as his second wife, as he recently took her virginity, and damages are required by her family. During the episode, Thando confronted her husband, and when Siyacela refused to answer her questions, Thando threatened to leave her marriage and go back home, leading to her calling a family meeting to let the Dlamukas know that she is going home.

However, Siyacela had a sjambok in his hand, threatening to assault anyone who mentioned his name during the discussions. This prohibited Thando from saying what she called the meeting for, prompting her to ask for some taxi fare to go back home. While the Dlamuka’s were gathered trying to get to the bottom of the problem, Siyacela kept using vulgar words to Thando, leading her to cry hysterically in front of their child, Lubanzi Dlamuka.

In light of all these events and the calls to cancel Isencane Lengane, Moja Love said: “It is important to note that the show is a reality show which reflects, explores and raises awareness and contributes to the discourse on GBV and societal-ills. The show does not incite or promote GBV. The opposite however is true, that the impugned episode explores misogyny and deep-rooted views of one of the main cast relating to polygamy albeit ill-advised,” read the statement.

 

After the airing of the episode, X (formerly Twitter) users had this to say:

 

Also see: Isencane Lengane’s latest episode sparks outrage – Fans call for cancellation