Published 1 hour ago
In the ongoing battle against gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, a troubling incident at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) has sparked intense debate and forced the nation to confront its own hypocrisy in addressing abuse and protecting survivors.
The controversy revolves around Kwaito artist Arthur Mafokate, whose past includes serious abuse allegations from his former partner, singer Cici (real name Busisiwe Thwala). In 2018, Cici accused Mafokate of physically assaulting her, dragging her through the streets in his car, and causing injuries that required pelvic surgery. The case became a high-profile public matter, with Cici enduring both physical and emotional trauma.
While Mafokate was acquitted in 2019 due to a lack of evidence, the emotional scars on Cici remained undeniable. The court’s decision, which suggested Cici’s actions may have contributed to her injuries, only deepened the skepticism and victim-blaming that survivors of GBV often face in South Africa. For many, the legal outcome was not the final word on Cici’s pain.
Fast forward to the 2024 SAMAs, and Mafokate was once again welcomed to the stage, performing alongside fellow artist Chomee. The audience celebrated the nostalgic moment, while Cici expressed her heartbreak on social media, sharing broken heart emojis in response to the performance. This public celebration of Mafokate — despite the serious allegations against him — reignited questions about South Africa’s double standards when it comes to holding perpetrators of GBV accountable.
The reception of Mafokate at the SAMAs sharply contrasts with the way international stars like Chris Brown are treated following allegations of abuse. Brown, who infamously assaulted Rihanna in 2009, continues to face widespread condemnation and boycotts. Yet, in Mafokate’s case, despite the very real abuse accusations, the public response was one of celebration. This glaring inconsistency exposes the troubling hypocrisy within South African society when it comes to GBV.
Why, as a nation, do we celebrate a man like Mafokate, whose past is stained with abuse accusations? What does it say to the women and girls in South Africa who experience GBV daily? Are their stories any less valid because the perpetrators were not convicted in court? And why do we allow nostalgia, celebrity status, and fame to dictate how we treat survivors and abusers?
This incident is not just about the entertainment industry or public figures; it reflects a wider societal issue: the normalization of violence against women, the minimization of their suffering, and the failure to protect those most vulnerable. If South Africa truly wants to stand on the right side of history, we must seriously confront the messages we are sending to both victims and perpetrators of GBV.
The acquittal of Mafokate in court doesn’t erase the harm inflicted on Cici or invalidate her experience. Her emotional scars remain, and her struggle is a reflection of the broader challenges survivors face within a system that too often dismisses their pain. The global #MeToo movement has taught us that justice for survivors doesn’t always come in the form of a courtroom verdict, and it certainly doesn’t come from a celebratory performance on stage.
True justice for survivors comes when we, as a society, no longer tolerate or celebrate those who perpetuate violence. It means prioritizing the voices of victims, supporting them both in the courtroom and in public spaces, and ensuring that no amount of fame or nostalgia overshadows the protection of women from violence.
To be clear, this fight goes beyond individual cases and celebrities. It’s about creating a culture of accountability where gender-based violence is not just a political issue, but a social imperative. We must take responsibility for the messages we send, ensuring that survivors are supported and believed, and perpetrators are never excused or glorified.
While the SAMAs may have invited Mafokate to perform, the real question is: is this the message South Africa wants to send? As the country continues to battle GBV and femicide, it’s essential to remember that true progress means standing firmly on the side of justice — even when it’s uncomfortable and challenges the status quo. That means protecting survivors and prioritizing their voices over the abusers who continue to be celebrated.
If South Africa is serious about eradicating GBV, we must practice what we preach — both in our laws and our culture. The road to justice and healing for survivors like Cici is long, but it’s our collective responsibility to ensure they do not walk it alone.