The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, has aggravated netizens after confirming she will be attending Chris Brown’s much anticipated two-day concert next month.
The renowned musician will be performing at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on December 14 and 15.
Phakeng’s post, on X, excitedly expressed her readiness for the long-awaited music festival.
In the post, she said: “14 December, FNB Stadium, siyabangena.”
The professor’s post quickly gained traction, sparking a debate among users.
Phakeng’s statement follows calls from Women for Change, an anti-gender-based violence organisation, demanding the cancellation of Brown’s concert.
The organisation is petitioning that relevant organisers reconsider the decision to allow Brown to perform in the country, following a reign of domestic violence cases against several of his romantic partners.
Women for Change argued Brown’s performance would be “glorifying” abusers, emphasising that South Africa is a femicide and GBV hotspot area.
Phakeng’s eagerness was met with a hot plate of criticism from many users, questioning her morality. Other people accused her of supporting an abuser, referring to Brown.
Furthermore, Phakeng found herself in a heated argument with a user who labelled her “a GBV apologist”.
“You are literally embarrassing yourself. I couldn’t care less about anything else you have said with all those emojis on your big age.
“You are pathetic. UCT is probably in better management than it was under your term. You are an old hag, seeking validation from strangers on the internet. Instead of enjoying your retirement in peace, you are revealing you lack the critical skills we learn in Humanities,” said @YoliShade.
In her defence, Phakeng pulled out old posts by the user, who said she unregretfully had an abortion.
The unrestrained professor sternly hit back, stating she will attend the concert.
“I will attend every concert I want, until I choose otherwise. It’s a free country, right? Or freedom is only reserved just for abortions?
“UCT is in a better place. Someone said the baby is also in a better place than it was in your womb, because you would have been a pathetic mother. We must spread kindness,” said Phakeng.
https://x.com/qhamadlula_/status/1843685866621022572?t=0vla75SCv_hJXhi5v10jXg&s=19
The professor was furthermore embroiled in a “twar” with former DA MP, Renaldo Gouws, who was fired for the racist stunts he pulled a few years ago.
Gouws’ post read: “A former VC of UCT, who caused complete havoc; so much that they paid her R12 million to just leave so that she could not cause more destruction. Somehow, she is trying to flex on someone who has over 3 million followers with over 1 billion views. Only in South Africa.”
https://x.com/RenaldoGouws/status/1843667162386305080?t=0vla75SCv_hJXhi5v10jXg&s=19
The fearless Phakeng retaliated, citing Gouws’ controversial exit from the National Assembly as a parliamentarian.
“A former MP of the National Assembly, who was found to be blatantly racist, so much so that his party booted him without any payment whatsoever, and removed him from Parliament before he could even make his maiden speech- just so that he could not make laws for the people he actually despises.
“Somehow, he lacks relevance and now feels emboldened to wade into a conversation that has absolutely nothing to do with him. Indeed, only in South Africa, our land,” said Phakeng.
https://x.com/FabAcademic/status/1843694055189786741?t=0vla75SCv_hJXhi5v10jXg&s=19
While many users gunned for Phakeng’s head, some netizens defended her.
“You guys are too comfortable with disrespecting the elderly on this app. Prof Phakeng is not your friend. No matter what her opinion is, it doesn’t warrant the way you interact with or address her,” said @Khanyiithyst.
https://x.com/Khanyiithyst/status/1843775169380397094?t=0vla75SCv_hJXhi5v10jXg&s=19
“I feel Prof Phakeng got tired of twitter trolls just vomiting whatever on her lap. At the end of the day, she is human and she is fed up. We will discuss other issues next time,” said @Amaze_M.
https://x.com/Amaze_M/status/1843733592494747994?t=0vla75SCv_hJXhi5v10jXg&s=19
The Star