There’s a lot of pressure on South African celebrities and influencers at the moment to speak out about the current civil unrest that is taking place in parts of our country, with particular heat on Trevor Noah who has remained silent. Some celebrities like Thuso Mbedu who, like Trevor, is physically distant from the situation, have still spoken out about it. Others, like Cassper Nyovest and Black Coffee have explained their initial silence but have gone on to speak their minds.
Here is what some of South Africa’s most influential people had to say regarding the unrest:
Thuso Mbedu
The government was shortsighted in their stealing from the people for years.
Our keyboard Warriors were shortsighted in their response to the observation of what seemed inevitable.
The hungry people seem shortsighted in their looting and burning.There will be dire consequences.
— тнU§σ Mвє∂u (@ThusoMbedu) July 12, 2021
Thuso later went on the share volunteer groups to spread awareness.
If you’re in or around the affected areas please check this page out. People are volunteering to clean up and make a difference in the little ways that they can.
Please be safe guys. https://t.co/zPKkoqJiWJ
— тнU§σ Mвє∂u (@ThusoMbedu) July 14, 2021
Cassper Nyovest
Cassper expressed his reasoning behind his initial silence, and then proceeded to urge president Cyril Ramaphosa to show leadership.
“We plead for our president to show real leadership! Stand firm & show care for His nation.. not just iPad speeches on TV. I don’t have any great solutions but i do believe that you can’t run the country from the tv,” he powerfully expressed.
❤?? pic.twitter.com/w5KpYxtkbT
— Don Billiato (@casspernyovest) July 14, 2021
Black Coffee
Despite some controversy around Black Coffee, there is little denying that he is an influential member of South Africa. The artist went on to directly tweet @PresidencyZA and @ThuliMadosela3 to call for an intervention as things “are getting worse and there will be more bloodshed.”
Being an artist today when you speak of socio economic & political issues you are often told to stick to your job and when one’s quiet then you are condemned for the silence,
— Black Coffee (@RealBlackCoffee) July 13, 2021
Trevor Noah
At the time of this article’s writing, Mr. Noah has yet to speak out about the unrest in South Africa. One of his most recent tweets, which was a celebratory post to do with the Emmys, saw many people fire back on Twitter to ask him where his take on what is happening in South Africa is at. Given that socio-political commentary is a huge part of Trevor Noah’s career, people have started to question why he has remained silent on something beyond close to home.
When the awards get nominated for awards ??? Huge congrats to @CBS & The @RecordingAcad! ?? #Emmys @TelevisionAcad https://t.co/zB5H1L6Yzd
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) July 14, 2021
But what’s your take on all that is happening in South Africa ? you haven’t said anything about it?
— Hlakiso king Siddharth Mohale (@KingHlakiso) July 14, 2021
Very disappointed. You haven’t said one word about the chaos and turmoil going on in SA. Suppose out of sight, out of mind huh? Ja neh
— Madhatter in Wonderland (@B03150820) July 14, 2021
South Africa is burning bruv?
— Noriega (@MorganBilal) July 14, 2021
Amazing!! Please can you use your power and influence to help South Africa.
— Lindsay (@LindsayChristie) July 14, 2021
Picture: Instagram/ @mikebryknyc