Suicidal after Sun City ‘strip’ show
Dancer’s shock at photos on TV and social media
Nnana Nthangeni, one of the scantily dressed dancers in the controversial performance at the Johannesburg Central Prison, was so shattered after seeing pictures of her face splashed on social media and TV news that she thought of committing suicide.
Nthangeni, 27, of Meadowlands, Soweto, said she was still recovering from the shock of two pictures of herself and other group members Busi Mahlangu and Mpho Monyane being portrayed as strippers during a show at the prison, popularly known as Sun City, when she saw a third photo on Facebook and TV news. It shows her and an unknown inmate posing for a picture directly facing the camera.
Nthangeni and her group of professional dancers were invited to perform at the prison during a Youth Month celebration event. “I was shocked. I felt so alone and shattered that even the thought of suicide to get away from this situation crossed my mind. I felt so desperate that I wanted to kill myself and end it all.”
“It was my brother’s phone call and encouraging words that stopped me from doing something stupid. He told me that I needed to be strong in this entertainment business.”
Male group member Bush Ngubane said the performance was initially rejected by prison management but after a few days another invite was re-issued. “When we arrived at the prison gates we were told that our names were not on the list of artists to perform but we were eventually allowed in. We had two outfits for two performances for that day with a second show in Johannesburg.
“The girls had planned to wear long tights and long T-shirts for the prison show but the event coordinator persisted that they wear the swimsuit and fishnets which we felt were not appropriate for that environment. The girls were told to go wild,” said Ngubane.
The incident has resulted in an uproar, with many people labelling the women as prostitutes and strippers.
Meanwhile, the SA Correctional Services Workers’ Union (Sacoswu) national office distanced itself from the Facebook group of a similar name which allegedly leaked the pictures. The group condemned the show, calling for the head of the prison to be fired for bringing it into disrepute. The statement has since been deleted.
Inmates Sowetan spoke to this week claimed the pictures were used by certain Sacoswu wardens who hoped to see the prison head’s back.
Acting national commissioner of Correctional Services James Smalberger said he was not aware of the conflict and the allegations would form part of their investigation.
So far, 13 officials were expected to be served with letters contemplating their suspension.