Metro FM DJ in Manana row
Criselda Dudumashe says outrage at her ‘defence’ of former deputy minister misplaced SABC says it is dealing with the matter internally
The future of Metro FM host Criselda Dudumashe hangs in the balance at the SABC.
She came under fire following her comments on Mduduzi Manana, the former deputy minister of higher education who assaulted a woman at a club.
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago told Sowetan yesterday: “We have noted this matter, and we are dealing with the issue internally.”
Meanwhile, Dudumashe is apprehensive. “I don’t know if I will have a chance to really explain myself and why I wrote the post. This has been taken too far, and people want the SABC to suspend me.”
Dudumashe came under fire when she wrote in part: “I know a Mdu who has dedicated his life to developing those who are on the margins through his drive and passion for youth development. But having interacted with him I know how remorseful he is.
“However, I just can’t help remember when my then partner would beat the living daylight out of me.
“All I could pray for was for him to receive ‘proper’ help because I also knew him as a loving and caring father outside his misdirected anger.”
This elicited a barrage of criticism from her followers and fans.
Wrote President Anele Mda? @Neza4real twitted: “Imagine if this #ChriseldaDudumashe was friends with the men who have abused some killed women (sic) she would sing their praises too.”
Lifa? @MLifaro wrote: “Mara what was #ChriseldaDudumashe thinking defending #MduduziManana? I’m sure she was experimenting with smoking her ARV’s.”
Dudumashe said her statement was misunderstood.
She said she would never support anyone accused of abusing women.
“I have worked with Mduduzi, doing talks about gender-based violence. When I saw the story last week ... I was disappointed,” she said.