Siv Ngesi’s reply to tweep’s ‘bullying’ messages stirs the pot
LOCAL TV personality Siv Ngesi was dragged on Twitter for calling out a tweep’s tone.
And industry friend and colleague Anele Mdoda has been caught in the crossfire for having his back.
In a series of direct messages by an upset Cape Town resident that made their way on to the Twittersphere, Ngesi is being called to rally his networks, brands and associates to help raise awareness for Sphamandla Khoza, a young queer person from Ntuzuma who was murdered, allegedly by his neighbour.
In the message, Twitter user @kamvag_ said: “You’re a queer rights activist according to you and the bags you eat.
“A queer body was mutilated and buried in a shallow grave.
“I don’t care if you haven’t been online or whatever – you have a responsibility to be on the f ****** ball as an Ally (as you claim).
“Engage with #JusticeForLulu right now Siv and get your networks, brands and associates to do the same.”
Ngesi understood the man’s plea, but did not appreciate the tone used to get his message across.
He responded: “On It. Didn’t see anything about it. I need to add something. You don’t know me.
“You don’t know who I am and what I stand for. Please watch your tone with me! We aren’t friends. I do what I can. I fight battles I see! I have shared and will keep sharing.”
After the messages went viral, Mdoda added her piece, saying: “If you want to make a statement, by all means.
“If you want to keep quiet, that is fine too. What you can’t do is bully people into making a statement.
“The bullying u speak of so much on this app, that’s it. U really want to believe Twitter is different from society…”
While there are a few tweeps that agreed that the tone of the messages was rude, arrogant and entitled, others didn’t waste any time in letting Ngesi and Mdoda have their take.
“These celeb LGBTI allies only acknowledge the queer comm when it’s beneficial. They enjoy the benefits of queer image by appropriating gay culture, but avoid the full responsibilities of the social implications that comes with being a queer person. Dressing in drag is not enough,” said Taurus Venusian.
“Ally ship is not just about putting a dress on and calling it a day. Stand with queers, use your platforms to raise awareness around queer issues, create spaces that allow such... there’s a lot you can do @iamSivN,” said @lee_jikijela.