Big Brother Mzansi housemate Liyema Pantsi, also known as ‘Liema’ survived disqualification even though social media trolls called for her to be removed from the show.
Liema was called out for slapping and spitting on a housemate’s face, Mfanele ‘Jareed’ Nduku, after a heated disagreement. Some viewers decided this was grounds for her to be disqualified from the competition.
This follows Lindokuhle 'Bravo B' Nsele's disqualification for making sexually inappropriate remarks that insinuated harassment towards two intoxicated women in the house. Social media users were calling for Liema to receive the same punishments Bravo B.
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This is a recent example of how social media has become a place of judgment and where cancel culture thrives and South African public figures have not been exempt from it.
We witnessed how Jabulani ‘Sjava’ Hadebe, Yamikani ‘Lady Zamar’ Banda, Katlego Maboe and Mongezi ‘Tol Ass Mo’ Mahlangu have their fair share of threats to be cancelled.
The impact of cancel culture goes beyond social media trolling. Celebrities' careers and social lives are affected as well. Being canceled has lead to loss of gigs, loss of loved ones, severe mental health issues and uncertainty of the future.
Well-renowned singer and Empini hitmaker Kelly Khumalo has also faced severe public scrutiny. Controversy around her resurfaced after being implicated in the Senzo Meyiwa shooting trial.
Senzo was murdered back in October 2014, where he was shot at Kelly's Vosloorus home. The Citizen recently reported that there has been a development in this murder case with Kelly allegedly being implicated in Senzo's murder. This has created much public debate.
As Senzo's trial commenced in late 2023, Kelly lost two gigs at the Tribute to Women Festival and the Maseru Jazz Fest in October 2023 due to these allegations and social media backlash. The All4Women Music Concert decided not to ride on the cancel culture bandwagon and reaffirmed that they would not cancel Kelly's performance.
The All4Women music festival told News24 that they believe everyone remains innocent until proven guilty and their audience had anticipated Kelly's performance. The decision taken by the concert was one that does not comply with popular opinion, contrary to how cancel culture usually functions.
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Lady Zamar, who has also faced social media trolls after accusing Sjava of sexual assault, found herself in between cancel culture and a defensive entourage. The National Prosecuting Authority said there was inadequate evidence for it to pursue the case and fans jumped to the conclusion that this was all an attempt to tarnish Sjava's reputation.
Despite popular opinion and continuous cyberbullying, some people have chosen to support her. Defending her against social media trolls, sending messages of encouragement and continuously supporting her music career.
Liema, Lady Zamar and Kelly's experience of cancel culture have proven that not everyone shares the same sentiments. Unfortunately, a few people share their honest opinions, and the masses decide to follow popular opinion.
This ensures they do not publicly play devil's advocate and create pretense to comply with cancel culture but limits individual liberty.
