- Actor Tumisho Masha sparked outrage after using the slur 'straatmeit' against Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng in a post questioning her mayoral campaign
- Masha argued that Mofokeng's professional background did not qualify her to tackle Johannesburg's most pressing problems
- Dr Mofokeng fired back by detailing her six years as a UN Special Rapporteur and a string of high-level international appointments
Source: Instagram
Actor Tumisho Masha found himself at the centre of a social media storm after directing a derogatory remark at Johannesburg mayoral candidate Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng. The word "straatmeit," an Afrikaans-derived slang term that loosely translates to a streetwise girl or woman, carries a clear derogatory charge when used in this context.
Masha's frustration centred on what he saw as a disconnect between Mofokeng's professional credentials and the real challenges facing Johannesburg's residents. In a social media post, he wrote:
"You keep shoving your bio down our throats, but can't answer basic questions about what we really need to fix Joburg."
He then escalated his attack, telling Mofokeng:
"Your problem is you act like a straatmeit instead of a mayoral candidate. Address the issues that are important to the constituency you are campaigning to serve. Being a politician doesn't make you more important than The People. Never forget that. Mxm, a whole doctor."
Watch the X video below:
Dr Mofokeng fires back with her credentials
Rather than let the remarks go unanswered, Mofokeng outlined a career that spans some of the most influential health and human rights platforms in the world. She said:
"The United Nations appointed me as an expert for six years, with all of this in the public domain, as UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health.”
She also referenced her work on sexual and reproductive health, including a report to the UN General Assembly on the impact of Covid-19, her role as a commissioner at the Commission for Gender Equality, and her contributions to the World Health Organisation's Human Reproduction Special Programme strategy. In 2016, she became the first civil society member to deliver a statement at the UN Human Rights Council on safe sexual and reproductive healthcare, representing 264 organisations. She added pointedly:
"This is a summary!"
Backlash mounts against Masha
Sefu Sekgala did not hold back in condemning the actor's choice of language. Sekgala said:
"Tumisho, you sound very abusive. Dr Tlaleng is not your ex. Imagine if you're able to call such an outstanding leader of society a straatmeit, I can't imagine the torment you unleash on women in your life. Please be respectful to women. This is disappointing, Tumisho. Shame, man.”
Feminist and writer Robyn Porteous was equally blunt in Mofokeng's defence:
"Chap, if anything, the doctor is overqualified for the position. What is your problem?"
Mofokeng is running against a competitive field in the Johannesburg mayoral race that includes DA candidate Helen Zille, ActionSA's Herman Mashaba, MK Party's Bongani Baloyi, Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene, RISE Mzansi's Lukhona Mnguni, IFP's Mlungisi Mabaso, BOSA's Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, Al Jama-ah's Shireen Ebrahim and Land Party candidate Ntsiki Mazwai.
Tumisho Masha clapped back at EFF
Award-winning actor Tumisho Masha clapped back at EFF supporters who labelled him a failed actor on X.
Masha shared a graphic comparing his TV viewing numbers to the EFF's 2024 election results.
Source: Briefly News
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