Former College of Cape City (UCT) Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng – also referred to as Prof Phakeng – has defended her resolution to attend the Chris Brown live performance regardless of her stance in opposition to gender-based violence (GBV).
The US singer – who has a number of allegations of home violence in opposition to him – will carry out on 14 and 15 December on the FNB Stadium.
His efficiency will come simply days after the federal government’s 16 Days of Activism marketing campaign devoted to ending GBV.
In the meantime, Investigation Discovery is ready to air a documentary about Chris Brown’s “historical past of abuse” later this month.
PROF PHAKENG DEFENDS CHRIS BROWN TICKETS
Final week, Prof Phakeng courted controversy after she bragged about shopping for the most costly VIP bundle for Chris Brown’s live performance.
She tweeted from her X account, “Chris Brown tickets secured. Corridor of Fame seats, right here we come!”
Phakeng is referring to probably the most VIP bundle – which prices over R5 000 every!
Chris Brown is extensively identified for his 2009 assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna, in addition to an extended record of legal allegations, which incorporates home abuse, sexual assault, and even drugging girls.
The tweet noticed X customers dig up the ex-UCT Vice-Chancellor’s earlier feedback about GBV, with many labelling her a “hypocrite.”
Responding to the criticism, Prof Phakeng tweeted this week: “Even immediately, I’m completely in opposition to GBV and strongly condemn it in all its varieties. I consider that those that perpetrate GBV ought to face the total would possibly of the regulation with out exceptions or leniency.
Sure, it’s undoubtedly me. Even immediately, I’m completely in opposition to GBV and strongly condemn it in all its varieties. I consider that those that perpetrate GBV ought to face the total would possibly of the regulation with out exceptions or leniency. However let me be clear, simply in case the message didn’t sit nicely: I… https://t.co/t5hAp0imO5
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 7, 2024
“However let me be clear, simply in case the message didn’t sit nicely: I’m going to attend Chris Brown’s live performance if he comes. These two issues should not mutually unique! To recommend that having fun with a live performance mechanically aligns you with each previous motion of the artist is, at greatest, simplistic and, at worst, intellectually dishonest.
Phakeng went on to state that “music is larger than the person.”
She continued: “A few of us are able to loving artwork whereas nonetheless holding artists accountable. Attending the live performance doesn’t magically erase our ethical stance on GBV. It doesn’t make us hypocrites, nor does it make us blind to the gravity of Chris Brown’s previous actions. On this case, I don’t even have the total particulars of his previous actions…I merely love his music!”
Clapping again on the naysayers, she added: “Should you assume boycotting this one live performance goes to finish GBV in SA, you’re delulu, and sadly, I can’t aid you.
Should you assume boycotting this one live performance goes to finish GBV in SA, you’re delulu, and sadly, I can’t aid you. I imply, the quantity of people that have purchased tickets is sufficient to safe a political get together at the least 3 seats within the Nationwide Meeting. That’s what needs to be…
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 7, 2024
“Let’s direct that power into real and significant activism in opposition to GBV in our nation. This cancel tradition nonsense is so 2020. It’s 2024, you may’t be that entitled. Should you assume insults are going to make me change my thoughts, I’m sorry to disappoint you….I’m going to the live performance, and I would like nobody’s permission or help on this regard”.
But in addition….when you assume attending will silence my voice in opposition to GBV, then I’m sorry to disappoint you once more as a result of I’ll proceed to talk out in opposition to GBV and educate our younger males on learn how to be first rate, loving human beings.
I’m completed addressing this matter. See you on the 14th…
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 7, 2024
PETITION TO HALT CONCERTS GAINS MOMENTUM
In the meantime, a Change.Org petition – which has garnered over 13 000 signatures – has been addressed to Minister of House Affairs Leon Schreiber. In its motivation, anti-GBV activists Ladies For Change calls on the division to revoke Chris Brown’s visa and stop him from performing in South Africa.
It learn: “As a nation dedicated to preventing GBVF, how can we justify offering a platform to somebody with a identified historical past of abuse? It’s crucial that we ship a message that South Africa stands with survivors, not perpetrators.”
Ladies For Change have additionally known as on present promoters Large Live shows to heed their considerations in regards to the social justice implications.
DO YOU THINK CHRIS BROWN’S CONCERT GOES AGAINST SA’S ANTI-GBV STANCE?
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