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‘People are inconsiderate’: ANC’s Boitumelo Thage responds to body shaming
Thage has been an ANC member since 2016. Through her NPO A Second Chance, she has provided food and clothing for those in need.
Boitumelo Thage with ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa. Picture: Supplied
ANC Ward 98 Greater Tshwane region branch secretary Boitumelo Thage has described insults and bodyshamming thrown at her as “inconsiderate”.
The politician’s photo was recently shared on social media by a parody account without her knowledge. It showed her in party regalia, alongside the caption: “She’s a proud ANC member! Leave a message of encouragement for her!”
“I actually did not see it, but someone sent a screengrab of the post,” 27-year-old Thage told The Citizen.
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The insults
While some users did leave messages of encouragement, others saw an opportunity to take cheap shots at Thage.
“Exercise caution with the elderly comrades, as they might expect positions without merit. Take advantage of opportunities while they last, and avoid romantic involvement with comrades or those in influential positions, as it may resemble a situation similar to the game,” came a comment from Ntokozo Masuku.
“She must drink a lot of water so that she can grow taller, maybe she’ll see the future,” was another comment.
She must drink a lot of water so that she can grow taller maybe she'll see the future. pic.twitter.com/UhabBupUcf
— Eugene N Kubayi (@enkubayi) January 9, 2024
Thage said the remarks were “inconsiderate”.
“I felt like people are inconsiderate. It might not be hurtful or offensive to me, but to someone else it is.”
She said she was not too bothered by the insults.
“I’ve received a lot of support from comrades.”
Gauteng Premier and the party’s Provincial Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi was among those who showed support for Thage.
We are #ANC112 pic.twitter.com/j1uwPJbh8K
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) January 8, 2024
Freedom of speech
Thage said she understands that people are using their freedom of expression which was ‘hard-earned’.
“The ANC played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid, ultimately leading to the establishment of a democratic South Africa. Over the years, the ANC has made significant strides in addressing social inequalities,” she said.
“It’s crucial to balance the narrative by highlighting the positive impact the ANC has had on the nation.”
The activist
The North West-born and Tshwane-bred activist published a children’s book, My Voice Matters in 2022 which speaks to gender-based-violence (GBV).
In 2017, after enrolling for her undergrad qualification at Unisa, Thage registered her NPO, A Second Chance, to empower people, providing skills development and rehabilitation for the homeless, and helping redirect them into society.
It was during this time that she joined the South African Student Congress (SASCO) and the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) on campus.
“Navigating as a student leader and a community activist simultaneously made me realise how much work goes into leading a community of students and helping a community in need. Having wanted to be a social worker since the age of 12, and have an orphanage, I now understood that activism was – and is – my calling.”
A Second Chance has branches around Gauteng in the Tembisa and Mamelodi townships, as well as the Pretoria and Johannesburg CBDs, where they provide food and clothing for those in need.
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