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Mbaks ‘a coward’ for his personal attacks, says Ayanda Thabethe
Ayanda Thabethe did not hold back when she criticised Fikile Mbalula for calling EFF's national shutdown a 'flop'.
Ayanda Thabethe. Picture: Instagram
South African media personality Ayanda Thabethe was one of many celebs who took to social media to voice their opinion during EFF’s national shutdown. Netizens had a lot to say when she criticised Fikile Mbalula and labelled him a ‘coward’.
On Monday, Fikile Mbalula, the secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), tweeted that the EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) shutdown was a major failure, and Ayanda clapped back with a few sharp comments.
A flop?
Ayanda didn’t hold back when she told Mbalula the shutdown highlighted many of South Africa’s issues that she felt the ruling party was failing to address.
She tweeted: “Biggest flop is a party having to feel like they have to resort to this in order to get basic service delivery for the people.
“Biggest flop is having enough resources to fight a shutdown but not enough resources to do the same to make this country safe.”
– biggest flop is a party having to feel like they have to resort to this in order to get basic service delivery for the people
— Ayanda Thabethe (@AyandaThabethe_) March 20, 2023
– biggest flop is having enough resources to fight a shutdown but not enough resources to do the same to make this country safe https://t.co/2dRy21JkgQ
Mbalula retaliated and went personal with his response, asking if Ayanda’s boyfriend, Peter Matsimbe had returned the supercars he allegedly brought fraudulently.
Ayanda wasn’t happy with the response and clapped back by referring to a tweet he made earlier. Mbalula said he doesn’t do personal attacks including not personally attacking his political rival, EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.
She said: “Lol when he finds someone he’s afraid of… But you found the need to personally attack me when speaking on a political issue! That makes you a coward”.
Lol when he finds someone he’s afraid of… 😅 !! But you found the need to personally attack me when speaking on a political issue! That makes you a coward. https://t.co/Q9uuLebHsO
— Ayanda Thabethe (@AyandaThabethe_) March 20, 2023
ALSO READ: EFF says Ramaphosa’s deployment of SANDF for national shutdown is ‘bloodthirsty’
Mbalula’s earlier tweet about the shutdown triggered a heated discussion as many users expressed their views on the ineffectiveness of the ANC and how protests such as the ‘EFF shutdown’ should compel the government to take significant action to address the country’s needs.
It made you panic! It made you do your job! You can never ever hide behind lack of resources and wet coal. The police have capacity. Eskom CAN provide electricity!
— Nan on Skin (@NanSishange) March 20, 2023
We now know!
ALSO READ: ‘Streets are calling’: EFF urges citizens to occupy streets during national shutdown
Twitter reacts to Mbalula’s tweet
Despite the shutdown being considered a failure by Mbalula, some Twitter users viewed the shutdown as a success.
According to tweeps, it revealed that the government possessed the necessary resources to combat crime and ensure public safety.
Actually this whole thing has exposed the ANC government. Government can mobilise against a protest but can’t do so when it comes to crime and syndicate of organised crime
— Mo (@Mo_Magoda) March 20, 2023
Is clear the government doesn’t want to fight crime cause it’s involved in crime
The way I enjoyed having electricity for the entire weekend. I even decided to just keep my heater on for hours in this heat to just steam my body. Thanks the mighty EFF.
— Mogale wa Bolobedu (@sbxmc) March 20, 2023
Not a flop. Today is the first day in many years that we have had an effective police service, military and power producer. Busses are running, trains are running, there’s visible policing.
— Etienne Shardlow 🇿🇦🏳️🌈 🇵🇸 (Parroty) (@EttySh) March 20, 2023
The #NationalShutdown forced you to do your jobs, we should have one every day.
ALSO READ: National Shutdown: ‘Protest must be militant and radical yet peaceful’ EFF says
Ndlozi does not back down
In response to Mbalula’s tweet, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a member of parliament and commissioner of EFF, stated that the extensive security arrangements made for their protests demonstrated their significant impact.
He wrote their protests weren’t “insignificant”.
“If we are so insignificant, why such a large security detail, backed by a military on standby? What did you expect? Looting? Violence? We told you it’s a [stay away]!
“But it’s [you] shame, no cognitive speed to grasp obvious things. You are all scared [and] you should be.”
If we are so insignificant, why such a large security detail, backed by a military on standby? What did you expect? Looting? Violence? We told you it’s a Stayaway!
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) March 20, 2023
But it’s u shame, no cognitive speed to grasp obvious things. You are all scared & you should be#NationalShutdown https://t.co/eWHCqtcjcb
NOW READ: National shutdown: Make or break for Malema as EFF puts it all on the line
Compiled by Asanda Mbayimbayi, additional reporting by Sandisiwe Mbhele
