Musician: Stop stigmatising my family
Lutendo Mathobo said after an ambulance was spotted at his house, the community has branded his family as Covid-19 positive
LIMPOPO – Well-known poet and musician, Lutendo Mathobo of Tshifulanani, better known as Masimbe, has dismissed allegations that he and his family have tested positive for Covid-19, saying they have been stigmatised in recent weeks.
Masimbe said they have had to endure the pointing of figures wherever they went.
“All this started a fortnight ago when I was working in Polokwane and was informed by my wife that one of our children was not feeling well. We called an ambulance and all family members went to Tshilidzini Hospital, where we tested negative for Covid-19.”
He said that he was surprised when people who saw the ambulance at his house started spreading rumours. “I called upon residents in the community who are still spreading the wrong information to stop, and to correct the fake news being spread.”
This has made life very difficult for me and my family, and moving around in the village has become a problem for us. My family advised me to lay charges against those spreading the rumours, but I decided against it as I know the truth,” he said.
“I would love to let this matter rest once and for all. I want closure, and for people to stop bothering me and my family,” said Masimbe. He encouraged the community to verify their facts with the relevant authorities before spreading fake news.
The MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, said many people still stigmatise those living with Covid-19. “So many people are sick with the disease, and instead of gossiping about them, we should be supporting them. If there are still people talking about others, they need to be educated about the disease,” she said.
Ramathuba said testing positive for Covid-19 was not a life sentence.
“Spreading false news under lockdown regulations is still a criminal offence and, in this regard, it has created unnecessary hype and anxiety among many people,” she said.
