Kaunda Selisho

By Kaunda Selisho

Journalist


All eyes on Trevor Noah as South Africa burns

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Even if Trevor comments on the unrest, will it make a difference?


Social media users in both the US and South Africa have attempted to fault comedian and television host Trevor Noah for his continued silence about the chaos in South Africa.

In addition to having been born in the country, Noah spent much of his early comedy career using former South African president Jacob Zuma as a subject. 

He also made sure to occasionally mention Zuma during his early days on The Daily Show.

And now he is silent, in that he has not shared his opinion on social media. Some people have assumed he either does not have one or he does not care. 

This has also raised questions about whether or not Trevor Noah (and any other celebrity) owes the world an opinion about the situation in South Africa?

https://twitter.com/BietjieG/status/1415232728350478336?s=20

The likes of Ayanda Thabethe and Black Coffee have commented, saying that as a South African celebrity, you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

https://twitter.com/AyandaThabethe_/status/1414328877506351104?s=20

Granted, Noah has made a living from having something to say in instances like this but he still has the freedom to choose not to.

He could also be saving what he has to say for the platform he gets paid to say it on, The Daily Show.

Either way, Noah’s comment or lack thereof will have absolutely no impact on what is going on in the country.

If you absolutely must hear the comedian saying something about Zuma, perhaps this medley of all Trevor Noah’s past Jacob Zuma jokes can fill the void.

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