One Direction fever hits SA

The band arrived without Zayn Malik, who left the band on Wednesday. After Malik’s departure became known, his fans took to social media to express their disappointment.

Some fans uploaded videos of themselves crying, while others created visual tributes to Malik on their Instagram accounts.

Malik apologised to his fans, but said he was leaving because he wanted to be a “normal 22-year-old” who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight.

Some fans tweeted in support of Malik’s decision. Some fans began using the hashtag #CutForZayn, which they used to share pictures of them self-harming.

According to clinical psychologist Lee-Ann Hartman, who specialises in self-harm cases and mood and anxiety disorders, self-harm is a physical manifestation of deeper psychological or psychiatric issues. “The physical pain provides relief from the emotional pain.”

Teenagers, Hartman said, often feel alienated from society during adolescence, which is a time of positive identity formation. This is why teenagers may identify strongly with certain celebrities or music.

“It creates a sense of belonging and identity among your peers,” Hartman said. “It’s an explicit demonstration of how you feel,” she said of #CutForZayn.

One Direction will perform in Johannesburg tomorrow and Sunday, and on April 1 in Cape Town.

According to organisers Big Concerts, there were limited tickets available for Sunday’s show and the band is looking forward to performing in South Africa.