Today is not Pearl Thusi Day – Ntsiki Mazwai
The poet thinks South Africans' values are misplaced if they think being hired by Americans is more important than celebrating 'Winnie Mandela Day'.
Poet and activist Ntsiki Mazwai. Picture: Refilwe Modise
Poet Ntsiki Mazwai has lashed out at people who have declared Monday Pearl Thusi Day and not Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Day. In a series of tweets, Mazwai said Madikizela-Mandela’s struggle was not getting enough recognition, expressing disappointment because the hashtag had not made it to the top of the trends list on Twitter.
Tweeps on Monday declared the day Pearl Thusi Day, as the actor had made her debut on American series Quantico in the early hours of the morning.
“Kinda sad that this is trending instead of #WinnieMandelaDay … looks like SA really adores n feels validated by America 😢 #PearlThusiDay,” Mazwai wrote.
She said Winnie Mandela Day was bigger than Pearl Thusi Day, further wishing the struggle stalwart a happy birthday. Madikizela-Mandela turns 80 today.
To the mother who sacrificed Everything for us….mama @winniemandela HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! #WinnieMandelaDay
— NtsikiMazwaiMedia (@ntsikimazwai) September 26, 2016
The poet said it was sad that getting employed by Americans appeared to be more important to South Africans than celebrating a mother who sacrificed everything for them.
“Winnie Mandela Day is bigger than being employed by Americans guys … how come you can’t see this?”
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Some of her followers supported her stance, while others resorted to calling her jealous. But Mazwai explained she was happy for the latest member of the Quantico cast, as she had congratulated her on Sunday, but Monday belonged to Madikizela-Mandela instead. The actor had not endured three months of solitary confinement, she maintained.
I have no problem with celebrating pearl thusis new job….but i have a problem with not recognising Winnie Mandela Day….
— NtsikiMazwaiMedia (@ntsikimazwai) September 26, 2016
Kinda sad that this is trending instead of #WinnieMandelaDay. ..looks like SA really adores n feels validated by America 😢 #PearlThusiDay
— NtsikiMazwaiMedia (@ntsikimazwai) September 26, 2016
“I’m not saying u cant celebrate Pearl’s new job, but I think it is sad that you wanna have a Pearl Thusi day BEFORE you have a WINNIE MANDELA DAY.
Pearl Thusi has received words of congratulations from fans, who also urged DStv to open the channel to all subscribers for the country to celebrate like they did with Trevor Noah.
Watch: A glimpse of Pearl Thusi on US series Quantico
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