South African artist Ntsiki Mazwai shook the inter-webs this morning with an unexpected statement…that South African Kwaito star Sipho Charles Ndlovu, popularly known as Brickz who was earlier this year found guilty of raping his then 17-year-old niece had raped her too.
I was also raped by Brickz #BreakTheSilence pic.twitter.com/pJzKpAzuFp
— ntsikimazwai.com (@ntsikimazwai) October 6, 2017
Naturally, the tweet has attracted mixed emotions with most commending her for her courage and honesty.
You’ve hinted about this. Your strength through all of this and for others too. I believe you! May you heal, love & light to you
— Bannoši (@lmayimela) October 6, 2017
To all rape victims I’d be lying if I said I knew how it feels but please speak out you might be giving courage to others in your shoes
— A U B R E Y ⭕ (@kingAubz) October 6, 2017
So sorry Ntsiki, no woman or person deserves such violation. Sad.
— Beloved (@thabilelr) October 6, 2017
Sadly most tweets were not so cordial, referring to Ntsiki as a liar and attention seeker…
can you explain how? Coz i don’t believe you pic.twitter.com/v8sorsxX2Q
— 100% SPRETORI (@ThusiThabiso1) October 6, 2017
Ntsiki Mazwai loves controversy hey. 🤦🏾♂️🙆🏾♂️
— Azor Ahai ✨ (@AsanteWrld) October 6, 2017
Ntsiki please!!!! Why now stop it man🤔
— Tshepo Moima (@moima_tshepo) October 6, 2017
As expected the standard Rape Culture norm followed suit. Not a peep about Brickz but a hullabaloo over the victim.
“Society is the ONLY reason women don’t report rape” – Ntsiki Mazwai
We think this despite the shaming and hate this tweet took a lot of courage and will empower other people to come out and be honest about past violations ending the vicious cycle associated with Rape and its perpetrators.
I see all these men coming to my tl trying to make me feel like a dirty liar….it’s so deep – Ntsiki Mazwai
Love and light to Ntsiki and all of the victims of Rape that have and are still to find their voices. You can follow the much-needed conversation on Twitter through the #breakthesilence hashtag.
