Johannesburg – SA celebs have voiced their dismay after an alleged “racist” eNCA mask video went viral during the 2021 budget speech.
eNCA journalist Lindsay Dentlinger received backlash after video clips of her asking black politicians to keep their face masks on, while white politicians were allowed to go without masks during the interviews.
The video soon went viral, causing an uproar online among South Africans.
Twitter users called out the broadcaster for alleged racial bias and “double standards”. This led to the hashtag #eNCAMustFall trending online.
The media house has since issued a statement, defending the journalist from the accusations online. It said the TV reporter’s actions were not “racially motivated or with malicious intent”.
“Criticism to this extent levelled at a journalist under these circumstances is unfair and unfortunate. Comments and some video content currently being shared are maliciously misleading,” said eNCA managing editor John Bailey.
SA celebrities joined the masses and weighed in on the situation, lambasting the media company.
Siv Ngesi, Unathi Nkayi, Anele Mdoda, Babalwa Mneno and Lerato Kganyago have taken to the streets with their concerns about the video.
“eNCA should just say we won’t get it right all the time and this time around one of our own got it wrong. There is simply no excuse for Madame’s behaviour and they know it. We are not idiots and as people who have to deal with subtle racism our entire lives, this is BS,” said Anele.
“This woman is REALLY PISSING ME OFF!!! Has she even said anything??” said Lerato.
Unathi said: “WHITE SUPREMECY looks like this……it is INSTITUTIONALISED but Anywhoo let’s hope Mogherl is practising how to say GQEBERHA”.
“eNCA should just say we won’t get it right all the time and this time around one of our own got it wrong. There is simply no excuse for Madame’s behaviour and they know it. We are not idiots and as people who have to deal with subtle racism our entire lives… this is BS,” said Anele.
“This reporter isn’t scared of Covid , she’s scared of the black variant of Covid!”said Siv.
“Can black ppl do something in unity and prove to white ppl that we are the numbers they need to enrich themselves!That without us they can never be rich! IF WE DO THIS WE SEND A SERIOUS MSG TO EVERY WHITE RACIST INSTITUTION!#donotwatchenca #eNCAMUSTFALL #racistLindsayDentlinger” Babalwa said on Twitter
