Press Coffee
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, a former University of Cape Town Vice-Chancellor, is making waves across South African social media. She is an outspoken advocate against gender-based violence, but has announced that she will attend Chris Brown’s upcoming concert in Johannesburg.
This has triggered a heated online debate, with some people expressing outrage that she would support a known perpetrator of gender-based violence. Others have come to her defense, arguing that she is entitled to attend the concert and that her support of the cause does not mean that she condones Brown’s behavior. The debate has exposed a deep divide in South African society over the issue of gender-based violence.
Why the Backlash?
In South Africa, Chris Brown’s history, particularly his 2009 assault on singer Rihanna, remains a contentious topic. Some people believe that supporting Brown equates to condoning his past behavior. In a country grappling with high rates of gender-based violence, this is a hot-button issue. However, there are those who believe that Brown’s past should not disqualify him from performing in South Africa.
They argue that the assault was a one-time occurrence and that Brown has since apologized and taken steps to address his anger issues. These supporters say that they are not condoning violence against women but that they simply want to see Brown perform. Many of these critics, including prominent figures and activists, have called out Phakeng, accusing her of hypocrisy for purchasing expensive VIP tickets to the show. Her past statements condemning GBV were revisited, and she was questioned for not aligning her personal actions with her advocacy(Bona Magazine)
Phakeng’s Response
Phakeng defended her decision to attend Chris Brown’s concert despite the criticism she received. She emphasized that her love of Brown’s music is separate from her stance on GBV. In her view, enjoying an artist’s work doesn’t mean endorsing their past actions. Phakeng wrote, “I am totally against GBV and condemn it in the strongest possible terms.
I believe that violence against women is never justified and that perpetrators should be held accountable for their actions. However, I also believe that it is possible to separate an artist’s work from their personal life, and that enjoying an artist’s music does not mean that I endorse their past actions. In my view, these two positions are not mutually exclusive.”
She went on to argue that cancel culture is not the solution to the deep-rooted GBV crisis in the country. Instead of focusing on boycotting concerts, she encouraged meaningful activism that addresses the real issues surrounding gender-based violence.
Divided Opinions
Despite the backlash, Mamokgethi Phakeng has stood by her decision to attend Chris Brown’s concert. Some high-profile people have criticized her decision, while others have come to her defense. The debate continues, and it remains to be seen whether it will fade or evolve further. However, the debate has certainly raised awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence and gender-based violence, and it is important to continue the conversation.
Meanwhile, the concert itself remains in high demand, with tickets selling out rapidly. Despite ongoing petitions and calls for a boycott, it seems many South Africans are still eager to see Brown perform.
The Bigger Picture
The Chris Brown concert at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has ignited a fierce debate about gender-based violence (GBV) and the responsibility of universities to hold artists accountable for their actions. At the heart of the controversy is the question of whether it is possible to separate an artist’s work from their personal history, especially when that history includes serious allegations of violence. Some people, including Professor Phakeng, believe that it is possible to separate the art from the artist, while others believe that an artist’s personal history should always be taken into account when considering whether to support their work. This is a complex issue with no easy answers, and it is important to consider all sides of the argument before forming an opinion.
In conclusion, the trending conversation around Mamokgethi Phakeng and Chris Brown isn’t just about a concert—it’s about the complex and often polarizing discussions that arise when art, activism, and public figures collide. Whether this debate will fade or continue to evolve remains to be seen, but for now, it’s sparking critical reflection on how society handles public figures with controversial pasts.