Pearl Thusi and Bonang Matheba can agree on two things, despite their continued animosity toward one another in the entertainment industry: their passion for the Banyana Banyana soccer team and their dislike of Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Nathi Mthethwa.
The South African women’s soccer team was congratulated after their victory, and the media personalities also used Twitter to criticise the minister.
Following disagreement inside his own department, Mthethwa tweeted his own congratulations to the squad.
After recently supporting an R22 million national flag memorial, Mthethwa has courted controversy.
A R30 million National Philharmonic Orchestra initiative was also set to launch, according to the minister’s announcement from last month.
Gloves off: Bonang vs. Mthethwa AGAIN in the Banyana Banyana fight
Many South Africans are asking for an end to gender injustice and wage disparity in professional soccer, even as the minister tries to explain why SA needs to invest millions in projects that many consider “unnecessary.”
When it comes to match bonuses, Banyana Banyana players reportedly make around ten times less than their male colleagues.
ALSO READ: Bonang mocks Mthethwa’s tweet to Banyana Banyana as “damn useless”
Former Banyana player Portia Modise once said that Banyana Banyana players need full-time jobs to support themselves financially in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
Women who compete at the Banyana level still hold down other occupations, she noted.
To travel and represent SA, they must request time off from their occupations.
Added Portia Modise:
“Women who compete at the #Banyana level still work other jobs; they must request time off from their employers to travel to represent SA.”
What has happened recently in this matter?
Cup victory is one thing, but…
Talibans Ronaldo #BBMzansi Jet Li Thembi OR Tambo photo by Nathi Mthethwa.
twitter.com/CJQLX3W1Cf
on July 24, 2022, YaseBlock B (@ThisIsColbert)
BONANG SLAM MINISTER AND PEARL THUSI
Minister Nathi Mthethwa praised the female soccer team on their success after Banyana’s victory.
With a 2-1 victory over Morocco in the #Wafcon, Banyana Banyana were crowned the African football champions, making today a momentous day for women’s football in South Africa. We congratulate the new African football princesses and want to express our gratitude.
However, the minister’s post backfired miserably after being criticised by celebrities like Bonang and Pearl.
Take the money for the flag and set up a parade, Pearl Thusi retorted. Invest in women’s football and pay them, sir. For the people your ministry ministers to, your tweets are completely meaningless.
Take the funds for the flag, plan a parade, pay the participants, and contribute to women’s football, sir. For the people your ministry ministers to, your tweets are completely meaningless. https://t.co/D1s1pLZXL5
— Pearl Thusi on July 24, 2022 (@PearlThusi).
Because NOTHING has been done since 1996, Bonang continued.
Think about the nerve! rushing in to rejoice in a VICTORY you didn’t work for! “Go get a job!”
Because, since 1996, NOTHING has been done! Think of the nerve! rushing in to rejoice in a VICTORY you didn’t work for! Find a new position! https://t.co/OemsTBPhJS
— Bonang Matheba on July 23, 2022 (@Bonang).