Nomzamo Mbatha who is gracing the Cosmopolitan Magazine's first activism issue received heavy criticism with the main instigator being the controversial poet Ntsiki Mazwai.
Upon the release of the magazine's August cover on Sunday, Twitter had a lot of questions regarding the "Activism Issue" yet most agreed that Mbatha was a perfect candidate for the cover.
Cosmo & activism? Y'all commercialise everything? pic.twitter.com/kogCwhf2OC
— Babes WePetition (@Neli_Ngqulana) July 22, 2018
Also, doesn't this feel very dated? Like back when lipstick feminism was click bait? Where is 'womxn' 'rapeculture' 'murder of black lesbians' 'freethenipple?' 'ovarygang' The 'feminism' article is bottom right of the cover & they dumbed it down to grlpwr, instead of equality. https://t.co/SDnYdY3Kp5
— First Do No Harm ✌🏾💖 (@jozisoul) July 23, 2018
That all changed on Monday after Mazwai claimed that the 'Ísibaya' star is not an activist.
"Nomzamo keeps being positioned as an activist😂😂😂😂😂when? When has she EVER represented anything beyond her looks?", tweeted Mazwai.
Many tweeps then joined the hate train with one user even stating that "Nomzamo gets paid to do appearances at charity events" with others also jumping in, questioning Nomzamo activist duties.
Nomzamo gets paid to do appearances at charity events and for that she is hailed as an activist ? We are not respected in this country. ..We need to do away with titles and people must get their hands dirty. Wearing a doek and raising your fist doesn’t make an you an activist
— Empress Zinhle (@HazelbirdZinhle) July 23, 2018
Living in a world where ppl like Nomzamo Mbatha are activists and Blake Shelton is the sexiest man alive pic.twitter.com/kQEVVNY0oB
— Karmarr (@KingTrishan) July 24, 2018
Prominent figures such as Anele Mododa and Redi Tlhabi along with other tweeps came to Mbatha's defence following the backlash.
Activism is not golden circle at a concert kodwa guys. What about Nomzamo being called an activist that makes you believe you are not ? Space is not running out in the activism world because it’s not this far off place it’s here. Simply say I don’t like Nomzamo which is also OK
— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) July 23, 2018
Listen to me @NomzamoMbatha. This will always happen.Pause & reflect.Separate critique from the BS.Check from whence the BS comes, you will find it resides in hearts that are bitter &unfulfilled that don't have courage & goodwill. Give of yourself but Also DO receive the rewards
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) July 23, 2018
"Nomzamo Mbatha is not an activist".. what world are you living in that you missed all her good works... Activism to you and ranting on Twitter and putting it in your bio.. There is real world out there where people act not hide behind smart phones pic.twitter.com/lehYUG46zM
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) July 23, 2018
We need to allow Nomzamo Mbatha to position herself as whatever she wants to be known as, in an industry where public figures fear standing for anything. If we really need to point fingers at anyone then let's blame the institutions and how they use her activism.
— Menzi 👓 Ngcobo (@MrMenziN) July 23, 2018
Youre doing amazing sis! Let your loud ACTIONS silence the noise. ❤ @NomzamoMbatha pic.twitter.com/11uwfD9ZhP
— Leslie T. Jr Ramolai (@iAmLeslieR) July 23, 2018
Philanthopist: a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
Activist: a person who campaigns to bring about political or social change.
In conclusion, Nomzamo Mbatha is both, phelile ngoku le discussion thanks.
— #OpenUpTheIndustry (@Mfundo_Mak) July 24, 2018
Mbatha then clapped back to the user that said she gets paid to do appearances at charity events. Saying that her statements are untrue and unfounded.
Sisi
I’m saddened at your unfounded and completely untrue statement. I do not get paid to advocate and show up for the causes I believe in. If you’re looking for a pretty face in the public eye that stands for nothing, I’m not the one
You’re spreading lies! I hope you’re proud https://t.co/YzRg9gA9jb
— Nomzamo Mbatha (@NomzamoMbatha) July 23, 2018