Mbabane former Mayor Thulani Mkhonto caused a scene on the most popular social media platform Facebook yesterday after posting offensive remarks that ‘rape should be enjoyable’.
The former mayor, who is now working as a technician at Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation, posted ‘life is like being raped: if you can’t fight it, enjoy it’. Most of Facebookers, were fuming also commented using hard language, inconsiderate to those who suffered the act and consequences of rape.
Mkhonto trended on social media for all the wrong reasons yesterday. An hour later, the former mayor posted another statement, apologizing to the public, and have deleted his previous statement.
However, his apology was not accepted. Users typed comments nonstop on his post. Many complained about the danger and threat that he allegedly put women under by suggesting they should enjoy rape if they cannot fight it as per his initial statement.
“To all Facebook users and Eswatini nation I will like to apologize for the recent post, especially rape victims and families. I have deleted my post and I am very, very sorry. Yes, I realized it sounds insensitive and inhumane. Liphandlwa libhekile, I am very sorry Maswati Lamahle ayidle itishiyele,” reads the post.
Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse Communication and Advocacy Officer Silindele Nxumalo said the former mayor’s post was not the first incident that has been seen degrading and putting women at risk, as much as we have the freedom of expression, we need to be careful of our actions and behavior, as they may have major implications on the next person.
“This is a concerning a statement that needs to be viewed beyond what it seems to be. The poster needs to be further engaged to unearth the deep-rooted issues behind this statement. People should take cognizance in making such statements because they have traumatic psychological effects to the public and are insensitive towards survivors of rape,” she said. Women in Law Communications Officer Zanele Vilakati said this kind of thinking would not attain the desired development and growth of the country.
