Former University of Cape Town (UCT) Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng – also known as Prof Phakeng – has been condemned for bragging about purchasing VIP tickets to the upcoming Chris Brown concert in Johannesburg.
And according to many, the controversy lies in her past anti-gender based-violence (GBV) stance, something the US singer has previously been convicted of.
The star will perform on 14 December at the FNB Stadium. He has since added another date, the 15th, to his itinerary.
Meanwhile, Investigation Discovery is set to air a documentary about Chris Brown’s “history of abuse” later this month.
PROF PHAKENG BRAGS ABOUT CHRIS BROWN VIP TICKETS
On her X account, using the handle @fabacademic, Prof Phakeng bragged about buying the most expensive VIP package for Chris Brown’s concert.
She tweeted: “Chris Brown tickets secured. Hall Of Fame seats here we come!”.
Phakeng is referring to the most VIP package – which costs over R5 000 each!
According to Big Concers, this Chris Brown concert package includes a “Prime position viewing lounge ticket” and “complimentary buffet meals and premium bar”.
In the comments section of her tweet, Prof Phakeng, who has been outspoken on her anti-GBV views, was met with criticism from her followers.
@VictorMkhetsane tweeted: “Someone that was accused of inflicting abuse on her staff, creating a toxic environment, micro-managing and just borderline being abusive to her team….is off to support an abuser!”
@AvainAfrica added: “GBV doesn’t count when the music is good,” while @VeeJay17 posted: “A faux academic not being authentically principled? I’m shocked!”
Clapping back at her critics, Prof Phakeng responded: “I do not support GBV, but I am definitely attending Chris Brown’s show. And I bought the top VIP ticket, so I am going to enjoy it without the haters.”
She added: “I did nothing illegal, immoral or criminal. Throughout my working life, I have never been charged, disciplined or fired. I am definitely attending Chris Brown’s show. I owe nobody an apology”.
PHAKENG: ‘NOTHING INFURIATES ME LIKE GBV’
In 2019, Prof Phakeng made a moving tribute to Uyinene Mrwetyana, a UCT student who was brutally raped and murdered in a GBV crime committed by Post Office worker Luyanda Botha.
At the time of her death, Uyinene was a film and media student at the university.
Weeks before, Prof Phakeng led hundreds of students in a peaceful anti-GBV protest, calling on everyone to play their part in fighting the pandemic.
She said: “We are gathered here for a tragic reason. A reason that should not exist, not at the University of Cape Town, not in South Africa, not anywhere in the world. Gender-based violence and rape culture do not belong here.”
Images via Instagram:
@womenforchangesa/ @chrisbrown
According to TimesLive, Prof Phakeng remembered another student – Fort Hare’s Nosicelo Mtebeni, who was also brutally murdered, this time by her own boyfriend.
The former UCT Vice-Chancellor said in a statement: “We may not know these women and girls, but they are our responsibility.
“I am asking you to make a commitment to do what you can to protect the future they hold because there are effective actions each of us can take.
In a tweet in 2021, Phakeng posted: “Nothing infuriates me like sexual & gender-based violence. I strongly condemn all acts of GBV without reservation! Students who engage in such conduct will be prosecuted. It’s about time men (young &old) do something! Women can’t be victims & also be expected to find solutions”.
CHRIS BROWN DOCCIE ON ABUSIVE HISTORY COMING TO SCREENS
Meanwhile, Investigation Discovery, DStv channel 171, will air a documentary titled Chris Brown: A History of Violence on 27 October.
As part of their “No Excuse For Abuse campaign,” the doccie will look at the 35-year-old’s history with domestic violence, including sexual assault, as well as multiple cases of aggression towards fans and friends.
According to the channel, the doccie will delve “all the way back to his troubled childhood, exploring the lasting impact of the cycle of abuse.”
It will also explore his 2009 arrest and conviction of assault against ex-girlfriend Rihanna.
According to Variety, the documentary will include the allegations of a woman – whose identity is hidden who comes forward with new allegations against Chris Brown.
“I have not spoken about this matter publicly. But that’s the only way he can be stopped,” the accuser says in the trailer.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF PROF PHAKENG’S DECISION TO GO TO THE CHRIS BROWN CONCERT?
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