Hot on the heels of cricket player David Teeger facing being criticised for his “pro-Israel” comments, social media users are questioning the actions of Springbok dietician Zeenat Simjee.
The SA Rugby employee – who contributed to the team’s two consecutive Rugby World Cup wins – has voiced her support for Palestine and Gaza amid the conflict.
She’s even claimed that her outspoken statements have resulted in Instagram “shadow banning her account.”
Zeenat courted controversy in 2022 when she was accused of having an affair with Bok player Elton Jantjies. She denied the claims, insisting it was a case of “mistaken identity.”
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Following the backlash against David Teeger’s comments praising Israeli soldiers, social media users have called out the “double standard” against Zeenat Simjee
The dietician is known for using her IG platform to speak out in support of Palestine and even share how she has actively made her own mark.
This includes participation in protests and encouraging others to stand in solidarity with the country.
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The brunette notably even displayed the Palestinian flag during the Eastern Cape leg of the Springboks Trophy tour in November.
X user @mavrostruth tweeted: “Proteas’s spineless handling of David Teeger situation. Pathetic. Springboks is mum about Zeenat Simjee, who has been constantly vocal in public social media in support of Palestine.”
The tweep added: “Are you all going to ask for Zeenat of the Springboks also to be sacked for her pro-Palestine and Hamas (daily) posts on the PUBLIC social media platform Instagram?”
@ginnydmm posted: “Zeenat Simjee should be sacked. She got a get-out-of-jail-free card with the Elton saga. Takes 2 to tango, no? And now a terrorist org sympathizer?”
@JustinSchonie added: “Zeenat posting Yemen propaganda. Does she know how these countries treat their women? @Springboks should look at their staff accountable. Yemen is supporting Hamas!”
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DEFIANT DISPLAY AT RUGBY WORLD CUP
Late last year, Zeenat Simjee revealed that her popular Instagram account had been penalised for her views on the Israel and Palestine conflict, particularly during the Rugby World Cup.
She posted on her backup account: “My @zeenatsimjee account is shadowbanned because of my solidarity with Palestine.”
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She added in another Instagram Story Zeenat claimed she was “standing for what is right.”: “The loss of my income is nothing when compared to the hell being unleashed on the innocent and vulnerable.
Zeenat revealed that she had made a bold fashion statement in support of Palestine during a Rugby World Cup game last year. She posted in a Story: “French police told fans to put away flags. But they didnt know I stepped into the podium wearing their colours”.
SA RUGBY RESPONDS
Speaking to The South African, SA rugby issued an official comment on criticism of Zeenat Simjee.
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GM Andy Colquhoun said: “Employee relations are confidential matters, and SA Rugby respects that confidentiality by never commenting on such matters.”
