Government speaks out on Arthur Mafokate joining #100MenMarch against abuse
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Image: Via Instagram
The South African Government have distanced themselves from reports that it invited Arthur Mafokate to join the 100 Men March, amidst abuse allegations leveled against him.
A Sunday publication announced that Arthur would join the march which caused a raging debate on social media.
In an attempt to set the record straight, government released a statement on its official Twitter page, making it clear that Arthur was not invited to participate in the march and was not appointed as an ambassador.
"Government recognises that Mr Mafokate is facing serious charges of gender based violence and supports that the due legal processes unfold accordingly. The charges faced by Mr Mafokate and his alleged conduct are in direct conflict of the ethos of #100MenMarch and rallying call by government and its partners to create awareness on violence against women and children," read the statement.
Government would like to place it on record that it has not invited @ArthurMafokate to be part of the #100MenMarch and GCIS has not appointed him as an ambassador of the march. https://t.co/uQAu1j7fZa pic.twitter.com/hnSifu7P9s
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 9, 2018
The 100 Men March aims to encourage men to take a stand against the scourge of violence against women and children. The march is set to take place on July 10.
Arthur is currently in court after his ex-girlfriend, Cici laid charges of assault against him, claiming that an altercation between them allegedly turned violent. Arthur laid counter charges of assault against Cici and both cases are being heard at the Midrand Magistrates Court.
Government sets record straight on #100MenMarch, saying it has not invited #ArthurMafokate to be part of the march @ArthurMafokate pic.twitter.com/cfoGmTL42K
— SA Gov News (@SAgovnews) July 9, 2018
Arthur told TshisaLIVE that he was aware of the backlash on social media over his decision to join the march but urged more people to join the march.
"I appreciate the support of those that supported my stance and I urge other people to also join the march as it's for a good cause."
Our lives die the day we become silent about the things that matter 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/v9NZbzRLrf
— Arthur Mafokate (@ArthurMafokate) July 8, 2018
Social media users lashed out at Arthur over his decision to join the march.
@ladyskollie summing up the wowness of Arthur being at an anti woman abuse march
A post shared by Maria McCloy (@mariamccloy) on
And the full support of the government and the joke of a department of women.
— Luyanda Nzama (@LuluNzama) July 8, 2018
South Africa the parody that keeps giving. pic.twitter.com/y1eVWxy3Yk
That march is against men like you nje pic.twitter.com/eQN7GbmfoZ
— Dzaddy_mO® (@mO_Moremi) July 8, 2018
Abuser telling other abusers to stop @ArthurMafokate wa gafa stru. pic.twitter.com/QyKMR8o8Fn
— Themba Mashiane (@mashianejt) July 8, 2018
@ArthurMafokate we don't need you in that March. I repeat we don't need you in that March!!
— I AM A BUSINESS-MAN (@mkhuseli15) July 9, 2018
Nxe, dont act like you care while you got a PHD in abusing women pic.twitter.com/KGZK90dIJL
— I'm Selby (@Mudzuli_Selby) July 8, 2018
Not In My Name SA, an NGO which fights against women, men and child abuse also released a media statement against Arthur's decision to participate in the march.
See their statement below.
#100MenMarch Athur is Not Welcome! RT #ASIZI @cici_worldwide @GCISMedia @Siya_Jentile @BroThemba somebody tag Arthur..he blocked us.. pic.twitter.com/wNX9s8Y9IQ
— #NotInMyNameSa (@NotInMyNameSA) July 9, 2018
Attempts by TshisaLIVE to contact Cici or her management for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publishing this article.
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