‘It was so hard to watch’ — SA reacts to triggering and GBV heavy episode of ‘Uzalo’
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
Image: Twitter/ Uzalo official page
Tweeps were sent on a whirlwind of emotions as Uzalo aired an episode last night that triggered many women's past traumas.
A painful cry for help, a woman being beaten to a pulp while others stood by and whipped their phones out to record. These are some of the scenes that are a stark reality for some women in Mzansi, a reality they were reminded of last night.
Gender-based violence (GBV) was thrust into the spotlight in the soapie when the character Njeza hit Nosipho in a fit of unstoppable rage.
As triggering as the episode might have been, tweeps were pleased the country got to see an uncensored version of GBV.
Viewers not only hailed Uzalo for the episode but also for bringing in complex issues about the matter — like how it's never just two people fighting without anyone hearing or witnessing the abuse, and how most times the witnesses decide not to get involved.
“Seeing Nosipho getting beaten up like that with everyone watching breaks my heart. People can be really heartless, I have witnessed that with my best friend being beaten by her ex and everybody decided not to get involved and just watched,” one viewer said on Twitter.
Here are some of the reactions triggered by the emotional episode:
Not me going back to the day I had to lock myself and my child inside a car, running away from being beaten up by him and his brother standing there ngathi ubukele film.. this episode triggered me a lot, I hope those in the same situation can find strength to leave 💔#Uzalo
— AlizwaFaith (@MbadaFaith) November 2, 2021
The society we live in instead of help, they taking pics 😡😡😡😡#Uzalo pic.twitter.com/1Da772Msvd
— Smatsi Khumalo (@SmatsiK) November 2, 2021
#Uzalo
— #BlackRose (@TheoDeeNjoro) November 2, 2021
Seeing Nozipho getting beaten up like that with everyone watching breaks my heart. People can really be heartless, I have witnessed that with my best friend getting beat by her ex and everyone decided not to get involved and just watched. An ex from 4 years ago 😔
I know they are raising awareness #Uzalo but the act was too much, I couldn't watch anymore pic.twitter.com/nLcwP6Gutj
— Kwanele Chillibite khumalo (@KwaneleKumalo) November 2, 2021
The fact that there are women who are going through what Nosipho is going through makes me so mad💔😪Most of them die at the hands of their partners and justice is never served.#Uzalo
— Danica Khumalo (@KhumaloDanica) November 2, 2021
Well done to @Uzalo_SABC1 for not only highlighting the role of the abuser in a case of #GBVF but that of BYSTANDERS WHO ARE COMPLICIT IN DOING NOTHING WHEN WITNESSING IT.
— Sam B (Sammy) #BlackLivesMatter (@BeynonSammy) November 2, 2021
That, 'Andingendawo' attitude is why so many of our sisters have departed from this World. #Uzalo pic.twitter.com/Xe3hIuTZqI
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.