Phakeng – First, can we all just take a moment to appreciate that even university vice-chancellors enjoy a good night out? I mean, who doesn’t want to rock out to the sweet melodies of Chris Brown while feeling the bass reverberate through their bones?
However, Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng, the former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town, found herself amidst a Twitter outrage just because she mentioned her attendance at his concert. Isn’t it ironic how academic freedom sometimes clashes with popular opinion?
It’s one thing to enjoy some chart-topping hits, but it’s another to stir the pot of public outrage. Critics quickly pointed out Brown’s troubled past, particularly his history of domestic violence.
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While Professor Phakeng was bluntly clear about her stance against gender-based violence (GBV), the question lingers: Is attending a concert from a controversial figure an endorsement of their past? Or is it merely a case of separating the artist from the art?
In an age where we scrutinize public figures with the precision of a surgeon, the topic of accountability looms large. Did Prof. Phakeng make a mistake in announcing her plans, or is it simply a harmless escapade?
With one foot in the world of academia and one in the realm of entertainment, it seems that the battle between conscience and the desire for a good time rages on.
Chris Brown tickets secured. Hall of fame seats here we come! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽 pic.twitter.com/tsrTka9Efa
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 1, 2024
Phakeng’s old tweets criticizing gender-based violence (GBV) resurfaced, prompting many to accuse her of “double standards” and backing a “abuser”.
In a lengthy social media thread, Phakeng stated that her anti-GBV position had nothing to do with her attendance at the event.
“I am totally against GBV and condemn it. I believe that those who perpetrate GBV should face the full might of the law without exceptions or leniency. But let me be clear, just in case the message didn’t sit well:
“I am going to attend Brown’s concert if he comes. These two things are not mutually exclusive. To suggest that enjoying a concert aligns you with every past action of the artist is, at best, simplistic and, at worst, intellectually dishonest.
“Music is bigger than the individual. It connects us and heals us in different ways. Some of us are capable of loving art while holding artists accountable. Attending the concert does not magically erase our moral stance on GBV.
“It does not make us hypocrites, nor does it make us blind to the gravity of Brown’s past actions. In this case I don’t have the full details of his past actions. I simply love his music. If you hold a different view, then big ups to you, but please do not impose your narrow beliefs on me or anyone for that matter.”
Yes, it’s definitely me. Even today, I am totally against GBV and strongly condemn it in all its forms. I believe that those who perpetrate GBV should face the full might of the law without exceptions or leniency. But let me be clear, just in case the message didn’t sit well: I… https://t.co/t5hAp0imO5
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 7, 2024
Breezy’s show drew mixed reactions. Tickets sold out in hours, suggesting high demand, but a petition calling for a concert cancellation due to Brown’s abuse history and South Africa’s GBV worries gained traction.
Phakeng stated that boycotting the event would not eradicate GBV in South Africa. She said, “If you think boycotting this one concert is going to end GBV in South Africa you are delulu [delusional] and unfortunately I can’t help you.
“The number of people who have bought tickets is enough to secure a political party at least three seats in the National Assembly. That’s what should worry you.
“Instead of educating them by making strong intellectual arguments about how their attendance at the concert affects GBV cases in South Africa, you think insults directed at me (and petitions signed by 12 people) will make a difference. Please.
“Instead of policing each other’s entertainment choices, let’s direct that energy into genuine and meaningful activism against GBV. This cancel culture nonsense is so 2020. It’s 2024, you can’t be that entitled.
“If you think insults are going to make me change my mind, I’m sorry to disappoint you. I’m going to the concert and I need no-one’s permission or support.
“If you think attending will silence my voice against GBV, then I’m sorry to disappoint you again because I will continue to speak out against GBV and educate our young men on how to be decent, loving human beings.”
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