Pearl Thusi and Sello Maake KaNcube face backlash for showing support to Zimbabwean government.
The South African actress has been enjoying an extended vacation for more than a week, creating unforgettable memories with her daughter, Thando.
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Pearl Thusi swiftly became a trending topic on Twitter (now referred to as X) when photos surfaced of her and fellow actor Sello Maake kaNcube in Zimbabwe, donning Zanu-PF political party scarves.
Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana, extended a warm welcome to Pearl on Twitter, expressing:
“We warmly welcome South African actress, model, and presenter Pearl Thusi to Zimbabwe as part of the ‘THE TRUE ZIMBABWE TOUR’.”
However, Thusi faced criticism from Zimbabwean citizens for accepting an offer from the government.
“Celebrities can be shameless sometimes! They act like they want nothing to do with corrupt governments, but they conveniently turn a blind eye when it’s time for gigs,” read a tweet.
Questions arose about the authenticity of the insights Pearl Thusi might offer about Zimbabwe, as some believed she could be restricted to reading a scripted narrative detached from the realities on ground.
Both actors participated in a political party rally preceding the upcoming Zimbabwean presidential elections.
Many interpreted the circulated photos as an endorsement of the 43-year-long government political party, which has been linked to disturbing acts and the historical killing of white farmers.
The images captured Pearl and Sello seated in the front row, alongside President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other dignitaries, all donning Zanu-PF scarves.
Pearl Thusi wasn’t the sole target of controversy; Tweeps expressed disappointment in Sello as well, voicing a loss of respect for him.
A Twitter account under the name Man’s NOT Barry Roux shared a sentiment,
“Celebrities seem willing to sing any tune for personal gain. I’m disheartened that Sello Maake kaNcube and Pearl Thusi align themselves with Emmerson Mnangagwa & ZANU PF.
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A party associated with displacing millions of Zimbabweans and contributing to an unprecedented influx of illegal immigrants into South Africa. Zimbabwe, it’s time to awaken.”
Celebrities will sing any tune for supper. I Am disappointed that Sello Maake KaNcube & Pearl Thusi choose Emmerson Mnangagwa & ZANU PF that have displaced millions of Zimbabweans & resulted in an unprecedented influx of illegal immigrants into South Africa. Zimbabwe Wake up. pic.twitter.com/XJjlYv1oOl
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) August 11, 2023
Pearl Thusi made one of her worst decisions ever;
No honest international (regional) brand should ever be associated with Zanu PF & that scarf.Never pic.twitter.com/hA3y7S2VzE
— TiCCCh Ray (@TichRay) August 11, 2023
Sello Maake and Pearl Thusi owe each and every Zimbabwean who crossed the Limpopo River border to come to South Africa to hustle due to the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe.
— ツ O R I (@Ori_RSA) August 11, 2023
A man who can take money to act a gay role on a tv show can do anything just to get paid including twerking for Zanupf with Pearl Thusi in Zimbabwe. #ZimElection2023 pic.twitter.com/YswLYSpdrD
— Mr Handsome_ZA (@Noxza_dube) August 11, 2023
ZANU PF is weird, you rather fly Floyd Mayweather from the US, artists from Nigeria, Pearl Thusi from South Africa than fix basics at home??? dont you aspire to have your own shine like these at home by delivering a country that works for all? https://t.co/616oV8aIXJ
— Mthiyane (@mboendlov) August 8, 2023
 when photos surfaced of her and fellow actor Sello Maake kaNc){kind=link}