The nomination of disgraced TV host Katlego Maboe for the 15th annual South African Film And Television Awards (SAFTAs) has been rescinded after media uproar over harassment charges against him.
Maboe was nominated for Best TV Presenter by the public, competing against Devi Sankaree Govender, Dineo Ranaka and other presenters.
In a short statement on Twitter the SAFTA’s said, after careful deliberation regarding the concerns raised about Katlego Maybe in the Best TV Presenter, Public Vote Category, announced last month, the SAFTA’s jury decided to rescind his nomination.
Voting code 5 has been deleted from the voting line, and the revocation is effective immediately. In 2015 and 2016, the former Expresso presenter won the category.
READ: 2021 SAFTA nominations – see the full list
Maboe is currently dealing with serious allegations of domestic abuse. He was charged with abuse after a video clip of him confessing to cheating on his ex-lover. It was also reported by the ex-girlfriend giving her a Sexual Transmitted Infection that went viral late last year. His ex-girlfriend also accused him of abuse.
Following the nomination snub, media personalities such as actor Tumisho Masha and comedian David Kau have come to Maboe’s defense.
Dear @KatlegoMaboe_ Don’t let the Bullshit get to you, you don’t need any award to know how talented you are.
— DavidKau (@davidkau1) May 15, 2021
Other Twitter users have questioned whether the backlash that Maboe has been facing is justified compared to other South African media personalities that have also been embroiled in controversy.
Some South African Twitter users have called for a boycott of the SAFTAs which will be televised on Saturday, May 22.
#katlegomaboe you the best TV presenter, to hell with SAFTAs pic.twitter.com/SsEHfsatc2
— We Love Black Coffee (@Tabongz_SA) May 15, 2021
You are the best. You dont need anyone to reassure your talent. #BoycottSAFTAs #katlegomaboe pic.twitter.com/0FvTP8zO7V
— Solly Mthombeni (@solly_mthombeni) May 15, 2021



