By Tamlyn Canham
Singer Amanda Black says corruption is to blame for South Africa’s response to COVID-19.
The ‘Ndizele Wena’ hitmaker took to Twitter to vent her frustrations with government after news broke that the SANDF would be deployed in Gauteng.
The province is currently battling a third wave of the pandemic. The SANDF has been deployed to assist hospitals with medical efforts.
Amanda questioned why the SANDF was needed.
“Grand grand iSANDF ibizelwe thina again? We get that right?” she tweeted.
READ: COVID-19: Gauteng’s healthcare system not coping
https://twitter.com/AmandaBlackSA/status/1407004901859790855
Amanda says a year after the pandemic started South Africa still does not have more hospitals.
“Corruption is the reason we don’t have more hospitals, a year later of a pandemic and billions looted and no significant changes in our health system? Please Retha, There is a terrifying number of unemployed medical staff in our country. What happened to the cuban doctors?”
https://twitter.com/AmandaBlackSA/status/1407030089053839362
One of Amanda’s followers pointed out that “people need vaccines not military medics army”.
https://twitter.com/siphumze8/status/1407008228127477762
Mixed reaction
Amanda’s comments sparked a debate among Twitter users, with some saying there is nothing wrong with the SANDF’s deployment.
But Amanda stuck to her guns.
“We are still in this pandemic because of corruption. That’s the truth.”
READ: Digital Vibes latest: Ramaphosa places Mkhize on special leave
https://twitter.com/AmandaBlackSA/status/1406997372371099650
https://twitter.com/AmandaBlackSA/status/1407001691338199046
https://twitter.com/AmandaBlackSA/status/1407034064717164546
One Twitter user replied: “Nuh, we can’t blame this on corruption. We failing to adhere. Simple.”
Nuh, we can't blame this on corruption.
We failing to adhere.
Simple.— Musawenk0si (@musawenk0si) June 21, 2021
Another Twitter user urged Amanda to rather encourage her fans to adhere to social distancing rules.
“No my sister, we are in a pandemic owing to what is defined as Covid 19. As for corruption, that is a problem on its own. But id urge you to use your influence to encourage SAns to adhere to covid rules. Wearing a musk and social distancing it is still paramount.”
No my sister, we are in a pandemic owing to what is defined as Covid 19. As for corruption, that is a problem on its own. But id urge you to use your influence to encourage SAns to adhere to covid rules. Wearing a musk and social distancing it is still paramount.
— Lucky (@LuckyMngoasheng) June 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/sibanyoni_mt/status/1407010184464060422
Cassper Nyovest has his say
Cassper Nyovest is also sharing his views on the COVID-19 crisis. He showed his support for a March organised by the EFF.
The EFF is calling for vaccines from China and Russia to be approved for use in South Africa.
“This is not a political statement. I don’t have to be a member of any political party to agree that people are dying & we need to save lives & livelihoods! We have lost lives & jobs!!! The country needs to be vaccinated & I support this call!! We want our country back and safe!” Cassper tweeted last week.
READ: Five celebrities who have spent over R1-million on a car
This is not a pololitical statement. I don't have to be a member of any political party to agree that people are dying & we need to save lives & livelihoods! We have lost lives & jobs!!! The country needs to be vaccinated & I support this call!! We want our country back and safe! https://t.co/lXMrYFeRqN
— Don Billiato (@casspernyovest) June 19, 2021



