The most recent episode of Isencane Lengane, on Moja LOVE (DStv Channel157), saw couple Siyacela Dlamuka and Thando Msomi engage in a heated argument, leading to Siyacela becoming violent towards her. Following the broadcast of this episode, there has been uproar with some labelling this as irresponsible broadcasting.
EXTENT OF PANDEMIC
Moja LOVE would like to put it on record that, the channel does not condone GBV in any way. Moja LOVE prides itself in producing content that reflects the reality in our society, including social ills, and as such could not sweep the GBV incident between Thando and Siyacela under the carpet.In a country burdened byGender-Based Violence and Femicide, Moja LOVE has a responsibility to reflect and show the extent of this pandemic.
MONITORING HER PROGRESS
Moja LOVE intervened as the incident was happening. It is important to point out that the Moja LOVE crew arrived during the altercation between Siyacela and Thando and police were called in. The crew was not allowed to film this. Thando was given an option to open a case against Siyacela but she chose not to exercise that option and instead, the channel moved Thando away from Siyacela to a different location. Counselling was offered to Thando immediately to deal with her trauma and the channel is monitoring her progress.
MORAL FIBRE
Head of Channel at Moja LOVE, Bokani Moyo says, "As a channel, we take violence of any sort, seriously and we do not condone nor support Gender-Based Violence in any way. It was important to air this episode of Isencane Lengane as it is our social responsibility to educate our audiences and mirror what is happening in our communities. Cancelling the show is not the solution but let's rather open a platform to discuss issues that are eating away the moral fibre of our society.'
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