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Like most people, I was watching 3rd Degree with Deborah Patta last night as she railed against the kings and the queen of bling on TV. There was a long list of those blinging it - Kenny Kunene, Robert Gumede and more.
Khanyi Mbau made it to the top of the list. The highlight of the whole affair was Khanyi’s interview in which she said some of the most entertaining and surprisingly cold-hearted things.
The decadence and opulence was astounding. Kenny Kunune’s Sushi’s party, Robert Gumede’s supposed R100m wedding and Khanyi Mbau’s love of the decadent lifestyle. The crass blingalisation of these exposed the under bellies of what appears to be the Sodom and Gomorrahsation of South Africa.
We watched with mild bemusement as Khanyi eloquently said some of the most outrageous things I’ve heard in a while. I couldn’t decide who has said the most outlandish things this year, Khanyi or Julius Malema.
When asked about what she feels about the poor while she blings it out in public, she said she is not going to feel sorry for someone who can’t afford to buy bread, she will have her Croissant and blue cheese. As many wits put it on Twitter about Khanyi’s remarks about the poor, “Let them eat croissants and blue cheese!”
A turn for the worse
I have a confession to make myself, I am a huge fan of croissants and blue cheese, particularly blue cheese; this makes me wonder if Khanyi would consider me as a man she could go after. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to buy her a Lamborghini, let alone a Citi Golf.
Patta then asked her what her conscience says to her about her lifestyle considering that we live in the most unequal society in the world. Her response was the stuff of legends. It was crass, insensitive with a hint of truth and totally hilarious all at once. Her response was: “We do have a conscience; it tells us that we must go get that car.”
The interview took a turn for the worse when Khanyi was asked about the example she is setting for young girls. Khanyi Mbau is not a role model and she should not be expected to teach anyone anything. The only person she is responsible for teaching is her daughter.
A parent who thinks that Khanyi is somehow responsible for their child’s morals hasn’t done the job of a parent – and that is to raise the child to have a strong character that is not easily swayed and persuaded by what they see on television or read in the newspapers.
There is something wrong with a society that absconds its responsibilities of raising children by expecting celebrities to raise them. Maybe there is nothing wrong with Khanyi Mbau, maybe she is just a mirror that shows us what we've become. So, let’s leave Khanyi and Kenny alone and try to fix this mess of extreme hedonism that we have collectively created. Hey, Khanyi and Kenny - that has a nice ring to it. Maybe they should hook up.
Someday, if we are not careful, we will be in danger when a power hungry egomaniac decides to use the poor’s anger in order to get into power. The quiet anger that lies in the under belly of the have-nots will someday explode and we won’t know what hit us if this carries on. If you are reading this, since you are online, it means that you are part of the people who will be affected. You are not a have-not. When that day comes, it will not be a matter of black and white, it will be a matter of what suburb you live in.
Generous South Africans
People are free to spend their money as they wish. They should do so with no fear of judgment. Considering the levels of poverty that are around us, perhaps those who can afford to spend their money should exercise some wisdom and restraint, not their right to splash their money if they wish. But then again, it is also their right to disregard this piece of advice.
According to research by Absa, South Africa's rich are some of the world’s most generous givers. A report called Global Giving: The Culture of Philanthropy said SA was the second-most charitable country, behind the US.
And in giving up time to help the less fortunate, SA ranked fourth, with Ireland and India joint first. Not all the rich are about showing off their wealth. There are far more wealthy people doing good with their money than those who are living it up.
That is all. As you were.
- Follow Khaya on Twitter.
Send your comments to Khaya
Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.
Khanyi Mbau made it to the top of the list. The highlight of the whole affair was Khanyi’s interview in which she said some of the most entertaining and surprisingly cold-hearted things.
The decadence and opulence was astounding. Kenny Kunune’s Sushi’s party, Robert Gumede’s supposed R100m wedding and Khanyi Mbau’s love of the decadent lifestyle. The crass blingalisation of these exposed the under bellies of what appears to be the Sodom and Gomorrahsation of South Africa.
We watched with mild bemusement as Khanyi eloquently said some of the most outrageous things I’ve heard in a while. I couldn’t decide who has said the most outlandish things this year, Khanyi or Julius Malema.
When asked about what she feels about the poor while she blings it out in public, she said she is not going to feel sorry for someone who can’t afford to buy bread, she will have her Croissant and blue cheese. As many wits put it on Twitter about Khanyi’s remarks about the poor, “Let them eat croissants and blue cheese!”
A turn for the worse
I have a confession to make myself, I am a huge fan of croissants and blue cheese, particularly blue cheese; this makes me wonder if Khanyi would consider me as a man she could go after. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to buy her a Lamborghini, let alone a Citi Golf.
Patta then asked her what her conscience says to her about her lifestyle considering that we live in the most unequal society in the world. Her response was the stuff of legends. It was crass, insensitive with a hint of truth and totally hilarious all at once. Her response was: “We do have a conscience; it tells us that we must go get that car.”
The interview took a turn for the worse when Khanyi was asked about the example she is setting for young girls. Khanyi Mbau is not a role model and she should not be expected to teach anyone anything. The only person she is responsible for teaching is her daughter.
A parent who thinks that Khanyi is somehow responsible for their child’s morals hasn’t done the job of a parent – and that is to raise the child to have a strong character that is not easily swayed and persuaded by what they see on television or read in the newspapers.
There is something wrong with a society that absconds its responsibilities of raising children by expecting celebrities to raise them. Maybe there is nothing wrong with Khanyi Mbau, maybe she is just a mirror that shows us what we've become. So, let’s leave Khanyi and Kenny alone and try to fix this mess of extreme hedonism that we have collectively created. Hey, Khanyi and Kenny - that has a nice ring to it. Maybe they should hook up.
Someday, if we are not careful, we will be in danger when a power hungry egomaniac decides to use the poor’s anger in order to get into power. The quiet anger that lies in the under belly of the have-nots will someday explode and we won’t know what hit us if this carries on. If you are reading this, since you are online, it means that you are part of the people who will be affected. You are not a have-not. When that day comes, it will not be a matter of black and white, it will be a matter of what suburb you live in.
Generous South Africans
People are free to spend their money as they wish. They should do so with no fear of judgment. Considering the levels of poverty that are around us, perhaps those who can afford to spend their money should exercise some wisdom and restraint, not their right to splash their money if they wish. But then again, it is also their right to disregard this piece of advice.
According to research by Absa, South Africa's rich are some of the world’s most generous givers. A report called Global Giving: The Culture of Philanthropy said SA was the second-most charitable country, behind the US.
And in giving up time to help the less fortunate, SA ranked fourth, with Ireland and India joint first. Not all the rich are about showing off their wealth. There are far more wealthy people doing good with their money than those who are living it up.
That is all. As you were.
- Follow Khaya on Twitter.
Send your comments to Khaya
Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.
