Abuse is not content': Moja Love reported to BCCSA over show

Abuse is not content': Moja Love reported to BCCSA over showMoja Love has released a statement following backlash for broadcasting an episode about GBV on reality series Isencane Lengane'.

by Nokuthula Ngcobo

23-01-2023 18:21

in Entertainment

Gift Masuku who was evicted from Moja Love show Lovey Dovey' has responded to the allegations leveled against him in a statement by the channel. Image via Twitter @MojaLoveTV

Television channel Moja Love (DStv channel 157) is being lambasted on social media following the airing of an episode about a gender-based violence (GBV) incident on reality series Isencane Lengane on Sunday 22 January.

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Tweeps are calling the channel out and reporting the viral episode to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA). The commission has the power to reprimand or fine broadcasters and to require the broadcast of a correction or apology after receiving complaints from the public about offensive broadcasts.

ALSO READ: Did Siyacela almost rip Thando's c-section on Isencane Lengane'

Isencane Lengane' couple Thando and Siyacela. Image via Twitter @Undlunkulu_xoli ISENCANE LENGANE' GBV EPISODE In the Isencane Lengane episode in question, stars of the series Siyacela Dlamuka, 19, and his wife Thando Msomi Dlamuka, 18, are involved in a heated argument leading to Siyacela being violent towards his wife. The incident occured off camera.

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A deleted promo clip shared by Moja Love on Twitter shows Thando detailing the events leading to Siyacela assaulting her.

He slapped me while I was preparing food. Even when the baby is crying, you beat me up. If it was a man that called me, what would you have done? You would have killed me, I'd be dead, Thando says.

Siyacela then forcefully grabs Thando's phone from her hand and smashes it on the floor.

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ALSO READ: It's giving abuser': Viewers angry that Thando doesn't have a phone

According to the young mom, her husband is controlling and jealous. Siyacela told the producers that his wife knows that he does not want her to have any friends, be it men or a women.

Mzansi was introduced to Thando and Siyacela in 2019 when Isencane Lengane made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The show follows the lives of the two teenagers who are high school sweethearts and end up getting married. Thando and Siyacela tied the knot back in 2019 when they were only 15 and 16 years old, respectively.

ALSO READ: She doesn't look ok': Isencane Lengane' fans worried about Thando

MOJA LOVE LAMBASTED FOR ISENCANE LENGANE' EPISODE Following the show's airing, Moja Love received backlash for condoning and promoting abuse .

Moja Love needs to cut Isencane Lengane. Siyacela cannot continue to gain financially from this show and the views the show gets from us. They cannot reward this behaviour. I hope Thando finds the strength to leave him.

uMfundisi weGTI (@NtombelaSm) January 22, 2023

The fact that MojaLove condones GBV by still airing this show, speaks volumes as to how GBV is not taken seriously in this country!!! This entire show is disgusting and its sad that it will still continue as if theres nothing wrong!!! https://t.co/NC0dceQqyO

Slee new name Ingrid (@Sleeweezy) January 23, 2023

Done a whole essay and attached evidence pic.twitter.com/PHwsdEXbhl

Thandiwe (@thandiwe_maluka) January 23, 2023

Abuse is not content, it's a crime. Platforming it is enabling it, funding this program is enabling it, watching this program is enabling it. It must be reported to the BCCSA and this kid must face legal consequences what is wrong with all of you people?!?!? https://t.co/ZCUlY5rom7

Impressionable Youth (@NgwenyaPage) January 23, 2023

A TV channel condoning abuse, paying perpetrators for higher viewership and Multichoice carrying it on its platform is just disgusting. BCCSA. https://t.co/R9r5o4Pq3O

zizi (@Bathandwa95) January 23, 2023

Did moja love not sign the BCCSA s code of conduct??? What nonsense is this show? Why are they not this Siyacela boy arrested #isencaneLengane

Sahh bee (@SaahBeeMR) January 22, 2023

MOJA LOVE SAYS IT DOES NOT CONDONE GBV The channel has since released a statement saying it does not cobdone or support GBV .

Moja LOVE prides itself on 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, the statement reads in part.

In the statement, the channel also said that it intervened when 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 called in.

The channel also revealed that Thando opted not to open a case against her husband.

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 to a different location from Siyacela.

Counselling was offered to Thando immediately to deal with her trauma and the channel is monitoring her progress, reads the statement.

MEDIA STATEMENT: MOJA LOVE Does not Condone or Support Gender Based Violence. pic.twitter.com/yRZxmmsY6a

MojaLoveTv DStv Channel 157 (@MojaLoveTv) January 23, 2023

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LINK:	https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/breaking-abuse-g...
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