PICTURE: X/ THANDO DLAMUKA
Moja Love finally broke the silence and addressed the Gender Based Violence (GBV) issue following an online uproar and calls from activists groups to discontinue the airing of Isencane Lenganeas it was perceived like it condones abuse.
The online backlash to the channel and the show ensued after the latest episode of the reality show, where Siyacela Dlamuka was seemingly forcing his wife, Thando Dlamuka to accept that he will marry a young girl as his second wife, as he recently took her virginity and damages are required by her family. During the episode, Thando confronted her husband about the chat they had a night before, when Siyacela refused to answer her questions Thando threatened to leave her marriage and go back home, leading to her calling a family meeting to let the Dlamuka’s know that she is going home.
However, Siyacela had a sjambok on his hand threatening to assault anyone who mentions his name during the discussions. This prohibited Thando from saying what she called the meeting for, prompting her to ask for taxi fare to go back home. While the Dlamuka’s were gathered trying to get to the bottom of the problem, Siyacela kept using vulgar words to Thando, leading her crying hysterically in front of their child, Lubanzi Dlamuka.
In light of all these events and the calls to cancel Isencane Lengane; Moja Love said: “It is important to note that the show is a reality show which reflects, explores and raises awareness and contributes to the discourse on GBV and societal-ills. The show does not incite or promote GBV. The opposite however is true, that the impugned episode explores misogyny and deep-rooted views of one of the main cast relating to polygamy albeit ill-advised,” read the statement.
Press Release: Incident on Isencane Lengane pic.twitter.com/WDhsewQydP
— Moja Love Channel 157 (@MojaLoveTv) April 23, 2025
After the airing of the episode, X (formerly Twitter) users had this to say:
Abuse is not entertainment. Trauma is not a storyline.
Moja Love must take immediate action to discontinue the TV show “Isencane Lengane” due to its dangerous portrayal of abuse and toxic relationships. #IsencaneLengane
Sign the Petitionhttps://t.co/1QMLIjdDm6 pic.twitter.com/ZJuB42Aj3y
— Women For Change (@womenforchange5) April 22, 2025
What is this?? #Mojalove cancel this show 🚮 A lady is crying for help on national TV. We seating as SA just watching Mojalove cashing in on Abuse on national TV🚮🚮 let’s Axe this show pic.twitter.com/sOO8Mltncw
— Timmy_Mantji (@ManchiTumi) April 20, 2025
#IsencaneLengane is a show that promotes Gender Based Violence. Some people find it exciting because South Africa is not a normal country. pic.twitter.com/SzJb3k7knw
— Lunga (@LLunga18) April 20, 2025
Also see: Isencane Lengane’s latest episode sparks outrage – Fans call for cancellation
