EFF deputy leader Floyd Shivambu has again got tongues wagging on social media after he said people should not be moved by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “crocodile tears”.
In an emotional address to the nation on Monday, a teary-eyed Ramaphosa pleaded with citizens to take care of themselves and comply with Covid-19 regulations after the country’s infection rate hit the one-million mark.
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In his address, he prohibited indoor and outdoor gatherings for 14 days, extended curfew and closed beaches in Covid-19 hotspots. While some were moved by Ramaphosa’s address, Shivambu said his tears were fake.
He said the president encouraged reckless behaviour when, in September, he allowed the sale of alcohol and encouraged people to take part in the Jerusalema dance challenge. “People danced, added other songs (Amapiano mostly). Now he’s shedding a crocodile tear. Fact is, crocodile tears are caused by where we are, what we ate and drank,” said Shivambu.
Under adjusted lockdown level 3, non-essential establishments, including shops, restaurants and bars, must close at 8 pm. The sale of alcohol has been banned and consuming it in public spaces is prohibited.
Not so long ago, anc president was opened alcohol & encouraged people to dance to Jerusalema, people danced, added other songs (paino mostly). Now’a he’s shedding a crocodile tear. FACT is crocodile tears are caused by where we are, what we ate and drank, so he’s in Cape Town.
— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) December 29, 2020
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Shivambu’s statement drew a mixed reaction online. Some agreed with him, but others defended the president, saying irresponsible citizens were to blame for reckless behaviour, not him. Here’s a snapshot of some of the reactions:
Honestly this is NOT the president’s problem it is the problem of recklessness behave from South Africans that put us where we are…untill we change our behavior the rules will keep tightening
— Emancipation through 🆓 Equal Education. (@generalmanas) December 29, 2020
You and Ndlozi must rest, Danone politicians
— Lucky (@HendsumGuy) December 29, 2020
Floyd can you all as politicians stop this cheap politicking?
Yes we are led by pensioners that can no longer think properly and you as members of parliament needs to come as collective to advise them instead of this blame games.
IF Y’ALL CAN BRING ABT MEASURES AS A COLLECTIVE
— Thusano-Group(PTY)LTD (@tebohoreginald) December 29, 2020
I understand all the words you wrote but I don’t understand what you are trying to say. pic.twitter.com/cPwXdIqfZB
— Lucky Makhetloane (@LMakhetloane) December 29, 2020
You are talking as if you were not dancing to Jerusalema as well…Rest Bafo Rest!
— Ronnie Shuping (@Staronzer) December 29, 2020
Shivambu has absolutely no idea of what stress CR is under right now. Easy to sit at home and belittle emotions.
It’s deputy CIC that man Ramaphosa is so evil and he needs to be stopped or else we gonna all die and he be left in this country with few and Bill Gates
Nnete ke nnete Ramarikana is a snake deep down inside he is laughing at us that one he’s got mark of beast