Unathi Nkayi Dragged For Not Joining Purple Profile Trend — And She Said Nah!

South African radio and TV personality Unathi Nkayi has clapped back at an online user who tried to call her out for “not supporting” the Women For Change campaign against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

The drama kicked off on Monday, 10 November 2025, after the former Idols SA judge shared a screenshot of a comment from an Instagram user, @just.lefentse, who asked: “Why isn’t your profile picture purple?”

Unathi Nkayi Hits Back

Unathi didn’t hold back — responding with a calm but firm message that had social media nodding in agreement.

“I’ve been watching the rise of the purple profile picture. I’ve heard many say YOU shouldn’t go around asking people why their profiles are not purple. Please don’t,” she wrote.

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The purple profile movement was started by Women For Change, encouraging people across Mzansi to change their display pictures ahead of the 21 November national shutdown, a campaign leading up to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg (22–23 November) — demanding stronger action against GBVF.

Male celebrities like Zakes Bantwini and J’Something have already painted their timelines purple in solidarity. But Unathi said not changing her profile doesn’t mean she isn’t part of the fight.

“As the 21st of November draws closer, I hope the focus is put on what’s important and the initial message intended, not trolling social media platforms asking us why we haven’t changed our profiles to purple,” she added.

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Mzansi Reacts: “Let People Support How They Want!”

Fans quickly jumped into Unathi’s corner, saying activism shouldn’t be forced or performative.

@syne_b asked: “Is this movement of the purple profile pictures group work? Why not just support a cause and not force others to participate?”

@iam_lebohangmtholo declared: “I fully support the movement, but I am not changing my profile pic.”

@zinzy__that__nguni_girl added: “Not having a purple profile pic doesn’t mean I’m not supporting the movement!”

@mfene_ntandoh: “People have lost the plot. Now it’s about who doesn’t have a purple picture instead of focusing on the message.”

@verve_4_florals: “It should be a choice. Not putting a purple pp doesn’t mean you care less.”

@pridesworth7925: “It’s rude to ask that question, no matter who you are.”

While the “purple pressure” continues online, Unathi’s message is loud and clear, support should come from the heart, not social media trends.

And from the looks of it, Mzansi agrees — you can be part of the movement, purple profile or not.

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