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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has pursued legal action against an individual known as “Baas Kruger” on Facebook for cyberbullying and spreading disinformation.
According to the department, this account has repeatedly made significant false allegations against the Minister.
Furthermore, it continues to spread misinformation and perpetuate a narrative that constitutes cyberbullying directed at her.
Minister Kubayi has resorted to extraordinary measures to safeguard her dignity and reputation, as stated by departmental spokesperson Palesa Rammitlwa.
This action follows a series of unheeded appeals for an individual to cease disseminating disinformation, necessitating this step to hold the responsible parties accountable.
“The current furore regarding this disinformation campaign, which she strongly condemns, was sparked by a doorstep interview at the ANC’s Siyanqoba Rally in the Eastern Cape.
Reactions to alleged cyberbullying
“A clip of the Minister responding to a question by SABC journalist Samkele Maseko about the March and March movement being “squeezed like cranberries” is circulating on social media platforms.
“The phrase was used by the journalist in his question. Minister Kubayi did not utter these words, and any claim suggesting otherwise is false and misleading,” she said in a statement.
Rammitlwa emphasised that the minister will not allow this to go unchallenged.
She highlighted that minister Kubayi remains accountable for her statements. However, she deemed it unacceptable to attribute words to her that she did not actually say.
Responding to the legal threat, Baas Kruger wrote, “Now this Minister is threatening to squeeze me with legal action because I am squeezing her like cranberry juice. Minister, simply join the loooong que threatening me with legal action.”
In response to a recent incident, social media users, referred to as “tweeps”, expressed their concerns regarding a minister’s use of state resources.
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They emphasized that the minister should not misuse public funds for personal events, specifically mentioning that she was attending an ANC rally in a personal capacity and was not acting on behalf of the government.
The call from users highlights the expectation for public officials to adhere to ethical standards, particularly when distinguishing between personal and state functions.
“Take legal action with your PERSONAL FUNDS. You were on an ANC work not as a minister so nje ungalinge usebenzise our taxes for your small ego nonsense wenze i hairstyle ngathi yindlu ye ntaka,” Anele Mda wrote.
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