Voices| Babes Wodumo gives a voice to many abused women
On March 4, South Africa woke up to the disturbing scenes in an Instagram video showing the physical assault of musician Bongekile “Babes” Wodumo Simelane by her partner Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo. In the video, Mampintsha can be heard shouting profanities at Babes and repeatedly slaAn interview with Metro FM last year suggested that this was not the first time Babes suffered violent abuse at the hands of Mampintsha.
Babes’ actions are unprecedented and brave, and should be seen as a watershed moment, not only giving a voice to many other women who suffer abuse at the hands of their male partners, but also restoring their dignity, voices and power. Her actions should be seen as a bold statement that no man, however powerful he thinks he is, has the right to control and abuse a woman or girl.
Intimate partner violence is rooted in patriarchy and bred out of a male partner’s use of controlling behaviour to exert power over women. For instance, Mampintsha defended his actions by explaining how he had used his “own resources” to make Babes the success she is today, thus implying that he owns Babes as she is his investment.This is an example of toxic masculinity, which regards women as possessions of powerful and rich men.
We must also understand that some women stay in abusive relationships not because they haven’t tried to leave, but because they feel trapped by a combination of factors that conspire to make them stay. In Babes’ case, her love for and attachment to the man – feeling indebted to him or being scared of ultimately going solo as an artist without his support – may have informed her decision to stay before this latest incident.
We also need to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect survivor of partner violence, and the actions of women who are in abusive relationships may not be immediately discernible nor praiseworthy. The violence and the discourses that perpetuate violence in women’s private and public spaces in South African society systematically strip women of their inner power to fight for themselves.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tipcee on Babes Wodumo alleged assault: It really hurt meMusician Tipcee has spoken out on the alleged abuse her friend Babes Wodumo.
Read more »
Babes Wodumo slammed for singing her abuse song at Durban nightclub | Independent on SaturdayBabesWodumo has stunned the internet yet again, after a short video of her reciting the lyrics contained in a song referencing her abuse surfaced on Friday.
Read more »
WATCH | Babes Wodumo shouts Mampintsha's viral line from alleged assault videoThe line, 'khona izingane la endlini' has been trending ever since video footage of Mampintsha slapping Babes went viral.
Read more »
Backlash following Babes Wodumo's performanceA video of Babes Wodumo's performance has caused a stir on social media.
Read more »
Babes Wodumo slammed for singing her abuse song at Durban nightclub | Independent on SaturdayBabesWodumo has stunned the internet yet again, after a short video of her reciting the lyrics contained in a song referencing her abuse surfaced on Friday.
Read more »
Tipcee on Babes Wodumo alleged assault: It really hurt meMusician Tipcee has spoken out on the alleged abuse her friend Babes Wodumo.
Read more »
Backlash following Babes Wodumo's performanceA video of Babes Wodumo's performance has caused a stir on social media.
Read more »
WATCH | Babes Wodumo shouts Mampintsha's viral line from alleged assault videoThe line, 'khona izingane la endlini' has been trending ever since video footage of Mampintsha slapping Babes went viral.
Read more »
Founder, board of Vatican women's magazine quit in fallout over abuse of nuns | IOL NewsThe founder and all-female editorial board of the Vatican's women's magazine have quit after what they say was a Vatican campaign to discredit them.
Read more »