I’M NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK UP ANYMORE - AMANDA

MBABANE - “ I did this for every girl child languishing in silence.”

These sentiments were articulated by Amanda du-Pont, a Swati-born South African actress, model and television host. This was during a brief interview with this publication on her recent tell all video where she outs her rapist. Actor and TV personality Du-Pont accused musician Jub Jub (Molemo Maarohany) of rape and attempted murder. “I have been intimidated and threatened for wanting to speak up but that girl does not exist anymore, I’m grown now and I can take care of myself,” said Du-Pont.

Overturned

Jub Jub, who is the host of Uyajola 9/9 on Moja Love (DStv 157), was sentenced to 25 years in jail for murder, attempted murder and three related offences in 2012. The murder conviction was overturned in 2014 and he was released on parole in 2017 after serving four years, one month and one day of his reduced 10-year sentence. “I was raped, physically and emotionally abused for two years by Jub Jub. The only thing I did wrong was keep quiet. But that ends here. I will not be publicly ridiculed by this criminal. Him and MacG saw it fit to drag my name on their podcast for clout at the cost of amplifying a gender-based violence case,” she captioned the 18-minute video.

Local personalities stood in solidarity with Du-Pont, pop singer and actress Nomalungelo Dladla took a stance and mentioned that she believed her. Dladla across her social media platforms shared a heartfelt message to Du-Pont. The culture of women coming out and sharing their story is not new in the country. Back in 2019, a number of women came out and disclosed that a certain popular photographer had sexually assaulted them. So serious were the allegations that the photographer hibernated for a year plus, not taking gigs or making his famous appearances.

Meanwhile, Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini commended Amanda for coming out and sharing her story. Dlamini said it is usually hard for survivors to share their story but Amanda did and they fully believed and support her. “We are fully behind her and we encourage other survivors to come out and share their stories, so that justice is served,” said Dlamini. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati was quoted stating that people should always report abuse, to their nearest police station.

Charge

Vilakati said they were going to attend to reported cases, where a charge has been laid. “According to the SODVA, when you see a crime of abuse happening, you immediately report that abuse to the nearest police station, do not wait for the survivor to report, do it too,” said Vilakati. She further said in the case of Du-Pont, she would have to open a case and then the process can be taken from there. Clinical Pyschologist Innocentia Ndwandwe said it was very unfortunate for women, who have to keep their stories to themselves because a number of people failed to understand the concept of consent.

Ndwandwe said from Amanda’s story she learnt that people were still not educated when it came to rape, consent and being a rape apologists. “It was a scary sight, imagine a woman choosing to be vulnerable like that  with half the world but we still have people asking uncalled for questions, that was absurd,” she said. She further mentioned that consent was one thing the government of Eswatini needed to teach and invest in. “Yes, you can be in a relationship with someone and they can rape you. Being in a relationship doe not mean permanent consent.” 

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