Andile Moshoeshoe
A VIRAL social media trend exposing alleged cheating partners by sharing their names and pictures has sparked public concern, with men challenging the people involved to face the law.
In the area of Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, a number of men have described the ‘Vela Star Wam’ trend as something that has compromised their sense of privacy within their families.
One of the affected men in Matatiele, who wanted to remain anonymous, said his private relationship had been exposed to his child, leaving him deeply uncomfortable.
“We no longer feel safe within our own families; we are being confronted with questions to which we have no answers,” he said.
Some men complained that they first learnt about this trend through their children, while others say the revelations have triggered conflict within their families.
It has been reported that individuals participating in the viral group take photographs of men and share them, followed by discussions about their personal lives and relationships.
A number of men from the area of Matatiele have reportedly approached the Matatiele police station to open cases, alleging that their dignity and reputations have been dragged through the mud. At least eight cases have been opened at the Matatiele police station.
According to Matatiele Local Municipality employee Salathiso Ntabeni, the matter could no longer be dismissed as mere social-media gossip, particularly because some of those allegedly targeted are public representatives who hold positions within municipalities and have families and children.
Ntabeni said it was particularly concerning that social-media platforms, which could be used by young people to create opportunities, promote entrepreneurship, develop skills and improve their livelihoods, were instead allegedly being used to shame and expose other people. He called for government institutions to intensify public education on cyber-bullying and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), particularly around the unlawful sharing of photographs and private information on social-media platforms. Matatiele Local Municipality mayor Patrick Stuurman has condemned the alleged online trend and urged families not to make impulsive decisions that could irreparably fracture relationships.
He warned that the controversy must also be viewed within the broader context of gender-based violence (GBV).
“Let us make it unequivocally clear that the allegations and claims circulating in this group have not been independently verified. We therefore appeal to families not to allow them to be torn apart by information whose authenticity remains unconfirmed,” he said, while acknowledging that many men were deeply concerned by the allegations circulating on the platform. He urged men to exercise restraint and avoid actions driven by anger or emotion.
