Last week Friday news broke that the South African Film And Television Awards (Saftas) had withdrawn the nomination of TV presenter Katlego Maboe following a public outcry from some over the abuse allegations hanging over him.
Maboe was nominated for the public-voted category Best TV Presenter against Devi Sankaree Govender, Dineo Ranaka, Palesa Tembe, Katchie Nzama, and Waldimar Pelser.
The Saftas released a statement saying,” After careful deliberation of concerns raised regarding the nomination of Mr.Katlego Maboe in the Best TV Presenter Public Vote Category, announced on Thursday, 29 April 2021, the SAFTA’s jury has decided to rescind his nomination.”
Mobaoe has previously won in the category for two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016.
Following this decision by the organizers, Twitter went into overdrive with SA celebrities calling for a boycott of the Saftas. Actor Tumisho Masha, comedian David Kau and media personality Anele Mdoda are some of the entertainment heavyweights to have come out in defense of Maboe.
Kau said,"Don’t let the Bullshit get to you, you don’t need any award to know how talented you are".
Dear @KatlegoMaboe_ Don’t let the Bullshit get to you, you don’t need any award to know how talented you are.
— DavidKau (@davidkau1) May 15, 2021
The Saftas will take place on Saturday, 22nd May from 6.30 pm on SABC 3. Safta organizers have yet to respond to the backlash.
