Gender-based violence activists Women for Change have expressed their solidarity with South African singer Lady Zamar, who has been subjected to online harassment after accusing her ex-boyfriend, fellow musician Sjava, of sexual and emotional abuse.
In 2019, Lady Zamar made headlines by alleging that she had been raped by Sjava during their secret one-year relationship. Sjava has maintained his innocence, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dismissed the case in 2020. However, Lady Zamar has faced relentless backlash on social media, with many users accusing her of lying.
The cyberbullying against Lady Zamar intensified to the point that she hinted at taking her own life. On 16 July, she expressed her ordeal on Twitter, asking her detractors what they hoped to achieve through their hateful words. She even posted a picture of a noose, seemingly implying that it might be the solution to her problems.
Lady Zamar later reassured her fans that she is physically and mentally okay. On Tuesday morning, she tweeted words of encouragement for herself and others going through similar struggles: “You will be okay… no matter how long it takes, no matter how many battles you need to fight, trust me; you will be okay.”
Women For Change issued a social media statement condemning the harassment against Lady Zamar and her supporters. The organization emphasized the detrimental impact that such harassment can have on survivors of abuse who wish to report their experiences. They asserted that every survivor should be able to speak up without fear of retaliation or intimidation.
Television and radio personality Anele Mdoda also expressed her support for Lady Zamar, tweeting, “Chin up, baby girl. Hurt people hurt people.”
This incident brings attention to the broader issues surrounding gender-based violence, abuse allegations, and the role of social media in perpetuating a culture of bullying. By standing up for Lady Zamar, Women for Change and other supporters are sending a strong message that survivors deserve to be heard and respected, regardless of the outcome of their legal battles.
As Lady Zamar’s story unfolds, it is crucial for society to learn from her experiences and work towards creating a safer, more inclusive environment for all survivors of abuse. By standing together, we can hope to change the culture that enables cyberbullying and victim-blaming, and ultimately build a more compassionate and just world.
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