Sjava’s (Jabulani Hadebe) announcement as part of Break Out Events’ Tribute to Women concert has attracted mixed reactions due to the rape allegations faced by the musician in 2019. 

Kelly Khumalo was removed from the artist line-up of the 2023 edition of the same event, suggesting that Sjava’s appearance this year might border on double standards. Khumalo’s removal was motivated by investigations into the 2014 murder of her then-boyfriend and soccer star, Senzo Meyiwa. 

“We have noted, with concern, comments on social media platforms and calls from many patrons of our festival. We respect the legal processes and wish to indicate Ms Kelly Khumalo is innocent until proven otherwise,” said the organisers. 

No charges had officially been laid against Khumalo at the time and to date, the musician has never been charged in any capacity pertaining to Meyiwa’s death. The rape allegations against Sjava were subsequently dropped due to insufficient evidence; however, a case was officially opened against him, which is not true in Khumalo’s case. 

Tribute to Women is a self-explanatory concert — a platform that celebrates the Mbokodos of Mzansi, which is staged annually during National Women’s Month (August). When Khumalo was snubbed in 2023, the event was organised by Sheer Entertainment, with Break Out partnering with the former for later editions of the event. By the time of publication, neither company had responded to the questions that were sent last week. 

Responding to a social media comment that alleged that there had been more women than men at a Sjava event held in Pretoria last month, a user named Khanyisile Hadebe responded, “We don’t dispute that, but the event is for women’s empowerment, so why would they intentionally add a rape-accused artist to an empowerment show? What is being empowered there, or is it disrespect towards women?” 

Given the seriousness of the accusations against Sjava six years ago, this begs the question: “Is it appropriate that he headlines a women’s celebratory event?” However, men of questionable character ascending such platforms appears to be a growing trend in South Africa, as Penuel Mlotshwa headlined Wear Your Brand’s Evolution on Women in Leadership in 2024. Mlotshwa’s views about women are problematic, misogynistic  and are rooted in the “red pill” mentality.

While Tribute to Women cited social media backlash as being one of the contributing factors to Khumalo’s removal, the organisers have not responded to patrons’ comments and concerns relating to Sjava.