Women politicians abused Online

The controversial nomination of councilors has stirred online violence against active women politicians who have been ridiculed on social media, accused of extending sexual favours to be appointed as specially nominated councilors. Social media, especially political WhatsApp groups were awash with voice audio that spread misinformation about women who were nominated for sleeping with party leadership in exchange for nominated council positions. Other derogatory messages on social media also suggested that the nomination of women will turn councils into sex workers hot spots similar to a well-known one in Tlokweng commonly known as, “Koga Sekontula”. The spot has become notorious as a stopover for male truck drivers who enjoy the services of sex workers. 

Gender Activist, Pamela Dube concurs with the Afrobarometer 2024 Report tittled, “Women Political Participation,” assertion that social media and the media in general often propagate societal stereotypes that men have a monopoly on competitive politics, overshadowing efforts by women politicians. The report noted that often social media and the media coverage on women put much emphasis on their perceived flaws, hypertextualization, exaggerated emotional nature of their remarks or actions, rather than what they are doing right or policy positions they have.