BI Phakathi, a philanthropist, has defended his decision to support Lulama, a woman caught stealing nappies in a viral video. And he’s not the only one: Lady Du and a number of charity activists have also come under fire.
Over the weekend, a video of the young mother being publicly chastised in a Jet clothing store sparked outrage on social media.
Several celebrities have come to Lulama’s aid with monetary and grocery donations since the video aired over the weekend. However, users of Twitter – or X.com – have accused them of “promoting crime” instead.
In the clip that went viral, a young woman was seen being humiliated by store employees for stealing a pack of Huggies nappies. The woman – now identified as Lulama – had concealed the items underneath her clothes in her desperate attempt to evade capture.
In the spirit of Ubuntu, many Twitter – or X – users reached out to offer help to the woman.
This included Youth Unite Foundation NGO activist Tlangi Michelle and hitmaker Lady Du. Through generous donations from charity and the public, Lulama received a mini-van full of nappies, groceries, and clothing delivered to her doorstep.
The post attracted the attention of BI Phakathi, who is known for his generous donations to the less privileged.
Unfortunately, despite his seemingly good intentions, many Twitter – or X.com – users called him out for “promoting crime” in South Africa.
The mysterious Good Samaritan defended his words politely in response. “The one without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her John 8:7,” he tweeted.
Phakathi’s Biblical passage post alluded to those who accused Lulama of committing a crime.
Meanwhile, Lady Du and Tlangi Michelle also defended their actions – and Lulama – against critics.
Michelle tweeted that the public should extend kindness and not judgement to the woman. She posted: “We can still, through our laws, reprimand, rehabilitate, and help the latter mother to realise that her choices were wrong so she can mend them. Then lose so many lives because we are a hateful nation that can’t afford our own a second chance.
