UK-based singer Toya Delazy faced severe backlash on social media after expressing her views on the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Oppenheimer family. Delazy, speaking on behalf of her late grandfather Mangosuthu Buthelezi, claimed that the Oppenheimers were never truly his friends, as their actions contradict what he stood for.
Toya Delazy ignited a storm on X (formerly Twitter) by criticizing the GNU and the Oppenheimer family. She asserted that her grandfather, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, would have been opposed to the current actions of the Oppenheimers, suggesting their friendship with him was insincere. Delazy's post read:
"My grandfather would have never agreed to what the Oppenheimers are doing today, they are proving they were never really his friends. It's terribly sad to see what nonsense white friends my grandad had."
South Africans quickly took to social media to express their disapproval of Delazy's statements. Many felt her comments were unfounded and insensitive given Buthelezi's controversial historical role.
@sam_samketi remarked: "He would agree with it, baby. He long did with his collaboration with them for the massacre of black people during apartheid, and his life always reaffirmed that - till today. Quick one, what was he offered by the NP that was better than standing for black people?"
@NyikoChuma_ shared: "I think we can all agree that it's you who doesn't know your grandfather, the things he did, stood for and put people through."
@LordPercyK shared: "Your grandfather was a warlord and murderer hope he continues to burn in hell for all the black people his Inkatha killed."
The backlash against Toya Delazy highlights the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the legacy of Mangosuthu Buthelezi and the history of South Africa. Delazy’s attempt to defend her grandfather’s legacy has opened old wounds, prompting a heated debate among netizens about historical narratives and accountability.