A clip of a female pallbearer helping to carry Tito Mboweni’s coffin to his final resting place has courted controversy on social media.
The woman – identified as Nomvula Mokonyane – was one of several high officials tasked with the sombre duty.
The former Minister of Finance and first black Reserve Bank Governor was buried in a state funeral on Saturday, 19 October, in Tzaneen, Limpopo.
TITO MBOWENI FEMALE PALLBEARER COURTS CONTROVERSY
In a clip tweeted by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, Tito Mboweni’s coffin was seen being carried into the Bodweni Cemetry in Limpopo.
In the video, Fikile and several others – including Nomvula Molonyane, a former minister – served as pallbearers to their fallen comrade.
However, the clip courted controversy amongst Fikile’s X followers, who were surprised to see a female pallbearer. According to a few users, females are prohibited from being pallbearers to distinguished males.
@clipamokau: “Times have changed. Never seen a woman carrying a coffin”.
@lorrenzom: “Since when women are allowed to carry a coffin?”
@TshepoTC11: “This is truly disrespecting Tito Mboweni and his family. This is not allowed”.
NOMVULA MOLOYANE CLAPS BACK?
Sensing the criticism of social media, Nomvula Moloyane – who has previously been the minister of several departments, including Environmental Affairs, Communication, and Water and Sanitation – clapped on her X account.
Images via YouTube screenshot: SABC
Tweeting a picture of former struggle stalwart Winnie Mandela carrying a coffin on her shoulder, Nomvula tweeted: “In Struggle, men and women are equal”.
Nomvula – a close friend and colleague of Tito Mboweni – used the hashtag “#Shehasmultiplied.”
IS IT DISRESPECTFUL FOR WOMEN TO BE PALLBEARERS IN YOUR CULTURE?
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