‘Promoting crime’: BI Phakathi bashed for showing Lulama ‘Ubuntu’

For the first time, philanthropist BI Phakathi has been criticised for helping a person in need. That person is “Lulama”, a young woman who was caught stealing nappies in a video that has gone viral on social media.

The Good Samaritan reacted to the clip of the young mom who was publicly admonished in a local supermarket.

Since the clip aired over the weekend, Phakathi and other well-known figures like Amapiano hitmaker Lady Du and activist Tlangi Michelle have vowed to assist the young mother. But Twitter – or X.com – users have accused them of “promoting crime” instead.

BI PHAKATHI AND OTHERS SHOW LOVE TO LULAMA

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.

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In the spirit of Ubuntu, many Twitter – or X –  users reached out to offer help to the woman.

This included activist and philanthropist Tlangi Michelle who documented her decision to raise funds for Lulama. Michelle, alongside others like Lady Du and the Youth Unite Foundation, delivered a mini-van full of nappies, groceries, and clothing to the woman’s house.

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Meanwhile, BI Phakathi, as well as those who helped Lulama, were criticised on Twitter for “promoting crime.”

Here’s what tweeps had to say about the actions of the woman and those that helped her.

@Noxza_dube: “Where is this Ubuntu when it comes to the Mercedes-Benz guy who lost everything?”

@_simplyenny: “Crime is rewarded in South Africa.”

@c_mnce: “I’m highly disappointed in you sir”

@Am_kudzie: “You mean Lulama the thief, right? Glorifying a thief that’s why crime doesn’t end in South Africa.”

@NolubabaloMotl2: “So you are promoting crime? Was it going to be the same “power of Ubuntu” had it been a man?

Let me also go and steal maybe I'll also receive the power of Ubuntu pic.twitter.com/MhYgirtwyP

— Mr Mulaudzi (@Brother70883584) September 5, 2023

"the power of Ubuntu"… Simply promoting crime. pic.twitter.com/TA3PPZo2uv

— 🙂Lil Weird Stuff🙃 ⚘𓃵✎°ߘ𝔾𝕠𝕞𝕠ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪ߘ°⚘ ✎☞ (@myloveourunity) September 5, 2023