eNCA news anchor Andrew Barnes has issued a public apology to ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu after he shamed her for overeating at the National Dialogue.
The convention – which is open to the public – kicked off on Friday, 15 August at the University of South Africa (UNISA)’s main campus in Pretoria. It will continue for several months and will facilitate direct communication between the government and the public.
ANC SPOKESPERSON SHAMED FOR OVEREATING AT NATIONAL DIALOGUE
In a clip that has gone viral on social media, eNCA’s Andrew Barnes commented on ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu’s appearance at the National Dialogue.
He said during a live segment: “I hope the ANC spokeswoman is no longer hungry. She helped herself no less than twice to the crew’s sandwiches”.
He added, “Love her”.
The clip left many government officials outraged over the journalist’s comments.
Gauteng Premier Penyaza Lesufi posted on X: “I hope eNCA will act decisively. He will never say this to Helen Zille or AfriForum”.
The president’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, added, “This is outside of free speech and totally uncalled for.”
Mahlengi Bhengu responded to being fat-shamed at the National Dialogue, tweeting: “Self-entitled condescension at its pitiful level. Embarrassed at such a lack of class.
“The ANC Communications has a great rapport with ENCA colleagues. The sandwich Marshall cannot fathom”.
Bhengu also demanded a public apology.
ENCA REPORTER: ‘I’M SORRY’
Following the backlash, eNCA’s Andrew Barnes issued a public apology via his X account.
He said, “At the time, I thought I was being cheeky and clever, but I’ve since been made to understand just how very deep those comments cut, not just to the ANC national spokesperson but for women across the country.
“[The National Dialogue] touched on the very issues we’re talking about at the national convention: race, identity, and a lack of respect. But they also cut very personally, and I never go out to intentionally hurt anyone’s feelings. But I’m sorry.”
DO YOU THINK THE ENCA ANCHOR’S COMMENTS AT THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE WERE OUT OF LINE?
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