Uproar over DA MPL bikini post

Some people have the temerity to insist DA MPL Mbali Ntuli explain herself after she posted a picture of herself in a swimsuit, says the writer.

Some people have the temerity to insist DA MPL Mbali Ntuli explain herself after she posted a picture of herself in a swimsuit, says the writer.

Published Nov 29, 2015

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DA MPL Mbali Ntuli, 27, says women should wear anything they like and feel comfortable in - no one should judge them on what they are wearing.

This week the young DA leader set tongues wagging after she posted a picture of herself on Facebook wearing a bikini.

Many social media users liked her picture and only a few disagreed with her post, saying a leader should post pictures dressed in an “appropriate” manner.

“People are entitled to their opinions. I personally do not feel compelled to justify any action I take that relates to my body to anyone whatsoever, nor do I believe anybody should ever have to,” said Ntuli.

“I will add, however, that I have had nothing but positive and mature interactions with people about the picture, even those who seem intent on believing that somehow what one dresses like would have any effect on their ability to perform their duties.”

Ntuli said women’s bodies had for too long been regarded as commodities and objects to be judged and commented on.

“This is why, during these 16 days of activism, when KwaZulu-Natal has some of the highest instances of rape in the world, we should be focusing on how we deal with the crisis and end the cycle of abuse against women and children.

“We need to discuss solutions that include the whole of society to streamline our responses and maximise our chances of stopping this epidemic. This will require the government, civil society, but most importantly introspection with ourselves and the way in which we all individually contribute to the continuation of patriarchy,” she said.

“We also must seriously question harmful cultural or religious practices that are used to justify the victimisation of women and children.”

She received some positive responses on Independent Media’s Facebook page.

Wendy Ludlow commented: “The Mother Grundies would still find something to moan about if she were dressed in a onesy! She is more clothed than some pics I’ve seen on social media.”

Lynn-Rae Smith said: “No problem here. Think it’s a lot more decent than a lot of things circulating social media. Being a role model to people means people loving you for you. Allow her to be herself. Role models are not perfect people.”

Sunday Independent

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