Personalities braving confinement in Africa scandal

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This Wednesday, the South African Minister of Communication was suspended for two months for not respecting the measures intended to fight against the coronavirus in her country. A scandal reminiscent of another, this time in Nigeria.

Publicity

This is an embarrassing affair for the South African government: Stella Ndabeni Abrahams, the Minister of Communication, allegedly attended a lunch, defying the obligation to confine herself. In a photo that could have gone unnoticed, we can see the minister sitting at the table, all smiles, alongside five people at the home of a former Minister of Education, Mduduzi Manana. No particular distance between each guest.

On social networks, this image quickly raised a wave of indignation, because to stop the outbreak of the epidemic, Pretoria imposed strict confinement until April 16. Only trips essential for shopping or for medical treatment are authorized. However, the Minister of Communication has been multiplying messages in recent days to emphasize the importance of applying this confinement to the letter.

Suspended for two months

Embarrassed by this controversy, the South African president summoned the minister on Tuesday April 7 and this morning, the presidency announced, in a press release, that this official was suspended from her duties for two months. Stella Ndabeni Abrahams will not be paid and will be replaced during this period. She will also have to apologize publicly.

► Also read: Containment: South African police and military implicated in violence

Confinement requires " absolute respect " and members of the government " have a special responsibility ", the presidency stressed, calling on South Africans to make " sacrifices " to respect this measure.

Scandal also in Nigeria with the star Funke Akindele

Last week, a similar scandal occurred in Nigeria with Funke Akindele, an actress who is very popular there. The star had organized a birthday party for her husband, in his residence in Lagos. Over twenty people, including cultural figures, participated in this celebration. The photos and videos posted on social networks quickly drew criticism from Nigerians, who were already frustrated by the confinement imposed on Lagos, a megalopolis of more than 20 million inhabitants.

► To read also: In Nigeria, the streets of Lagos almost deserted with confinement

The actress immediately apologized . But his excuses do not pass to public opinion: indeed, Funke Akindele has displayed, in recent weeks, in awareness campaigns by health authorities emphasizing the importance of applying the "barrier gestures" and the social distance.

On Monday April 6, a court sentenced Funke Akindele and her musician husband to 14 days of civic service with the city of Lagos. Note that a candidate for the Lagos governorate election and an artist, who had attended this celebration, were placed under deposit order earlier this week.

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• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Containment
• Coronavirus
• Africa