President Cyril Ramaphosa has stepped on the toes of many following his recent tweet about the death of actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards.
The star died on Monday at the age of 66.
She was found dead in the guest house in Cape Town in which she was staying during the filming of the TV series Arendsvlei.
According to her family, she suffered from diabetes and heart problems.
Taking to Twitter, President Ramaphosa on Tuesday decided to pay respect to the legend, her family, friends and colleagues.
“We have lost a household performer whose distinctive energy, artistic versatility and humility touched generations of South Africans for more than three decades.
“On stage and screen Shaleen Surtie-Richards held a mirror to our unjust past and gave us hope for our future as a nation. May her soul rest in peace,” said Ramaphosa.
President @CyrilRamaphosa mourns passing of veteran performer Shaleen Surtie-Richards https://t.co/qWMWoqlUdR pic.twitter.com/Fx4jENvAki
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 7, 2021
Many of his tweeps were not happy with his tweet as they criticized the president for not having signed the long-awaited Copyright Amendment Bill and Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill.
How can you be mourning when you won’t sign the bill! On her royalties alone she could have retired and lived well. Please save your mourning . Seems artists are only useful dead https://t.co/ptybT7V4ku
— Bhut’ Masasa (@MsMasasa) June 8, 2021
Mourning?! Because you & your Honorable Members who ‘can’t make ends meet’ did nothing to help when she needed medical care or a peaceful retirement. A 40yr career & @ParliamentofRSA still blocked her right to earn #fairroyalties from her work. Tell me again how you’re mourning? https://t.co/I5HSrHvRNC
— Jack Devnarain (@JackD157) June 8, 2021
All that you do is mourn and congratulate artists never supporting them and ensuring their art is nurtured and protected.
— Mpho e-counsellor (@WordItOut_E) June 9, 2021
