UCT Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng has slammed Adriaan Basson. Image via Facebook/ Mamokgethi Phakeng
Prof Phakang fires back at News24’s ‘unethical’ Adriaan Basson
‘Wildly, you’re the most unethical editor in SA but aren’t even creative at concocting stuff,’ said former UCT VC Phakang to Adriaan Basson.
UCT Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng has slammed Adriaan Basson. Image via Facebook/ Mamokgethi Phakeng
Popular South African news editor Adriaan Basson found himself in the firing line on Wednesday this week for his comments on former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town Mamokgethi Phakang. Commenting on the Interim Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy’s letter regarding support and professionalism during the protests at the institution, Basson said that it was refreshing to see a hands-on approach as opposed to posts about fashion, dancing, and boxing gloves — referring here to Phakang who is well-known for her vibrant personality, social media presence and bold fashion choices.
While many South Africans who stand in support of the former VC quickly called Basson out for his tweet, Phakang herself took the opportunity to address the News24 editor who she has called “the most unethical news editor in SA”.
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Mamokgethi Phakang slams News24’s Adriaan Basson
Seasoned News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson has been in the firing line on Twitter ever since his tweet about former UCT Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakang.
Basson was responding appreciatively to a letter written by the university’s interim VC, Daya Reddy while throwing shade at Phakang who he slammed for posting fashion and dancing videos during the violent protests at UCT.
He also added that the change at the institution is “refreshing”.
ALSO READ: WATCH: UCT Prof Phakeng says she’s ‘okay’ and ‘happy’
“No fashion or dancing videos while Rome is burning. Refreshing change at @UCT_news,” he wrote in a tweet on Monday.
The tweet caused instant outrage as social media users called him out for what they deemed to be unprofessional behaviour.
Phakang, who was clearly left outraged by his tweet, responded swiftly.
ALSO READ: UCT council to suspend Vice-chancellor Phakeng – report
The former VC called Basson out for “concocting stuff” and being “the most unethical news editor in SA”.
She further went on to point out that the fashion and boxing videos Basson is referring to were taken while she was out of the office and enjoying her personal time.
Taking off the boxing gloves
“Wildly, you’re the most unethical editor in SA but aren’t even creative at concocting stuff. FYI, “Rome” burnt ONCE during my tenure (naturally by the way); guess who was on the ground? Also, I posted a dancing video while on SABBATICAL, and boxing gloves while on RETIREMENT. 1/3,” she wrote.
She also went on to add that she should be allowed to dance in her own time especially since she was still getting her job done.
Phakang also accused Basson of using his platforms to “spread hogwash” in her name.
Not stopping there she wrote that she would not be bullied by him.
ALSO READ: UCT VC, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, in hot water AGAIN
