Radio personality Ayanda Msweli misunderstood by Liberty Midlands Mall management. Photos: Ayanda Msweli/ Facebook
Outrage as Mall boot out radio personality for seeking donations
It is reported that this popular radio personality descended on Midlands Mall to conduct his donation drive but had no success.
Radio personality Ayanda Msweli misunderstood by Liberty Midlands Mall management. Photos: Ayanda Msweli/ Facebook
Liberty Midlands Mall in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal has been criticised by patrons and fans of radio personality Ayanda Msweli who was allegedly escorted out of the premises after going on a donation drive without consent.
WHY MIDLANDS MALL ACTED AGAINST THE RADIO PERSONALITY’S ACTIONS
It is reported that this popular radio personality descended on the Midlands Mall vicinity to conduct his donation drive, money that he collects from ordinary citizens called ‘imali yebhakede’ which he uses to empower impoverished communities across the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
This past weekend was no different for Msweli, however, his donation drive was turned down at the mall due to consensual disputes.
A video circulated online showing the former Ukhozi FM presenter being escorted out of the mall.
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SHOPPING CENTRE RELEASES A STATEMENT
The mall defended its decision by saying: “ Midlands Mall has been made aware of a video being circulated of a well-known radio personality collecting funds at the mall on Sunday, 10 December 2023. Whilst Midlands Mall advocates and supports 16 Days of Activism, collection drives are only made possible on the premises through prior arrangement and approval.
“In this instance, no permission was requested and the mall security team intervened and escorted the individual from the premises”.
“Midlands Mall has since reached out to the individual and has scheduled a meeting to discuss the matter further,” the centre explained.
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MSWELI’S FANS ANGRY AFTER DONATION DRIVE ‘UNDERMINED’
The explanation was not enough to outweigh the criticism from disappointed fans and patrons.
“Mbuso Mchunu said, “As a Pietermaritzburg resident I’m so disappointed at the Mall management for the treatment you gave this guy. You guys have no idea how much he is doing for the community, You guys owe Ayanda Msweli and the whole of South Africa an apology”.
Mthokozisi Alec KaMatomela asked, “According to the management of the mall what’s wrong with asking for donations at the mall? How is it an inconvenience?”
Luzelwande Lwah said, “Other well-known malls never chase people away because they know we are all equal and we should be treated equal… What he is doing is to help poor people who are struggling to have a better living it is not like he wanted money for himself, but it seems like we have a different definition of humanity”.
