A controversial comment by eNCA presenter Andrew Barnes sparked a heated social media exchange after he appeared to fat-shame ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri during coverage of the National Dialogue in Pretoria. Barnes, who joked that Bhengu-Motsiri had taken “several sandwiches,” later apologized, but the incident escalated when a social media user linked the remark to broader allegations of ANC corruption.
The user claimed Barnes “wasn’t wrong,” suggesting ANC members like Bhengu-Motsiri were known for “taking resources meant for others.” The spokesperson fired back angrily, calling the comment a personal attack and telling the critic to “go to hell.” Her sharp response highlighted the tension between political criticism and perceived character assaults in South Africa’s polarized climate.
The dispute began after footage circulated of Barnes’ on-air comment, made during a broadcast from the University of South Africa dialogue venue. While Barnes addressed his remark as a poor joke, the subsequent social media backlash shifted focus to deeper public frustrations about governance and accountability.
Bhengu-Motsiri, a prominent ANC figure since 2023, defended her integrity in a public post, framing the sandwich comparison as an unjustified smear. Her reaction underscores the challenges political figures face when personal insults intersect with systemic critiques—particularly amid ongoing debates about local government performance.
Reactions to the clash have been mixed. Some supporters argue Bhengu-Motsiri had every right to counter what she viewed as a malicious attack, while others suggest her fiery response risked escalating tensions. The incident reflects South Africa’s struggle to balance free speech with respectful discourse, especially when media missteps amplify existing societal divisions.
What began as an offhand TV comment has now become part of a larger conversation about political accountability, media responsibility, and how public figures navigate personal dignity in the digital age. With corruption allegations remaining a sensitive topic, the exchange demonstrates how quickly online debates can shift from policy discussions to personal confrontations.
