A woman and a man stand near a nativity scene Artists Babes Wodumo and Sizwe Mdlalose at the nativity scene in Westville. Picture: Screengrab from video
Durban: A video circulating on social media showing well-known entertainers Babes Wodumo and Sizwe Mdlalose at the Rotary Club’s nativity scene in Westville has sparked an outcry from the Christian community.
In the video, the pair are seen questioning the absence of the baby Jesus figure before hitting other statues in a playful but controversial manner.
The footage, posted on Mdlalose’s social media accounts, shows the two jokingly interrogating the Nativity figures, asking, “Where is baby Jesus?”
The baby Jesus doll appeared to be missing from the scene, which has long been a popular feature in the Westville area during the festive season.
However, the artists’ actions were met with sharp criticism, particularly from religious leaders who described their behaviour as “disrespectful and offensive”.
Pastor Paul Pillay, from the Nazareth Family Church in Chatsworth, called for action to be taken against the two celebrities, stating that their conduct was unacceptable in a country striving for unity and tolerance.
“Babes Wodumo and Sizwe Mdlalose should be charged accordingly. In a country where we have crossed the threshold of apartheid and religious freedom and are building towards a better society of race and religious tolerance, this kind of behaviour towards another religious community is totally disrespectful and unacceptable,” he said.
“What seems comic to them is (showing) disdain and total disregard to Christianity and Christians in South Africa and around the globe,” Pillay said.
Pastor Selvan Govender described the incident as “immature and disrespectful,” suggesting that it was an attempt to seek public attention.
“It is a case of vandalism as they seek public attention. I don’t see it as comedic; they were not laughing. As a pastor, I find it totally not acceptable. This type of behaviour is disrespectful and offensive to the Christian community as it defiles the Nativity Scene which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour,” Govender added.
The Rotary Club of Westville, which is responsible for erecting the Nativity Scene, confirmed that the baby Jesus figure had been missing before the incident.
Su Boertje from the club said: “Sadly, the baby Jesus figure was removed from the manger earlier in the week by persons unknown. It was there when The Rotary Club of Westville erected the scene earlier in the month. I am looking for a replacement.”
She said the club was aware of the video and Rotary Club president, Alex Wardle, was handling the incident.
JAG Security, whose guard can be seen in the video but who does not appear to intervene, said in a statement: “Despite our guard being threatened by intoxicated individuals and not being able to call for back-up due to the cellular network being down, and unwarranted attacks on our reputation, we want to assure our community that we remain committed to providing top-notch security services.”
JAG Security also confirmed that a case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and assured the public of their commitment to safety and professionalism.
“We believe in turning the other cheek and rising above adversity. Our dedication to Westville and its people remains unwavering,” they stated.
The security company also issued a stern warning: “Friendly warning, you are now monitored 24/7 and JAG will respond to any interference at the Nativity Scene.”
Attempts to obtain comment from Babes Wodumo and Sizwe Mdlalose were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
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