It’s fake news: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams denies ‘new BMW’ claims

Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams may have been Cabinet’s worst-behaved minister during lockdown (although, there’s some stiff competition) but the suspended communications minister has been forced to distance herself from a “malicious” piece of fake news considering her lockdown activities.

Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and the BMW video – it’s technically fake news

A clip of Ndabeni-Abrahams was uploaded to social media on Wednesday. She was seen dancing on her driveway next to a BMW. The brief video, posted with very little context or explanation, implies that the minister is being ignorant towards the millions of South Africans confronted by a deep crisis – all while she serves an enforced two months off work after breaching lockdown laws earlier this month.

It even got the outspoken MK veteran Carl Niehaus hot under the collar…

“That video should be looked at… The long-suffering selfless loyalty of our ANC members, compared to displays of conspicuous consumption and arrogance of some of our leaders is shameful. The time for self-correction and ending this nonsense is long overdue!”

Carl Niehaus

New car, old video

This is the video in question, by the way: But take what you’re seeing with a pinch of salt.

Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams wants to thank every taxpayer for making her realize her dreamspic.twitter.com/L5ZkpomSyu

— marcel (@marcel__za) April 29, 2020

Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams rallies against fake news

Of course, the argument remains whether this sort of ‘parading’ is acceptable in any circumstances. But given that sharing fake news is now a criminal offence, it’s best to deal with the lie at the heart of the matter. This footage was not recorded during lockdown, and Ndabeni-Abrahams has pleaded with South Africans to disregard it:

“This video was shot one year ago, just after the 2019 Elections. I also would like to draw attention to the fact that car dealerships are closed during the lockdown. I am at home – in line with the lockdown regulations which require citizens to remain at home and observe social distancing rules.”

“It is malicious and mischievous to portray me as a person with no remorse and insensitively displaying opulence at the face of the poor. I humbly call on all involved, whether in raising their opinions or circulating it, to avoid the temptation of sensationalism without first verifying the facts.”

Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams

pic.twitter.com/Roa5xNajki

— Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (@Stellarated) April 30, 2020