Pearl Thusi accused of publicity stunt after Noxolo Grootboom posts on Instagram

South Africa this week celebrated veteran broadcaster Noxolo Grootboom who stepped down from presenting the Xhosa news bulletin after announcing her retirement. Pearl Thusi, among many other South Africans, celebrated Grootboom’s achievement.

However, apparently according to a handful of netizens on Twitter, only some South Africans are worthy to speak about it online, and apparently, Pearl Thusi isn’t one of them. All types of shades were thrown online.

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN. https://t.co/x7xKtQEajm

— #QueenSono (@PearlThusi) March 31, 2021

Pearl Thusi’s social media posts

On Wednesday, Thusi shared a series of photos on Instagram, saying “when you meet a Queen, a Hero, it takes nothing from you to drop to your knees to show respect”.

She thanked Grootboom for her “commitment to [her] language, [her] work and thus being a constant to so many of us in this ever changing world”. Thusi added:

“Representing South African women do beautifully to themselves. You are synonymous with intelligence in women not being separated with her cultural and national pride”.

The Instagram post contained seven slides, two of which showed Thusi kneeling before Grootboom as a sign of respect, and two more showing to the acclaimed South African women hugging.

Accused of ‘being drama’

Unfortunately, not everyone took Thusi’s message in the positive light it was shared, with one Twitter user saying she was “being dramatic as always”, while another added, “Pearl Thusi, main character syndrome.”

A third commented: “Fede I saw that she’s an artist now… She’s pulling a young Rebecca there… New music video alert? Maybe. Hotel? Trivago”. Another simply said: “Drama too much that one”.

Loves to be seen shame this guys we call celebz pic.twitter.com/TV9y5WvWqE

— Lwandile Love (@LoveLwandile) March 31, 2021

This one and drama pic.twitter.com/BmMtBPdegq

— . (@keamo2708) March 31, 2021

Another commented: “Queens lift Queens”

To Pearl Thusi’s defence

Some user, however, appreciated Thusi’s show of respect, with one user known as “Just Namhla” posting on Instagram: “Great message, I think the whole country feels exactly the same way, I know do.”

On Twitter, Warren said, “wow respect to Pearl Thusi, even with all her money, she still has respect for her elders… Big up Pearlito.” Meanwhile, Lungelo said everyone was “getting pressed for now reason”. One netizen summed it up succinctly:

“So it was all sad when everyone was crying last night, but when Pearl Thusi does it issa problem?”

so it was all sad when everyone was crying last night but when pearl thusi does it issa problem? https://t.co/tuLx1VCmp8

— im too sober for this shit (@EurFleur) March 31, 2021