Musician and social activist Simphiwe Dana has added her voice to the widespread debate, which was sparked by a controversial extract from editor Lerato Tshabalala's book.
The respected editor found herself in the midst of a social media storm, after an extract from her book The Way I See It: The musings of a black woman in the rainbow nation went viral on Monday.The extract, which was first published in the Sunday Times, details Tshabalala's experiences with black service providers.
The 800 word extract delves into why Tshabalala prefers to employ 'blue eyes, than black guys.'
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Simphiwe weighed in on the frenzy caused by the extract.
"Dear Lerato. I'm one of those who was shocked by your opinions. I only ever buy black authored SA books. I won't buy yours. I'm not a hater," Simphiwe said.
The musician went on to seemingly give Tshabalala advice on how to "make people laugh at themselves."
"There's a way to make people laugh at themselves without ridiculing them. It requires nuance. Your writing doesn't have that."
Reading up on critical race theory would have helped you write a more constructive, yet still funny book. I am black and I read.— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) July 12, 2016
So no, I am not a hater, I wish you had done better. I am disappointed. And that is my opinion, your book is disappointing— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) July 12, 2016
But dear Lerato. My disappointment will not affect your sales. At all. But you can't unknow how I feel— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) July 12, 2016
During an interview with DJ Sbu on Vuma FM on Tuesday morning, Tshabalala stood by her comments.
"The book has 17 chapters and is about having a constructive discussion. We have to say what is wrong with us so we can get to the right place."
