Bitou's deputy mayor says toy firearm used in viral video of her son's Xhosa initiation

Deputy Executive Mayor of the Bitou Local Municipality, Nokuzola Kolwapi, has spoken out about the video circulating on social media showing her discharging a firearm during a celebration in the street, saying that there was no firearm present, and that the item in her hand is a toy-gun.

Kolwapi, who is also the Ikhwezi Political Movement (IPM) President, released an official statement through the party’s social media, saying that the video was taken during the celebration marking the return of her son from the ceremony.

“It is unfortunate that this moment has been used to score political points by the ANC and bogus so-called local community leaders.”

ANC Victor Molosi Region spokesperson Moyisi Magalela said that they noted the video with serious concern.

“The ANC views any alleged conduct involving the discharge of a firearm in a public or private setting with the utmost seriousness, particularly when it involves public representatives who are expected to uphold the law and act responsibly at all times.

“In this regard, the ANC calls on relevant law enforcement agencies to urgently conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the authenticity of the video and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The law must take its course without fear or favour,” Magalela said.

“The ANC further reiterates its commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and responsible leadership. Should the allegations be substantiated, appropriate action must be taken in line with the law and the organisation’s constitutional and disciplinary processes.”

ANC Western Cape provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni added: “Those are criminal acts, she behaves like a hooligan, a charlatan in public. Discharging a firearm in public is a criminal offence.”

Kolwapi added that the fact that this video was during her son's ulwaluko, and that the act being performed by a woman “has unsettled some, and that reaction itself deserves reflection”.

“For generations, power, ritual authority, and public symbolism have been narrowly defined along patriarchal lines.

“A woman occupying this space confidently, visibly, and unapologetically - challenges the assumption that leadership, protection, and cultural authority belong to men alone. It is an assertion that women are not guests in culture or politics - we are custodians and architects of both. This moment cannot be separated from the political and social reality of South Africa today,” she said.

“We are a nation grieving; women are being killed in their homes. This was a symbol of taking back our culture, taking back our identity and taking back our power.

“There is no contradiction between celebrating culture and condemning violence. The incident was not a threat; it was a declaration. A declaration that our sons must be raised to honour life, not dominate it. A declaration that power, when held by women, can be transformative,” she said.

“I remain committed, as a leader and as a mother, to building a South Africa where our traditions evolve without losing their soul, where women's authority is not questioned but respected, and where no woman has to march, protest, or mourn simply to be safe.”

The IPM’s coalition partner, the DA, said that they have also noted the allegation regarding the discharge of a firearm at a cultural event.

DA leader in the Western Cape, Tertuis Simmers, said: “We do not condone the discharge of firearms in public under any circumstances.

“Two SAPS cases have been opened, and the investigation is underway. We will await due process and will not comment further at this stage.”

[email protected]