Gayton McKenzie accused of not understanding fashion industry after his meeting with Shein
Fashion designer David Tlale said he doesn’t think Gayton McKenzie understands the complexities of the clothing and textile industry.
Thobejane, known for her work on screen and in the beauty industry, has taken on a new role: activist and advocate.
“I am a survivor,” she said. “I survived a targeted shooting — an act meant to silence me. I have survived the brutal weight of online bullying, defamation and relentless character assassination. I’ve been mocked, humiliated and threatened — not just as a public figure but as a mother, a woman and a human being.”
While many might retreat from the spotlight after such trauma, Thobejane says her experience lit a fire in her.
“Through it all I found purpose in my pain.”
That purpose now has a name: the Botlhale Foundation, a movement rooted in wisdom, healing and justice. “Botlhale” means “wise” in Setswana and Thobejane says the foundation is a safe space for women, children and marginalised voices — especially those who've faced bullying, silencing or abuse, simply for existing or speaking out.
The foundation will focus on:
combating social media bullying and digital abuse;
supporting survivors of GBV and public shaming;
advocating for legal reform, mental health resources and digital accountability; and
creating safe spaces for dialogue, education and storytelling.
“My story is not unique and that is the tragedy. Many women suffer in silence. I no longer will,” she said.
Thobejane called on the public, stakeholders and partners to support the movement and take part in building a more compassionate and just society.
“This is more than a foundation. It is a voice for the unheard, a shield for the vulnerable and a call to action for a country that must do better,” she said.
Issued on SowetanLIVE by Kgomotso Moganedi | https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2025-07-08-i-survived-targeted-shooting-tebogo-thobejane-launches-foundation-to-fight-online-abuse-and-gbv/
