The recent airing of the funeral of popular DJ, comedian and MC Peter "Mashata" Mabuse on Moja Love's "After Tears" show has sparked outrage and accusations of insensitivity and exploitation.
Family members and close friends of the late entertainer are furious, claiming they were unaware that the channel's crew was filming the funeral for the show.
"Everyone, including Peter’s friends and family, was shocked when they saw a trailer of the show, including scenes of his funeral. If the family’s mourning, one should ask them for permission to come and cover the funeral. [Those of public figures] aren’t like normal ones: they’re busy and they’re full," said a source close to the family.
The source alleges that the "After Tears" crew did not disclose their intentions to film the funeral for the show. Instead, mourners assumed the crew was simply reporting on the event, as other media organisations were present.
"This was a high-profile ceremony and the crew saw fit to come and film there, without revealing that to the family. It’s not a problem when media people simply want to do interviews," the source said.
Furthermore, the source claims that the family and those who worked with the late DJ never signed any release forms granting "After Tears" permission to film and air the funeral. When asked for the release forms, the show's producer claimed he had them but could not produce them at the time, stating they were with another crew member.
"So the question is: Was the release form ever signed? Release forms are supposed to be in the crew office, so why are they with someone else?" the source questioned.
Another insider echoed these sentiments, stating that the crew took advantage of the family in their most vulnerable state.
"They must just say who in the family called them, because we didn’t call anyone. People were coming, flocking in numbers to cover the funeral, but no one gave After Tears permission to film it. They should realise that this is serious," the source said.
The source also expressed concern about the emotional impact of seeing the funeral footage on the show, fearing that the family will be forced to relive their grief every time the episode is re-aired.
"There’s no way that After Tears would have been called. Everyone was shocked and in fear when Peter was gunned down. We didn’t know who’d be next. It was a lot to deal with. We watched one another going through all that trauma. They’re so insensitive, those After Tears guys. They came here and lied because they were trying to ride on the wave. Moja Love is shady and never wants to take accountability," the source said.
Mashata's mother, who was grieving for her son at the time of the filming, expressed her deep unhappiness about the show airing her son's funeral.
"I was in mourning. I was lying in bed crying for my baby boy. Mashata’s manager was the one handling everything," she said.
"All I want is for my son’s soul to rest in peace. I’m not interested in talking to anyone, it won’t bring back my son."
When contacted for comment, the "After Tears" producer denied that he had not been given permission to film the funeral. He claimed that the family had given consent for interviews and filming.
Moja Love spokesperson Nonzwakazi Cekete echoed the producer's claims, stating that the funeral organiser had contacted the show's researcher and introduced him to Mashata's manager, who had granted the crew access to the family and anyone else they wished to interview.
"The channel operates mainly in black communities and respects the culture of black people, particularly where deaths and funerals are concerned. Accordingly, the channel and the team held discussions with the family, and the crew introduced themselves as coming from the channel. The family gave explicit consent for interviews to be recorded. It’s important to note that the said interviews were conducted with care and respect, and no one was interviewed under duress," Cekete said.
However, the funeral organiser vehemently denied ever contacting Moja Love or inviting them to the funeral.
"I’m not involved with them in any way, shape or form. I never call anybody. I’m not associated with Moja Love. I didn’t even know that it does the After Tears show. They went to MaR5 and Velheminah in Mamelodi and introduced themselves when they wanted to interview me, but I never invited them. They went to Mashata the same way, because they go everywhere. I don’t have any relationship with Moja Love. They do what they do and I do what I do," the funeral organiser said.
The conflicting accounts raise serious questions about the ethics and transparency of Moja Love's "After Tears" show. While the channel claims to respect the culture of black communities and to have obtained consent from the family, the family's vehement denials paint a different picture.
