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Johannesburg - TV personality Zuraida Jardine had to fend off criticism after her social media posts around the Wits protests in Johannesburg on Wednesday were labelled "insensitive" and "elite".
Zuraida, who is a student at the university, documented the mass strikes on the campus, detailing how she had been unable to leave for hours.
What started off as poking fun at the situation, quickly turned into Zuraida saying that she felt "imprisoned" on campus after being stuck there for over 7 hours.
Striking students blocked off all entrances to the campus, stopping anyone from entering or leaving. Students were protesting against the universities decision to go ahead with fee increases, despite protracted negotiations between the university and students about this.
In her initial posts on Snapchat, Zuraida admitted that she did not know why students were striking, and said she hoped it had to do with getting healthier foods on campus.
"I'm not too sure why they are striking. I hope it's to get healthier foods on campus. I cannot bear to have another samosa on campus. I've put on so much weight this year."
Zuraida, who has previously called herself "Zebra Patta" on the social media site then got out of her car and began to investigate.
"PYA - I'm not sure what it stands for," she joked.
The Progressive Youth Alliance is one of the main student bodies spearheading the protest action against fee increases on the campus. Zuraida interviewed a member, asking what PYA stands for, again joking that "I hope it's not a Indian sweet meat. I've gained so much weight this year".
Things get serious
But, after being stuck in her car for several hours, Zuraida then went on to Twitter, where she said she thought the protest was peaceful, but no longer felt safe.
I have not been able to leave. I feel imprisoned. We need help please!!!!! "@barrybateman: @RealMandisi ... http://t.co/J6w7epYoOB
— Zuraida Jardine (@ZuraidaJardine) October 14, 2015Ok we need help in getting out of #Wits been unable to leave for hours. I need to get to my kids. Is anyone doing anything? #Stuck
— Zuraida Jardine (@ZuraidaJardine) October 14, 2015I am no longer feeling safe. I was mistaken in thinking that this protest was peaceful. We need help in getting out of #WITS Please!!!!
— Zuraida Jardine (@ZuraidaJardine) October 14, 2015Although some thought her initial accounts on the protests were funny, Zuraida soon faced the wrath of others, who lambasted her for making fun of a very real problem in South Africa.
Stuck here for 7 hours (against my will) , can't get to my kids and I'm called 'dramatic'? "@seemenow_: @ZuraidaJardine you're dramatic."
— Zuraida Jardine (@ZuraidaJardine) October 14, 2015Love #Wits and its spirit! Proud Alumni right here! Can media ignore Zuraida please and focus on issue? That place is too expensive...
— Wild Coast Rap (@SandiOfJakes) October 14, 2015Can someone direct Zuraida to an operating exist. Wits is a maze kana. #Wits #WitsMustFall
— Daenny (@ItsMeLeebo) October 14, 2015But Zuraida was having none of it, saying that she full well understands the gravity of the situation and even agrees with the principle of their cause. But she argued that locking students in the university for hours was not on.
Are you bulling me? "@Chaz_____: Did Your Twitter rants help the #WitsFeedMustFall cause @ZuraidaJardine ?"
— Zuraida Jardine (@ZuraidaJardine) October 15, 2015I don't choose to live my life in this country as a pessimist. Once again, I am in agreement on the issues ... http://t.co/sYgotuGkDt
— Zuraida Jardine (@ZuraidaJardine) October 14, 2015From being able to leave in their vehicle when they wanted to. "@BonganNkambule: @ZuraidaJardine what did students needed protection from?"
— Zuraida Jardine (@ZuraidaJardine) October 15, 2015
