In the heated arena of South African politics, a cyberbullying probe against fiery activist Goolam Vawda has captivated social media, pitting him against ANC stalwart Lindiwe Sisulu and her allies. Over a year after Sisulu lodged charges, Gauteng police remain tight-lipped, fueling accusations of bias and stalling tactics. As Vawda’s relentless X posts continue to rack up thousands of engagements, the question looms: will defamation charges stick in a landscape where criminal defamation has been scrapped?
The Explosive Origins of the Vawda-Sisulu Feud
Goolam Muhammad Vawda, known on X as @goolammv, is no stranger to controversy. With a bio declaring war on the “axis of evil” including Jacob Zuma, Julius Malema, and ANC figures, Vawda has built a reputation as an unfiltered critic of political corruption. His posts often allege tender scandals, nepotism, and betrayal within the ruling party.
The feud with Lindiwe Sisulu, a veteran ANC MP and daughter of struggle icon Walter Sisulu, erupted publicly in mid-2024. Vawda dubbed her “Barbie” in viral threads, accusing her of links to the R300 million Covid-19 temporary housing scandal involving businessman Edwin Sodi, misleading Parliament, and nepotistic rise in government.
These claims, backed by references to Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probes, struck a nerve. Sisulu, who has served as Human Settlements Minister and others, viewed them as beyond fair critique—crossing into harassment territory.
Sisulu Strikes Back: Cyberbullying Charges Filed
In July 2024, Sisulu marched to Roodepoort SAPS, filing a docket under the Cybercrimes Act for cyberbullying, alongside hate speech and defamation claims. Her affidavit detailed a “series of defamatory attacks” via social media, labeling them “unjustified, malicious, and relentless.”
Media mogul Iqbal Survé, owner of Independent Media and a Sisulu supporter, amplified the call: “Goolam can run but he can’t hide. He must face the law.” A joint press conference with Sisulu turned chaotic when Vawda exposed alleged inaccuracies, leading to video deletions and counter-allegations of fake news.
Sisulu’s lawyer, Barnabas Xulu, emphasized the broader fight: “This is about curbing cyberbullying targeting political figures and citizens alike.”
Police Probe Stalls: A Year of Silence
Fast-forward to October 2025: the probe is “ongoing,” but that’s all Gauteng police will say. No arrests, no progress reports despite repeated pleas from Xulu. IOL reports highlight “silence and delays haunting” the case, with Sisulu’s team slamming SAPS for inaction.
Recent headlines scream frustration: “Police probe into Goolam Vawda ongoing amidst spat over reneged contract.” Vawda is now clashing with Sunday World over a disputed media deal, adding layers to the drama.
Legal Minefield: Defamation Charges in Jeopardy
Here’s the twist: Criminal defamation was abolished in April 2024 via the Judicial Matters Amendment Act. Vawda gleefully highlights this in posts: “The law was changed… no imprisonment for defamation anymore.” Cases now shift to civil courts for damages or interdicts.
Remaining pillars—cyberbullying under Section 14 of the Cybercrimes Act (unlawful creation/distribution of intimate images or messages causing harm) and hate speech—face hurdles. Vawda argues his posts are “truthful criticism” based on public records like SIU findings. Courts must weigh freedom of expression (Section 16, Constitution) against dignity (Section 10).
Legal experts note: Proving “serious emotional harm” for cyberbullying is tough without threats or doxxing. Vawda’s barbs, while personal (“Botox granny,” “sellout”), mirror political satire. Charges may fizzle or pivot to civil suits.
Social Media Firestorm: X Erupts
X is ablaze. Vawda’s latest Sisulu takedown garnered 4k+ views in hours, with supporters cheering “Free speech!” and detractors crying “Troll!” IOL’s updates draw thousands of impressions, hashtags like #Cyberbullying #LindiweSisulu trending locally.
Vawda targets other ANC heavyweights too—alleging G20 loot for Survé, Zuma family ties—but Sisulu bears the brunt. Public sentiment splits: RET loyalists back her; anti-ANC voices hail Vawda as whistleblower.
Beyond Sisulu: ANC’s Cyberbullying Reckoning
This saga spotlights rising online vitriol in SA politics. ANC figures like Zweli Mkhize and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma have faced similar barbs. As elections loom, expect more probes—but will police act swiftly? Critics decry selective enforcement, citing unprobed attacks on opposition leaders.
Vawda vows: “More exposés coming.” Sisulu’s camp pushes for justice, eyeing civil remedies. Meanwhile, the Sunday World spat hints at media wars amplifying the chaos.
Will Charges Stick? The Verdict Ahead
With defamation off the criminal table and police dawdling, Sisulu’s case hangs by a thread. A civil suit could yield apologies or payouts, but jailing Vawda? Unlikely. This probe tests SA’s digital frontier: where does robust debate end and bullying begin?
As the firestorm rages on X, one thing’s clear—Goolam Vawda won’t go quietly. For ANC heavyweights, it’s a wake-up call: in the court of public opinion, likes can be deadlier than lawyers.
Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding drama. South Africa’s political Twitter is just heating up.