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Soapie star joins Woolies boycott

GENERATIONS star Thato Molamu has joined the long list of celebrities and politicians who are supporting the #BoycottWoolworths campaign.

The call for a boycott of Woolworths was started last month by Boycott Divestment Sanction South Africa and the National Coalition 4 Palestine.

The purpose is to continue the boycott of Woolworths stores until the chain cuts its trade links with Israel.

Molamu, pictured, who plays Nicholas Nomvete on Generations, has teamed up with the likes of musician Simphiwe Dana, radio personality Shaka Sisulu and anti-apartheid icon Ahmed Kathrada.

Asked if getting involved in such a campaign and showing his support for the ANC in public would not limit his growth as an artist, Molamu said: "I don't regard myself as the face of the ANC but I acknowledge that I'm a member.

"If voicing my opinion or being open about which political party I vote for limits my growth as an entrepreneur or entertainer then we are living in a different South Africa where freedom of speech is a recognised right.

"My talent should precede my personal beliefs, which should not be taken into any work place," he said.

The television and stage actor, who also presents What's Behind the Wall on SABC2, said he simply wanted to draw attention and create dialogue around an issue.

He said he did this to follow the Biblical principle of "love thy neighbour".

He said: "As a country with a history of diverse beliefs and a history of violation of rights, we all have different views of how others should live following the great leadership by Tata Nelson Mandela. As people we will always have different opinions, especially coming from different religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds and races."

#BoycottWoolworths spokesman Kwara Kekana, commended activists, community members and others who have organised protests, till jams and other actions at the group's stores countrywide.

 

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