EskomSePush changes its name — to EskomSeKant
Well-known load-shedding app EskomSePush has changed the name it displays in push notifications in a show of solidarity with Springbok rugby player Bongi Mbonambi.
Following Eskom’s announcement that it will keep power cuts suspended for the weekend, the app sent out a notification under the name “EskomSeKant”.
The name change refers to an investigation by World Rugby this week into allegations that Mbonambi had used a racialised slur during the World Cup semi-final between the Springboks and England.
British media caught onto an on-field complaint by England player Tom Curry that was picked up by the referee’s microphone.
“Sir! Sir! If their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?” Curry said.
“Nothing, please. I’ll be on it,” referee Ben O’Keeffe stated.
Hooker is the official name for Mbonambi’s position. In the scrum, hookers are positioned in the middle-front and typically receive the ball. They also throw the ball into lineouts.
Following the reports, South Africans quickly pointed out that the swearword in question sounds exactly like the Afrikaans word for “side”, spelt “kant”.
Curry may also have heard the Afrikaans word “wyd” (wide) as “white”.
The Springboks regularly use South Africa’s other official languages, especially Afrikaans, to prevent opponents from understanding on-field calls and commands.
Footage linked to Curry’s complaint soon surfaced on social media, but it is difficult to make out what is being shouted, or even pinpoint who is saying it.
The media circus around the allegations caused South Africans to react with our typical sardonic humour, with many a “kant” pun to be had.
EskomSePush has made it clear on which “kant” they sit.
World Rugby issued a statement on Thursday dismissing the allegations against Mbonambi without definitively vindicating him.
“Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation,” the organisation stated.
“Having considered all the available evidence, including match footage, audio and evidence from both teams, the governing body has determined that there is insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges.”
World Rugby said the matter was closed unless additional evidence comes to light.
“It is important to note that World Rugby accepts that Tom Curry made the allegations in good faith, and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious,” it continued.
“World Rugby is also concerned by the social media abuse that both players have been subjected to this week. There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport’s values of respect, integrity and solidarity.”
Following World Rugby’s statement, England Rugby (RFU) issued a response directly accusing Mbonambi of racism and claiming he had used the same slur against Tom Curry in their November 2022 match.
“The RFU fully support Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced whilst playing for England against South Africa,” it stated.
Now read: Good news for weekend load-shedding — but Eskom is chugging diesel
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