When are public displays of affection acceptable or inappropriate?

Outsa Mokone kissing her mother at Gaborone High Court PIC: KEBOFHE MATHE
Outsa Mokone kissing her mother at Gaborone High Court PIC: KEBOFHE MATHE

Several weeks ago, when journalist Outsa Mokone was arrested on charges of sedition, scores of people thronged the court to show solidarity and their support. After proceedings, many went up to him to shake his hand or pat his back. In the midst of this, one elderly woman I believe is his mother, gave him a huge hug and planted a fat kiss on his lips. A Mmegi photographer captured this moment and the cute picture made it to the following day’s issue.

This shameless show of affection brought to mind one incident some two years ago, when Winnie Madikizela Mandela publicly kissed Julius Malema. At the time, the young man was still facing trials and tribulations within the ANC.  Madikizela had come out in support of Juju, and perhaps to seal her stance, she gave him a juicy kiss with her quivering lips. It could have been just a peck, but it bordered on a French kiss –tilted heads, tongue showing, parted lips and all.  Interestingly, Malema’s eyes were closed! Madikizela isn’t only a political stalwart, but a gorgeous woman too. If you have seen her in person, you would agree that she’s a towering figure of caramel skin. She’s also bewitchingly beautiful for a woman in her 70s, and has a magnetic appeal and charisma. In that moment, Malema probably wished he had been Dali Mpofu in his younger years. I suspect he spent many nights re-playing that kiss in his head!

 I have found South Africans to be quite affectionate. My South African relatives habitually kiss on the lips in greeting. When I was a child, I didn’t mind, but as an adult, it sometimes unsettles me. Maybe the post-puberty sexual tigress within has corrupted my thoughts. It always feels like some form of lesbianism when females kiss me on the lips. With males, it’s like partaking in an incestuous act. I feel bad for being uncomfortable because the affection is always from a genuine place of love and happiness with no sinister intention…

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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