South Africa’s Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni decided not to quit using Twitter after he had previously threatened to quit using the social network over abuse.
Mboweni, who had announced that he would make a final decision on Friday last week, contrasted his decision with the just-concluded general election in the United Kingdom, won by Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party.
Whilst some are doing a huge Brexit vote, my decision is #IAmStaying here.
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) December 13, 2019
Mboweni said he had been urged by several people, including his counterpart at the Ministry of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, not to quit using the social network.
Mboweni’s outcry even attracted the attention of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who told him to stay put and ignore the negativity around him.
Some online users welcomed Mboweni’s decision to remain on Twitter.
You're welcome sir. We will continue to be robust on issues as usual. It's not personal, even if it appears or sound to be directed, it's just the nature of the platform. Let's go..
— Lesetja Mafodi (@lesetjafodi) December 13, 2019
Good minister. If they insult you please don't respond, let those who claim to be revolutionaries merely by distorting ANCs historic mission and advancement of looting talk alone, don't respond there are some who will do that for you on this app.
— principle is….. (@bhadelaLo_zola) December 14, 2019
Now you are a leader. Some of us appreciate your solemn contributions in rebuilding our country and that silly sense of humour. Your recipes bring diversity to our "eatist" nation. If people disagree with you, that is cool. Others will agree with you
— Mathibela Sebothoma (@SebothomaMathi) December 14, 2019
Mboweni has since posted four tweets detailing his interactions and thoughts in what sounds like an upbeat mood.
Mboweni, who has more than 460,000 followers on Twitter, regularly tweets about government affairs and food, particularly recipes on stews.
