Tumisho Masha Says Speaking Out on Politics Has Cost Him Acting Work

Actor Tumisho Masha says his outspoken political views have made some decision-makers wary of casting him, even as he insists he will not stop speaking about issues affecting South Africa. In an interview with the Sunday Times, Masha said people in the industry had discussed whether his public comments could damage their own brands. He believes those conversations have cost him opportunities in television and film. “I won’t keep quiet. I won’t stop talking,” he said, adding that he cares deeply about the country. Masha has drawn criticism for his social media posts. Last month, he referred to EFF Johannesburg mayoral candidate Tlaleng Mofokeng using a derogatory Afrikaans term. He also shared an image of his thumb and marked ballot paper after voting for ActionSA. The report notes that IEC regulations prohibit photographing a marked ballot and that a breach can result in a fine or imprisonment of up to a year. He has also spoken against illegal immigration and challenged EFF leaders, including Julius Malema, on issues such as border control and local government. In a video message to President Cyril Ramaphosa last month, Masha questioned the government’s urgency on violent crime and community safety. Masha said he has been vocal since before social media, explaining that national difficulties affect him personally. He argued that competition for low-paid work can squeeze people already struggling financially. He also said that criticism of EFF leadership is protected by the Constitution, while claiming that he and members of his family have faced abuse from party supporters online. The actor described the experience as costly but said he could not watch events in the country without responding. His remarks, as reported by the Sunday Times, present a public figure weighing the professional consequences of political speech against his determination to keep raising concerns.