Picture: Instagram/@solphenduka
Following the raucous Spring Day behaviour that has brought chaos to most townships, Sol Phenduka shared his two cents on what is supposed to be a fun and lighthearted tradition. The radio personality reflected on how things had changed over the years, with the beginning of September bringing more destruction than anything else.
Also see: Fatal Spring Day stabbing causes division as SA debates water-dousing row
Spring Day mayhem disappoints Sol Phenduka
In response to a tweet from industry colleague Sizwe Dhlomo claiming that children in Johannesburg went to extreme lengths to douse adults by opening, Sol wrote:
“This is a new thing. My mom would walk five kilometres from where the taxi dropped her off coming from work. For 18 years. Not once did she come home drenched on the 1st of September.”
Sol stated that the actions displayed a level of criminality, adding:
“Our society is slowly rotting.”
This is a new thing. My mom would walk 5 kilometres from where the taxi dropped her off coming from work.
For 18 years. Not once did she come home drenched on the 1st of September.
What we’re seeing now is new levels of indelelo and, in some cases, outright criminality.
— Thandubuntu (@Solphendukaa) September 2, 2026
Also see: Miss SA Qhawe Mazaleni gets drenched on Spring Day: ‘I had to surrender’
Spring Day turns gruesome
While Spring Day should bring joy and laughter, many in Cullinan were left mourning the death of 21-year-old man, Tshepang Nyathi. According to reports, the young man lost his life after allegedly pouring water on a passerby who had not consented to be a part of the water-splashing activities. The man allegedly stabbed the Cullinan resident in the upper body, which led to his death.
South Africans agree with Sol Phenduka
Several local social media users entered Sol’s comment section, accusing the children of being unruly and lacking respect and empathy toward their unconsenting victims.
@Theoptimist1901 stated, “I hear you, Sol, but these kids are our kids; we didn’t raise them the way our parents raised us. We must also take the blame.”
“What’s even more scary is that most of the videos I saw were posted by adults,” wrote X user @24Olothando. “They were not posting to raise awareness of this, but they are laughing in the background. Even when they respond to comments, they are actually condoning this behaviour. So disappointing.”
While @AValidate6506 commented, “Lack of ethics and morality in the upper hierarchy of society will eventually lead to an immoral, unbehavioural society.”
Also see: Spring Day celebrations face backlash over township water fights
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