Malawi's "Jetu" Challenges Stereotypes Through Social Media Stardom
A viral video from December last year captured a crowd surrounding two elderly women, Christina Mphande and her sister, as they filled a grave in Mzimba.
Lilongwe, Malawi — In Malawi, where accusations of witchcraft often plague elderly individuals, one woman is rewriting the narrative, writes Davie Mchinga.
A viral video from December last year captured a crowd surrounding two elderly women, Christina Mphande and her sister, as they filled a grave in Mzimba.
The reason for this public act was a grave accusation: Mphande was blamed for the death of a young relative through witchcraft.
The crowd, fueled by anger, forced Mphande to bury the deceased while subjecting her to physical assault and verbal abuse.
This incident is one of many in a series of harassment cases directed at elderly women in Malawi.
According to the Malawi Network of Elderly Persons (Manepo), five older persons were killed between January and February at the beginning of 2023 due to witchcraft accusations.
Amid this challenging environment, some elderly women are finding innovative ways to combat societal stereotypes and prejudices.
One notable figure is the Bangwe-based elderly woman, affectionately known as Jetu on social media.
Jetu is challenging stereotypes by engaging with the younger generation and defying conventional expectations.
Her videos showcase her signature appearance and posturing, embodying the Chichewa saying, "Wakalamba wafuna," which roughly translates to "Looking old and frail is a choice because there are many ways to appear younger."
She is not just breaking these stereotypes; she is "dressing to kill," both literally and metaphorically.
In one TikTok video, Jetu humorously threatens to steal the popular Amapiano star, Zeze Kingston, from socialite Dorothy Shonga, known as 'Cash Madam.'
Fearing the loss of Zeze, Cash Madam even traveled to Bangwe to persuade Jetu to change her mind, as depicted in another video featuring Zeze and Dorothy showering gifts on the chatty granny.
Jetu has filmed several other comical videos with young people from her neighborhood in Bangwe, Blantyre.
Jetu is challenging the traditional role assigned to grannies in Malawi, which is to "kulera adzukulu" (care for and play with grandchildren).
She believes she has more to offer in life than what society expects from her, and she is filling the void left by Gogo Mulewa, known for her wise and moral-filled comic videos.
One remarkable aspect of Jetu's story is her embrace of technology. Most elderly individuals were born in an era when Malawi had no internet, phones, or computers.
Technological advancements have aroused their curiosity, even as they have advanced in age, as reflected in Agide's song "Zubwera Mochedwa" with Edgar ndi Davis.
Jetu has found joy and laughter on social media.
The only essential concern is ensuring her safety in the digital world, protecting her from unruly Net-Zens (Citizens).