The tragic assassination of DJ Warras in the Johannesburg CBD has escalated into a heated public debate over urban safety, pitting hip-hop veteran Kwesta against ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba.
The killing of the beloved DJ on Tuesday afternoon has not only devastated the entertainment industry but has also exposed deep-seated frustrations regarding the perceived failure of inner-city rejuvenation and security.
Mashaba: “He Died for the Cause”
In a highly charged response, former Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba linked the tragedy to his own political mission. Expressing his devastation, Mashaba framed DJ Warras as a martyr for urban renewal:
“I’m devastated that this great patriot died for the cause I have dedicated my political life to, the Inner City Rejuvenation Plan… I want to assure all South Africans that his death is not going to be in vain, unless they kill all of us.”
Kwesta: “Nothing Has Been Enough”
Rapper Kwesta, however, was quick to challenge Mashaba’s framing of the tragedy. Reflecting a growing sense of exhaustion among South Africans, Kwesta’s response suggested that political rhetoric has failed to stem the tide of violence:
“The man hit you up sibhekile sonke… Nothing has been enough except the lives we keep losing.”
Kwesta’s remarks highlighted the disconnect between political promises and the lived reality of citizens who continue to navigate dangerous streets. His challenge serves as a moral demand for action over condolences, questioning a cycle where public figures offer “defiant” statements while the body count in the CBD continues to rise.
A City at a Crossroads
The death of DJ Warras adds to a grim list of violent incidents in an area often called the “economic heartbeat” of the city. As activists and artists join Kwesta in speaking out, the pressure is mounting on leaders to move beyond policy promises and provide tangible safety for those living and working in Johannesburg’s core.
