A video of former minister Bathabile Dlamini getting Botox injections has left many South Africans amused.
The 62-year-old – who previously headed up the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Social Development as well as the ANCWL – has made headlines over her fraud and perjury convictions.
She’s also been accused of drinking whilst in office – a claim she has vehemently denied.
BATHABILE DLAMINI MOCKED FOR GETTING BOTOX
In a clip posted on X, Bathabile Dlamini is seen getting Botox on her face by celebrity doctor Sandi Dyonase.
Like many women, the former minister sought to minimise wrinkles in areas like her forehead and crow’s feet.
According to the medical aesthetic’s TikTok account, Bathabile Dlamini is a regular client who has a tailor-made treatment plan.
Dr Sandi posted: “Well done to Mama Bathabile for being consistent in her skincare journey throughout the years.”
However, the posts have been inundated with comments shaming the former minister from everything from her age to her allegedly “using taxpayer money.”
Some South Africans even shadily questioned if the wrinkle-reducing treatment would be affected by Bathabile’s alleged alcoholism.
Dr Sandi quickly shut down critics over the “misconception.” He responded: “She [Bathabile Dlamini] does not drink alcohol. Her behavior is often misunderstood due to her battle with epilepsy, which required her to adjust her medication.
“This condition can be challenging and is often mistaken for something it is not. Please, let’s show kindness.”
‘NOT A DRUNK’
Like Dr Sandi mentioned, Bathabile Dlamini has denied claims she has ever abused alcohol, particularly whilst in office. This followed rampant social media rumours labelling her a “phuza face” over both her appearance and her actions.
Speaking to EWN in 2019, she said: “When people kept saying, ‘Are you drinking,’ we had a discussion with them. And we ended up agreeing that I should go to my neurologist and find out why are people saying I am always drunk.
Bathabile revealed that the specialist’s diagnosis – epilepsy.
She continued: “As much as I was fighting, saying that I don’t drink and everyone was accusing me of drinking, I politicised the issue because we were dealing with the issues of alcohol and drug abuse, but I also had to look into myself and do self-introspection.”