Durban comedian Mohammed Vawda has vehemently denied allegations made by Independent Media Chairman Iqbal Survé, who “unmasked” him as the person behind the controversial X account “Goolam MV.”
On Monday, 15 July, the media company held a press conference in which they accused Vawda of being a “puppet” responsible for “harassment, defamation and spreading misinformation” of multiple political figures.
In a media briefing titled “The Unmasking Project,” Independent Media Chairman Iqbal Survé, alongside several editors of various titles
“We can reveal the identity of this person behind the account Goolam. He is Mohammed Vawda and is a 37-year-old male from Durban. Vawda is associated with the University of UKZN, and has a PhD. He is also known as a stand-up comedian and radio personality ” was said on behalf of Independent Media.
“We have gathered a body of evidence that linked Vawda to activities that are not only harmful but also contrary to the principles of our democratic society.”
Former Minister of Intelligence Lindiwe Sisulu also spoke during the briefing, adding: “Goolam MV has done me harm. He has done and brought my family sadness”.
DURBAN COMEDIAN CLAPS BACK
Just a few hours after the “expose,” a startled Mohammed Vawda responded to the allegations linking him to the persona “Goolam.”
In a social media post, he said: “This is very weird. A lot of things are circulating about me nationally, that I am some guy behind a Twitter [now X] account. I am definitely not that guy; I don’t even use Twitter.
“It’s false allegations; I have nothing to do with this, and I don’t get involved in any type of politics.
He continued: “My family and I are getting threats, and this is ridiculous. I cannot believe that this was put in the media. For me, this is the scariest thing that can happen. I am fearful for my life”.
Vawda captioned the clip: “I thought it was a prank…I am not Goolam”.
Meanwhile, the X account of Goolam denied the “unsubstantiated claims” made by Independent Media.
“Let all laugh at fake news,” it tweeted.
