South African artist and commentator Ntsiki Mazwai has sparked a conversation online after sharing her thoughts on the use of beauty enhancements such as false eyelashes by state officials.
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Ntsiki appeared to be referring to South African Police Service spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, who has been regularly in the public eye while addressing the media on high-profile investigations, including the recent Ekurhuleni killings. Athlenda has urged the public not to speculate about ongoing investigations and said detectives should be allowed to do their work.
‘I know you’re not going to like this’
Taking to social media, Ntsiki wrote: “I know you’re not going to like this, but I wish state officials were not allowed to do these fake things of lashes and stuff.”
She continued: “It’s so distracting and just looks so unprofessional.”
Ntsiki then broadened her comments to what she described as society’s beauty standards.
“We are the only race of women obsessed with fake standards of beauty. It’s embarrassing,” she wrote.
Her remarks have since opened up a wider conversation about beauty, professionalism and the expectations placed on women in public-facing positions.
I know you’re not going to like this but I wish state officials were not allowed to do these fake things of lashes and stuff. It’s so distracting and just looks so unprofessional. We are the only race of women obsessed with fake standards of beauty. It’s embarrassing https://t.co/gsBQyyywVO
— NtsikiMazwaiMedia (@ntsikimazwai) September 30, 2026
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Athlenda Mathe in the spotlight
Athlenda has become a familiar face during recent police briefings and media engagements, particularly amid investigations into the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni.
In September, Athlenda publicly cautioned against speculation surrounding the cases and stressed the importance of allowing investigators to establish the facts.
Ntsiki’s comments focus specifically on her view of beauty presentation among state officials, rather than Athlenda’s work as a police spokesperson.
The remarks have prompted discussion about whether personal appearance should have any bearing on perceptions of professionalism, particularly for women who regularly appear before the public and media.
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