Dr Vincent Mello, an information and communication technology (ICT) expert, took the stand as the second witness in the sexual harassment proceeding involving Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge, following testimony from Mbenenge’s secretary, Zintle Nkqayi.
On Thursday, Mello was questioned by advocate Griffiths Madonsela, representing Mbenenge, about the use of emojis in WhatsApp conversations between the judge president and complainant Andiswa Mengo.
Mello’s analysis revealed that emojis appeared 189 times in their exchanges, with laughing emojis used 28 times.
Commonly accepted meanings
Mello testified that in 99% of instances, the emojis were used in line with their commonly accepted meanings. However, he highlighted that two of the 189 emojis carried sexual connotations, deviating from their typical interpretations.
“There is the peach as well as the eggplant. When you go to Emojipedia, it does also make reference to saying a peach would generally represent the bum and an eggplant the male private part,” he said.
He further added that there was a campaign in 2015 to ban the usage of the emojis in that context.
Madonsela asked him what the winking emoji that was also used in the conversation meant.
“Winking emoji with a tongue out has a keyword of [wild], epic, and party. The winking face can be described as flirtatious, a joke, or a hidden meaning. And the tone varies, including playful, affectionate, and suggestive,” Mello replied.
In the way it was used where you see it here, said Madonsela, in the exchanges that you have identified, is it consistent with that meaning?
Emojis consistent with associated meaning
“Yes, it is consistent in terms of the associated winking eye emoji,” he said.
The judicial tribunal sitting in Sandton continues to explore the context and implications of these communications as the hearing unfolds.
Mengo, a former judge’s secretary at the Eastern Cape High Court, accused Mbenenge of sexually harassing her between June 2021 and November 2022.
Mbenenge denies the allegations, claiming any interactions were consensual and that he did not abuse his authority.
The tribunal continues.
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