David Scott, known professionally as The Kiffness, a Cape Town-based musician, has spoken openly about receiving death threats and fearing for his family’s safety due to his outspoken views on politics, race, and religion. In an interview on 1 November 2026, Scott revealed the personal cost of his public commentary, including a period when he stepped away from social media platform X before returning amid ongoing hostility.
Scott described how online discourse often lacks nuance, which contributed to his initial withdrawal from X earlier in 2026. Despite this, he resumed posting but faced a surge in threats, some severe enough to prompt security measures at a planned Kirstenbosch concert.
“You are allowed to disagree with me but if you start to try and threaten me and my family, which is what happened,” Scott told Cape Argus. He also shared the emotional toll: “There was a point where I thought a planned show was not actually worth it. Why would I want to go on a stage when there is a very real possibility that someone could just crawl through the bushes at Kirstenbosch and take me out. I want my kids to grow up with their dad.” These remarks underscore his fears and illustrate the risks public figures face in South Africa’s heated political and social climate.
The Kiffness has a history of controversy linked to his online activity. Earlier incidents include backlash in 2022 after he defended Hank’s Olde Irish Pub in Cape Town during a discrimination row and criticism over a 2023 Freedom Day tweet deemed insensitive by some. His posts have also been labelled racist and Islamophobic by critics, intensifying the backlash.
Reports from The South African revealed that Scott lost brand deals amid the fallout and ultimately deactivated his X account after persistent death threats.
Security at Kirstenbosch was reportedly heightened for the first time during his planned show due to the threats he faced, a measure Scott connected directly to fears for his personal safety. While Scott has alleged specific groups may have been involved in targeting him, including claims of his mother being doxxed by a member of the Black Sash, these assertions have not been independently verified.
This episode highlights the broader tensions surrounding free speech, online engagement, and accountability for public figures in South Africa. Scott’s experience reveals how polarized debates over race, religion, and politics can inflict serious personal harm, even on well-known personalities.
As South African society grapples with these challenges, The Kiffness’ story serves as a reminder of the fine line between expressing bold views and managing the risks such expression can provoke. Cape Flats News will continue to monitor developments around Scott’s career and any further security or legal responses related to these threats.