Mzansi reacts to Sol Phenduka's ‘Adults who celebrate Valentine’s Day must grow up’ comment
Sol Phenduka leaves Mzansi divided with his V-Day comment.
Image: Instagram/ Sol Phendukaa
Sol Phenduka recently stirred debate on X after posting a blunt take on Valentine’s Day.
“Adults who celebrate Valentine's must GROW UP!” he wrote, a statement that quickly drew feedback from followers, some of whom agreed while others pushed back.
The post reopened a familiar argument about whether the day is meaningful or simply unnecessary once people reach adulthood.
Valentine’s Day is often seen as a holiday for adults, but whether it truly is depends on how you look at it.
Image: Unsplash/Cezar Sampaio
Some users echoed Phenduka’s view.
@Mothematiks wrote, “Vele that day is for teenagers if we are being honest.”
Others challenged that idea and questioned why celebrating love should come with age limits.
@Sifisov1 responded, “Let people do what they love because they are mature enough to love. Unfortunately, some people only love food.”
Another user focused on the pressure and judgment that often surround public conversations about relationships.
@LGqaza25606 wrote, “People are busy, and when these opportunities present themselves, let people enjoy themselves. We need a society where people are given the space to enjoy their lives without being judged by those who are always negative. People spend their money to celebrate Valentine's.”
There were also voices from people who personally choose not to celebrate, without dismissing those who do.
@mbhaalee shared, “Told my husband that we're not celebrating Valentines so he must please chill. I don't get the concept, we love each other every day, mos.”
While Phenduka’s comment may reflect frustration with what some see as performative romance, it also assumes that celebrating Valentine’s Day is about immaturity.
That is where I disagree. I believe in love. I am not particularly lucky in love, but I am a big lover and a gifter at heart.
I embrace special days because they create space to express what often goes unsaid. For me, Valentine’s Day is not about proving anything to anyone. It is about intention.
Adults juggle work, family, stress and routine. Days like Valentine’s Day offer a pause. They permit people to be soft, to be thoughtful, to show up with a small gesture that says I thought of you.
That does not make someone childish. If anything, it takes confidence to celebrate love openly in a world that often rewards cynicism.
Love does not expire with age. Neither does romance. If someone chooses to ignore Valentine’s Day, that is valid. If someone chooses to lean into it with flowers, dinner or a handwritten note, that should be valid too.
The real issue is not whether Valentine’s Day is childish, but why expressing love still makes people uncomfortable.