Celebrated producer and singer DJ Maphorisa pulled out all the stops to celebrate his 37th birthday, which has since thrust him into top trends.

Like those before him, he had a star-studded party a host of industry friends attended.

THULI PHONGOLO TRENDS ON DJ MAPHORISA’S BIRTHDAY
Thanks to his huge following, DJ Maphorisa often trends when he posts or gets posted. The muso is trending after videos and photos from his 37th birthday party went viral.

He had a special birthday party at Pharoah Motors, and many celebrities were in attendance.

Some celebrities who donned black attire to celebrate the occasion include DJ Zinhle, Oskido, Mörda, Kamo Mphela, Black Coffee, Kabza De Small, Nadia Nakai and Cassper Nyovest.

However, many artists performed, including DJ Black Coffee, who gave a special set. The house was full, but DJ Maphorisa’s rumoured girlfriend was not spotted.

Thulu Phongolo’s absence left many convinced that the two were no longer dating, as tabloids alleged.

Last month, Thuli Phongolo downplayed her relationship with DJ Maphorisa as fans questioned her affair with the muso. She posted, ‘I’m not dating Phori. Let that man live, man.’

Despite DJ Maphorisa performing a special act on Thuli Phongolo’s birthday amid their woes, the bubbly actress was not present at his star-studded party.

However, after failing to make it to the party for unknown reasons, Thuli Phongolo seemingly shared photos with a cryptic caption, ‘Think about it.’

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Thulisile Phongolo (@thuliphongolo)

The banging photos have gained thousands of comments and reactions since they dropped online. Fans were quick to implicate their fallout into the mix, with many begging them to fix things.

Was Thuli Phongolo trying to steal the show with her posts, or was it just a coincidence?

MAKING HEADLINES
DJ Maphorisa and Thuli Phongolo’s relationship went public after the actress dragged the muso to the courts for abuse in May last year.

However, Thuli Phongolo later withdrew the charges. Earlier this year, ZiMoja reported that they had worked through their issues and decided to give love another chance.

Rumour mill even established that DJ Maphorisa returned all the cars he had repossessed from Thuli Phongolo.

Apart from that, Thuli Phongolo has been allegedly spotted at DJ Maphorisa’s swanky Sandton apartments at the Leonardo more often.

DJ Maphorisa even performed a special set on DJ Thuli Phongolo’s birthday. He also reportedly gifted her a Mercedes-AMG G63 worth around R4 million.

However, against the reports and allegations, Thuli Phongolo posted, “When you’re single, but everyone still thinks you’re dating your ex… I hate that mess. Count me out.”

Celebrated actress and DJ Thuli Phongolo is making headlines against the backdrop of her recent Instagram post.

Thanks to her huge social media following, she often trends whenever she posts or gets posted.

THULI PHONGOLO’S R38 000 OUTFIT TRENDS
Thuli Phongolo is trending after she shared some jaw-dropping photos of her designer threads. The photos have gained thousands of comments and reactions since they were posted online.

 

 

 
She captioned the photos, “Think about it.” Against the post The South African have since connected the dots about the now viral photos.The photos were taken at a recent Amiri event, attended by several guests, including DJ Black Coffee, who was also at DJ Maphorisa’s party.

Thuli Phongolo was at Amiri‘s first-anniversary party, celebrating the harmony of style, sophistication and community.

However, Thuli Phongolo’s Amiri handbag and sneakers stole the attention of many. In the now-viral photos, she was snapped holding an Amiri Bandana Tote bag with a base price tag of R20 000.

She complemented the bag with a pair of Amiri MA-1 sneakers with a base price tag of R18 000. She joins a host of celebrities who have spent thousands, if not millions, on lavish lifestyles.

After all, Thuli Phongolo lives lavishly and is unapologetic about it. This is not the first time she has made headlines with her flashiest handbags.

Earlier this year, Thuli Phongolo made headlines when she was spotted with a rare Louis Vuitton LV Vanity PM Handbag.

The designer bag comes with a base price tag of $3 230, which amounts close to R60 000.

In 2023, social media was abuzz after showing off her stunning Louis Vuitton bag valued at a jaw-dropping R107 473.

DJ MAPHORISA’S FLASHIEST HANDBAGS
After all, she joins a host of South African celebrities who have hogged headlines because of their ‘bling.’

Earlier this year, Thuli Phongolo’s ex-boyfriend, DJ Maphorisa, made headlines when he showed off his receipt from Galaxboy.

He splurged a whooping R90 000 on several designer items, including shirts and jackets. On the other hand, DJ Maphorisa’s designer bags have often thrust him into top trends.

Some of his flashiest handbags include:

A Hermès Birkin Bag with a base price tag of R480 000
Petite Boite Chapeau (Round LV Sling bag) – R85 000
Christian Dior Crossbody Bag – R33 000
Versace graphic print heritage fit silk shirt – R15 000
Amiri MX1 ripped skinny jeans – R20 000
Amiri Bandana Buckled Boots – R20 000
Cartier glasses – R15 000

DJ Sbu – real name Sbusiso Leope – has been trending all day thanks to his social media posts, one of them relating to Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina.

The media personality and businessman was criticised for congratulating the South African-born beauty queen, despite her facing criminal criminal charges relating to identity theft and fraud.

Over the weekend, the 23-year-old model placed second in the glitzy ceremony that took place in Mexico City on Saturday, 16 November. She also received the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.

 

 

 
Meanwhile, Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, took home the crown.

DJ SBU DRAGGED FOR CONGRATULATING CHIDIMMA
On his Instagram account, DJ Sbu posted a picture of Chidimma Adetshina was represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe finale.

He captioned the image of the pageant star: “Congratulations to Africa’s pride. Thank you to our Queen for not giving up on your dreams despite all the odds against you.”

He added: “We are very proud of you. Our little girls can believe their dreams are valid, all because of you”.Under the post, many of DJ Sbu’s followers were upset that he did not mention South Africa’s own Mia Le Roux, who withdrew from the Miss Universe finale over “health concerns.”

NeverthelessNevertheless, Chidimma responded, thanking the Mofaya creator for “always supporting me!!

DJ Sbu’s congratulatory post comes months after he apologised to South Africans for supporting Chidimma amid a damning report by the Department of Home Affairs. An investigation citing identity theft and fraud has now seen the Hawks pursue criminal charges against Chidimma and her Mozambican mother.

He said during his Radio 200 breakfast show: “I apologise unreservedly”.

He added, “I love South Africans; I spread positive energy. If there’s anything I might have said has offended you, I’d like to apologise. But then again, we must always be there for our young people. And let us let the law take its course.ANOTHER CONTROVERSIAL POST
DJ Sbu has also landed himself in hot water over a clip he posted of him rejecting a street vendor for not selling his own brand, Mofaya.

In the clip that has gone viral, the radio and TV star is seen beckoning a young man selling cooldrinks on a busy road.

When DJ Sbu realised that the man was not selling Mofaya, he quickly dismissed him.

“Which world are you living in? You are losing R200. What type of hustle is this?”.

Despite being accused of being the mastermind in the death of boyfriend Senzo Meyiwa in court this week, Kelly Khumalo had much to celebrate this week. The mother of three hosted a party in honour of her 40th birthday and recent graduation as an inyanga.

KELLY KHUMALO ON INYANGA GRADUATION: ‘GOD SAVED ME’
Speaking to Ukhozi FM, Kelly Khumalo opened up about her spiritual calling as a traditional healer.

 

 

 

 
The controversial singer said: “I could’ve lost my life due to a lot of things, but God saved me. So I have so much to be grateful for.”

She continued: “After 15 years of searching and trying to figure out who I am, today I’m finally graduating and am a certified inyanga.

Kelly Khumalo
Kelly Khumalo is now inyanga (traditional healer). Image via Instagram @kellykhumaloza
“It’s a universal gift. Hence, it took this long for me to figure it out and make sense of it. I was trained in many places, including in water, nature, by prayer, and through my roots, because it’s important to know where I come from to know where I’m going.”

INSIDE THE DOUBLE CELEBRATION
On her Instagram account, Kelly Khumalo shared a look at her glamorous birthday and inyanga graduation celebration.

They included pics of her and her three children wearing traditional attire.

The party – which featured plenty of feathers and animal print – took place at Suitability Gardens in Johannesburg and was curated by celebrity event organiser Nono Events.

Motswana sprinter Tebogo Letsile has criticised Netflix’s docuseries titled, Sprint.

LETSILE TEBOGO: ‘IT’S AN AMERICAN SHOW’
The Olympic medalist Tebogo Letsile recently trended on X when he insisted “All African athletes” deserve an apology from Netflix.

Tebogo criticised the Netflix docuseries Sprint over the manner they ignored African athletes in the documentary.

 
The talented sprinter took to social media to respond to a fan who said that Tebogo, Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith and McKenzie Long deserve an apology from Netflix.

The Botswana sprinter replied: “All the African athletes.”

He also expressed his disappointment a day after the second season of Sprint aired on the streaming platform.

The Botswana sprinter wrote: “This is an American TV show.”South African sprinter Akani Simbine also criticised the docuseries for neglecting African athletes’ achievements and focusing primarily on American sprinters.

Simbine wrote on X: “Another season and yet again Sprint looks over the African story.”NETFLIX VIEWERS RESPOND TO ATHLETES
@mongatekastena: “And to think that you were on the cover of all their marketing. Crazy work they did there.”

@mosweu_t: “As Africans we need to write our own stories and produce our own documentaries. That sprint is about Noah.”

@VoiceOfOurAnces: “We need our own show, my brother… The disrespect is too much.”

@iceskidect: ” We need a new documentary for Africa and Jamaican Athlete period.”

@iceskidect: “Yes Americans are always having this mentality of feeling like it’s always about them. Even when their athlete’s performance is poor. In a season, watching Shelly Elaine getting snub from this big Netflix documentary pierced my heart.”

Like many divorces, sides are often picked. And it’s no surprise that the same has sadly happened with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel, who recently announced their marriage split.

While the rugby player is likely to have support from his colleagues and fans, Rachel will no doubt count on her nearest and dearest to help her through the difficult time.

RACHEL KOLISI: MEET HER LOOKALIKE SIBLINGS
Rachel Kolisi – whose maiden name is Smith – is likely to lean on her family through her divorce proceedings from her husband, Siya.

 

 

 
This includes her well-known brother, sports agent Joel Smith, who is married to retired swimmer Tatjana Smith (nee Schoenmaker)

Rachel also has three lookalike sisters: Human Resources executive Hannah Tagicakibau, who is married to New Zealand-born rugby player Sailosi Tagicakibua; interior designer Tabitha Parkin, who is based in Cape Town; and Sarah Kispert, who lives in the US.The sisters, who have a striking resemblance to each other, were “grooms women” at their brother Joel’s wedding last year. All four women wore matching suits.
Rachel Kolisi wore a suit to her brother Joel Smith’s wedding to Tatjana Schoenmaker. Images via Instagram: @sobantu_nqayi
PARENT’S DIVORCE LED HER TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND SUICIDE ATTEMPTS
Rachel’s parents, Deborah Jamieson and Clive Smith, divorced when she was a teenager.

While Clive remained in South Africa, Rachel’s mom moved to New Zealand.

Speaking in the Mpoomy Ledwaba podcast in 2021, Rachel reflected on her parent’s tough marriage split.

She said: “I know everyone in their teenage years has their own struggles. Mine were because of my parents’ divorce, and we were all involved in that process and dragged in the middle of it a lot.

She continued: “My parents’ divorce was really challenging; I lost my way so much and found myself in unhealthy friendship circles. They would be like, ‘If you’re having a bad day, let’s have a drink or a smoke,’ and that’s the environment I found myself in, and it just spirals. Depression does that.

“I was in a hole, and I just wished that someone would drop down a ladder or a rope.”

A clip of Mia Le Roux preparing to show off her Miss Universe national costume just moments before she was expected to walk the runway at the preliminary show – which she failed to do – has fuelled suspicion.

The Miss SA queen withdrew from the pageant just one day before the finale over the weekend, citing “health concerns.”

But what exactly happened?

Meanwhile, Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, took home the crown on Saturday, 16 November. Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina was named her runner-up.

MIA LE ROUX CLIP FUELS SUSPICIONS
A clip of Mia Le Roux prepping for the Miss Universe national costume competition last Thursday has gone viral on social media.

In it, a make-up artist was seen putting the final touches on Mia’s face. Mia, beaming with excitement, appeared ready to show off her gown.

The national costume—which had never previously been revealed to the public—featured a gold headdress and an elaborate, feathered, and sequined gown in the colours of the South African flag.

@zeeconzi
♬ original sound – Zinhle Khonzy
Moments later, South Africa was skipped in the national costume show, and Mia Le Roux literally went MIA.

In a clip, the national costume parade skipped from Somalia to Spain, leaving South Africa out.

@trulovenoluthando Speedy recovery to our beautiful and strong Mia le Roux 🥺Nothing hurts more then when they called South Africa. She was supposed to come after Somalia #missuniverse #mialeroux #mexico #pageant # #trulovenoluthando #missuniverse2024 #missuniversesouthafrica #misssouthafrica ♬ original sound – trulovenoluthando
On social media, pageant fans are concerned about what transpired in the moments following the concerning clips.

Addressing Miss SA organisers, here is what a few pageant fans posted…

@courtwilmot: “Now that the pageant is over, are you going to be honest about what really happened? Was Mia Le Roux asked to leave? Why is there a clip of her all dressed for the prelims? It’s unlike Mia’s character to step away from everything she worked towards. Miss Universe did not even have an interpreter for the pageant – an accommodation that she fought so hard for. Please don’t try to hide behind all the money you’ve earned from this stunt.”

@PAMMY_PIE: “They owe us an explanation because our Mia looks happy and strong.”

@behlina_lee: “There is more to this story. Something has happened“.

‘SHE HAD TO GET SOME INJECTIONS’
In an Instagram Live last week, Miss SA creative director Werner Wessels shed some light on what was happening behind the scenes in the run-up to the pageant.

Werner – who helped Zozi Tunzi and Demi-Leigh Tebow (nee Nel-Peters) win the Miss Universe titles in 2017 and 2019, respectively – claimed that Mia Le Roux was gearing up for her prelim interview.

However, the 27-year-old did not have a sign language interpreter.

He added that Mia’s family, her support structure, was unfortunately not able to travel to Mexico to watch her perform at the pageant.

Werner then confirmed that Mia had been suffering from severe vertigo.

He said: “She had to go get some injections. There were spasms that were formed in her ear, and that’s what made it worse, but she is better”.
Mia Le Roux
Werner also hinted that Mia had possibly felt overwhelmed by pressure to post more on social media and keep up with public expectations. He said, “Her main priority is to impress the people on the ground, the people who make the decisions. If she’s on the phone all the time, she may miss her opportunity.”

Werner also hinted that Mia Le Roux’s national costume dress was “beautiful,” and he was excited for South Africans to see it.

With Mia being the first profoundly deaf participant in the Miss Universe pageant’s history, Werner claimed that he was at “peace about what will happen, whether it’s in our favour or not.”

He added: “We’ve had the best and worst of times, and we’ve survived and thrived through all of them.”

RACHEL KOLISI AND KIDS FLY FROM PARIS TO LONDON PRIVATE JET
Mom of two Rachel Kolisi previously revealed that she had taken her kids to Paris to get closure. Rachel has two kids – Nicholas (10) and Keziah (7) with Springboks captain Siya Kolisi. The pair announced their split in October.

Rachel revealed that she and the kids woke up early for a flight only to be told their booking did not go through at the airport and had to take a train to Paris. She has now revealed that they returned to London via a private jet. Take a look…

 
“Earlier this week I took Nic and Kez to Paris from London so they could say goodbye to their friends and teachers, always important to close a chapter well,” she wrote.

“We had a 04:30am start to catch a flight from London to paris only to get to the airport and be told our booking didn’t go through so we couldn’t get on the flight. We took a 1.5 hour taxi ride to the train station and after paying a small fortune took the Eurostar to Pairs. I shared a bit about this on the day. @opuljets VERY KINDLY offered to transport us back to London the next day in a private jet!!
The most unbelievable experience and we were super grateful! Still can’t believe it actually 😅🙏🏼,” she continued.

RACHEL KOLISI ON KIDS NEEDING CLOSURE
The mom of two revealed that she was taking the kids to Paris to say goodbye to their friends and teachers because they didn’t know they weren’t returning to Paris when they left.

“I’m taking them to Paris so they can say goodbye to all their friends and teachers. We didn’t know we weren’t coming back when we left in July – important they get to have closure too,” she wrote.

The family of four returned to South Africa after Siya rejoined the The Sharks after spending about a year at Paris-based rugby team Racing92.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPRINGBOK FAMILY?

The recent revelation about economist Thabi Leoka falsifying her PhD has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s corporate world. As a trusted advisor to the President and a board member of several listed companies, Leoka built a career on what turned out to be a lie. Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa fired the disgraced economist from his Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

Now, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) fined her R500,000 for misrepresenting her qualifications, raising serious concerns about her integrity and sending a strong message against fraudulent conduct.

 
Exploiting Trust for Personal Gain
Leoka’s case is a textbook example of fraud: lying about her qualifications to secure prestigious positions, large salaries, and unmerited public trust. Serving on boards like MTN, Anglo American Platinum and Remgro, she misled companies and the public. Her high-profile roles were likely influenced by her purported PhD, a qualification she never held. This isn’t just a misstep—it’s deception that should face legal consequences, given the magnitude of her influence and financial gain.

A Signal to the Youth
In a country grappling with high youth unemployment, cases like Leoka’s set a dangerous precedent. Her fraudulent path to success indirectly signals to young South Africans that deceit might be a viable path to career advancement. It’s a disheartening message to those who work hard for their qualifications and integrity. The legal system must take a firm stance to ensure that figures like Leoka face consequences, demonstrating that fraud will not be tolerated.

Repeat Offenders: A Growing Trend
Leoka’s case mirrors that of former Prasa engineer Daniel Mthimkhulu, who lied about his qualifications and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Mthimkhulu’s deception cost the state millions and damaged Prasa’s reputation. The trend of falsifying qualifications is on the rise, with professionals seeing this as an easy way to achieve success without effort. Without stringent consequences, more individuals may attempt similar deceptions, exploiting trust for personal gain.

Restoring Public Trust
To uphold corporate integrity, South Africa’s regulatory bodies and judicial system must enforce strict penalties. The JSE’s fine is a start, but financial penalties alone aren’t enough to restore public trust. Authorities must demonstrate that corporate fraud and dishonesty lead to real consequences, including potential jail time. It’s essential to set a precedent that fraudulent qualifications and deceitful paths to success are unacceptable, particularly for those in positions of public trust.

A Call for Accountability
As a respected economist, Leoka had an obligation to uphold the values of honesty and transparency. Her actions have not only tarnished her reputation but also damaged public trust in South Africa’s corporate leadership. In a nation where unemployment and inequality run high, the consequences of such behaviour extend beyond individual careers. South Africa needs to see an end to fraud-driven career paths and send a clear message: dishonesty will be met with the full force of the law.

After reuniting with his family in London this week, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi posed for pictures with his two children in Twickenham after defeating England. But where was his wife, Rachel?

The high-profile couple announced their split last month in a shock move. However, recent images have fuelled speculation that a reconciliation may be on the cards.

WHERE WAS RACHEL KOLISI?
On social media, Siya Kolisi was seen posing with his two children, Nic and Keziah, at Twickenham after the Springboks game. But Rachel, the Springboks’ first WAG, was nowhere to be seen.

Siya greeted fans after the match alongside his kids, who had flown in from South Africa just days earlier.After reuniting with his family in London this week, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi posed for pictures with his two children in Twickenham after defeating England. But where was his wife, Rachel?

The high-profile couple announced their split last month in a shock move. However, recent images have fuelled speculation that a reconciliation may be on the cards.

WHERE WAS RACHEL KOLISI?
On social media, Siya Kolisi was seen posing with his two children, Nic and Keziah, at Twickenham after the Springboks game. But Rachel, the Springboks’ first WAG, was nowhere to be seen.

Siya greeted fans after the match alongside his kids, who had flown in from South Africa just days earlier.Just a few days earlier, Rachel had shared images of the kids travelling to London on a private jet. Meanwhile, Siya shared a look at their special day out at a fire station.

Although they’ve been careful not to post pictures of themselves on their own IG accounts, they have been spotted together on their Kolisi Foundation account.

The former couple was seen smiling during an intimate dinner with friends in London. Although they continue to follow each other and like each other’s posts, Siya and Rachel Kolisi have not appeared together as a couple since the news of their split.
Rachel and Siya Kolisi united at a charity dinner this week. Images via Instagram: @kolisifoundation
IS SIYA HOPING FOR A RECONCILIATION?
Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi has shared an inspirational post about the Springboks’ victory. In one image, the rugby captain shows a snapshot of his reading material—the Bible.

The devout Christian revealed he had been reading the book of Zechariah, whose chapter 10 is titled “The Lord will restore his people.”