Full Breakdown
Weekend News Wrap: South Africa's Recent Controversies
3/23/2026, 9:39:51 AM
Celebrity Death Hoax: Musa Khawula Responds
This weekend, South Africa was rocked by a death hoax involving celebrity blogger Musa Khawula. On March 21, 2026, Khawula took to social media to debunk rumors of his demise, which had gained traction after YouTuber Slik Talk claimed to have heard from a "reliable source" that Khawula was dead. In a voice note, Khawula stated, "I'm still alive," and expressed his frustration at the false claims, saying, "But why now, what's this thing you're doing? Why are you killing me?" This incident highlights the ongoing issue of misinformation in the digital age, particularly concerning public figures.
Political Spat: Ndlozi vs. Malema
In a surprising turn of events, a public disagreement erupted between Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema during a voter campaign in Johannesburg on March 21. Malema criticized Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, labeling him a "coward" for not addressing him directly in previous encounters. In response, Ndlozi issued a rebuke on his X account, defending Mkhwanazi without directly naming Malema. This exchange has drawn significant attention, reflecting the tensions within the EFF and the broader political landscape in South Africa.
SABC Faces Controversy Over Program Cancellation
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is currently facing backlash following the cancellation of its current affairs program, *Face the Nation*. The decision has sparked conflicting narratives, with host Clement Manyathela and the Presidency providing differing accounts of the cancellation's motivations. The SABC has denied allegations of political pressure influencing the decision, asserting that it was a routine programming choice based on "audience ratings and revenue performance, amongst others." This controversy raises questions about media independence and the influence of political dynamics on broadcasting decisions in South Africa.
Community Concerns: Mooifontein Cemetery Inspection
In response to complaints regarding the maintenance of Mooifontein Cemetery in Thembisa, the City of Ekurhuleni conducted an inspection on March 20, 2026. City manager Kagiso Lerutla assessed the site to ensure that workers had the necessary tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) ahead of the busy Easter period, when many families visit to clean graves. MMC for Community Services Siyabonga Moloi praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public spaces for community use.
Official Statements & Responses
The SABC has firmly stated that the cancellation of *Face the Nation* was not influenced by external pressures, emphasizing its commitment to programming based on audience engagement metrics. Meanwhile, Musa Khawula's response to the death hoax underscores the challenges public figures face in combating misinformation.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the SABC's decision to cancel *Face the Nation* argue that it reflects a troubling trend of political interference in media operations. Additionally, the public spat between Ndlozi and Malema has drawn scrutiny from political analysts who view it as indicative of deeper divisions within the EFF.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just came to say nope, I'm not dead. I'm here enjoying and having a good time,” — Musa Khawula, Blogger
- “coward” — Julius Malema, EFF Leader
- “audience ratings and revenue performance, amongst others.” — SABC Official Statement
