“I will not be intimidated” – These are the words of a frustrated Phil Mphela after calling out organisers of the Mr Universe South Africa pageant for failing to pay him the money for his services rendered.
The bubbly personality took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to reveal that he had been recruited by the pageant’s organisers to perform MC duties at the prestigious event. However, months have passed, and he has still not received payment.
Taking to social media, he shared his frustration with the online community.
“I waited beyond the invoiced date and when weeks turned into months, I tried to get this sorted amicably and privately, to no avail. For a whole 5 months! There will not be a 6th if I’m still alive.”
He further revealed that his constant inquiries have since led the organisation to threaten legal action against him.
“I have worked with many companies and brands. There have been payment delays (it happens sometimes) but are solved without drama, threats, and intimidation”.
He adds that the money that the organisation used to pay lawyers who threatened him with legal action could have been used towards paying the monies owed to him and that the problem would have been solved, but until then, he will not stop.
“Let me be clear. I am at a point where all I want is money in my account. I won’t be litigating and paying R50k for a R65k debt – that would be silly. I will however use the only resource at my disposal, and that is to remind Mr Universe every chance I get that I have not been paid for my work. Sue me,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, the Mr. Universe South Africa organisation has since denied any wrongdoing. In a statement of their own, they revealed that he was hired by Ms Pumza Nohashe from Epsy Communications, who has acknowledged the debt but claimed that it had been resolved.
In a statement of its own, the organisation noted that it will not in any way be bullied or intimidated by individuals who do not know the facts.
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Also see: Ntando Duma, Gabisile Tshabalala and Phil Mphela to host a new show
