Influencer in hot seat: Sizwe Dhlomo questions donation funds for Mkhwanazi

by Silindokuhle Booi

South African radio star Sizwe Dhlomo has sparked controversy by accusing influencer Chris Excel of disappearing with donation money meant for General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The donations were raised to buy cattle for General Mkhwanazi after he was hailed as a hero for exposing corruption which allegedly involved high-ranking officials. 

The donation drive, initiated by Chris Excel, aimed to show appreciation for General Mkhwanazi’s efforts in fighting corruption.

The campaign gained significant attention, with donations reaching just over R44,000. However, after the funds were gathered, there seemed to be a lack of progress in purchasing the cattle.

During his morning radio show on Kaya 959, Sizwe Dhlomo gave the influencer a shout out. Together with his co-host Sol Phenduka, they then discussed the donation drive.

“Shout out to you, Chris Excel. Let me call him out. He said that he was fundraising to buy cattle for General Mkhwanazi. People donated money, and it was at R32,000 the last time I checked. Wadla phantsi (He then ran away). He never bought the cattle.” Sizwe and Sol laughed, implying that Chris Excel had not fulfilled his promise.

Sol Phenduka chimed in, questioning Chris Excel’s credibility due to his faceless persona. “But who would even believe Chris Excel? He is faceless. We do not even know his name or have ever heard his voice,” he added. This comment further fueled the controversy surrounding Chris Excel’s handling of the donation funds.

Following the radio broadcast, Chris Excel explained what really happened to the funds. He stated that the money is yet to be released to General Mkhwanazi’s office, as his team needs to first acknowledge the donation.

“Here is an update, comrades. Regarding the cows. We are waiting for Lord Mkhwanazi’s office to recognise the fundraising so Backabuddy can release the funds. The money is still with them,” he clarified. 

The situation has sparked some debate and a bit of laughter, with some netizens questioning the true whereabouts and handling of the donation funds.

One user said: “We trust you even though we don’t know you president. You’re more trustworthy than most of our leaders, whom we know and make promises they never keep.”

Another wrote, “And I also appreciate dropping the voice clip. He cooked you, though. Sol said you are faceless. Dinangwe is mad because he had two cows ready, but money never arrived.”

“Lord Mkhwanazi must investigate the whereabouts of the cows that were bought in his name,” one added. 

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