The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed it is attending to the situation involving South African singer Makhadzi, who recently raised concerns about being stranded in Botswana amid an alleged contractual dispute.
Also see: Makhadzi shares disturbing claims of being stranded in Botswana: “I feel kidnapped”
The musician, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, sparked concern among fans after sharing a video in which she described her experience in Botswana as frightening.
In the video, Makhadzi claimed that her passport, vehicle and personal belongings had been taken, leaving her unable to leave the country.
Her claims prompted calls for intervention, with fans seeking clarity about her safety and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
DIRCO confirms it is attending to the matter
DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela responded to concerns about the singer’s situation, confirming that the department was aware of the matter.
“We are attending to this matter. An update will be provided,” Clayson said.
However, the spokesperson did not provide further details about the intervention or confirm whether Makhadzi and her team had been cleared to leave Botswana.
BREAKING NEWS
MAKHADZI AND HER TEAM SAFE IN BOTSWANA AFTER HIGH COMMISSION INTERVENTION
South African award-winning musician Makhadzi and her team are safe and back at their hotel following the intervention of the South African High Commission in Gaborone amid a contractual dispute in Botswana.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Deputy Director-General for Public Diplomacy Clayson Monyela confirmed to MDN News that the matter was being attended to and that the musician and her team were safe.
Monyela said Makhadzi had visited the South African High Commission in Gaborone earlier on Tuesday, where the matter was addressed.
“The matter is being attended to. She was at the South African High Commission in Gaborone earlier today. She and her team are safe and back at their hotel. The contractual dispute is being dealt with,” Monyela told MDN News.
The development follows a video in which Makhadzi claimed that she had been stranded in Botswana since Saturday, 31 October, after her passport, vehicle and personal belongings were allegedly taken during a dispute.
The singer said the incident happened while she was performing at an event. She alleged that two men approached her and demanded her passport but failed to provide identification documents to establish their authority.
Makhadzi subsequently raised concerns about her situation on social media, saying she had been unable to return to South Africa because she did not have access to her travel documents.
The dispute has been linked to Botswana-based promoter Gilbert Seagile of Gilbert Promotions, who has reportedly handled the musician’s bookings and business dealings in Botswana since 2023.
The disagreement reportedly involves financial and contractual arrangements relating to previous performances and promotional work for her upcoming One Woman Show. However, the specific details of the dispute and the parties’ respective positions have not been independently established.
Makhadzi, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, is one of South Africa’s most popular performers, with a strong following across the continent.
While the intervention has brought relief following concerns about her situation, the contractual dispute remains unresolved.
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) November 3, 2026
Also see: Makhadzi turns a hospital selfie into the bold cover for her new single ‘Operations’
Makhadzi shares details of her ordeal
In her video, Makhadzi explained that the incident happened while she was performing at an event in Botswana.
She alleged that she was performing her fourth song when her road manager signalled her to leave the stage. Her dancers continued with the performance while she went to find out what was happening.
According to the singer, she later encountered men near her vehicle who allegedly demanded her passport.
Makhadzi questioned whether the individuals were legitimate law enforcement officers, claiming that they were not wearing uniforms and had not provided identification or documentation.
She said she wanted the matter handled at a police station so everything could be addressed transparently.
The singer also expressed feeling frightened and trapped by the situation.
Makhadzi Says She’s STRANDED & Being Extorted in Botswana https://t.co/LUSej8tyZv
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) November 3, 2026
Contractual dispute reportedly linked to Botswana promoter
The incident has reportedly been linked to a disagreement involving Botswana promoter Gilbert Seagile, also known as PP Wa Pimp.
The dispute is understood to involve contractual and financial arrangements connected to Makhadzi’s performance and promotional commitments.
Seagile subsequently shared a legal notice on social media warning against defamation and indicating that he would consider legal action to protect his reputation.
However, the full details of the disagreement and the parties’ respective positions have not been independently established.
Fans await further updates
Makhadzi’s situation has attracted widespread attention, with fans expressing concern and calling for her safe return to South Africa.
DIRCO’s response has provided some indication that the matter is receiving attention, although the department is yet to share further details about its intervention.
