Photo of Bongiwe Mati

Internet unimpressed with Fikile Mbalula’s congratulatory message to Makhadzi and Tyla

2y By Bongiwe Mati

Former minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and current ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula received a lot of backlash after sending congratulatory messages to Makhadzi and Tyla who both won big at this year’s BET awards, held at the Peacock Theatre in California.

Tyla scooped the Best New Artist and Best International Act while Makhadzi walked away with the Best New International Act award under the viewer’s choice category.

Many South Africans took to social media platforms to congratulate the two artists including Fikile who posted the winners in two separate posts captioned:

“Congratulations to Tyla and Makhadzi for winning at the #BETAwards, Tyla won the awards for Best New Artist and Best International Act. Makhadzi won the award for Best New International Artist. As South Africans, we are truly proud of both our shining musical stars for flying our flag high on the international stage.”

Internet users were quick to put the Secretary General in his place reminding him that it was not his place to send the message as Gayton McKenzie was the new Minister of Arts and Culture.

Fikile also received a lot of backlash for posting Tyla first with many users asking where Makhadzi’s picture was. He later posted Makhadzi’s picture with the same caption receiving similar comments to his Tyla post:

Also see: ‘You can’t have an overweight minister,’ Gayton Mckenzi promises to start running

SPORTS

FIFA re-election: Patrice Motsepe reiterates Africa’s support for Gianni Infantino

African football president Patrice Motsepe, on Thursday, reiterated support for beleaguered FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid. Also see: UEFA moves to bring criminal claims against Gianni Infantino Patrice Motsepe backs Gianni Infantino “We took a resolution, unanimous, that we support him and we will stand by him for the next elections,” Motsepe said near the […]

Read more...
ENTERTAINMENT

Kabelo Mabalane uses music to spark conversations about HPV

South African musician Kabelo Mabalane is using his love for music to raise awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV), creating a special song aimed at encouraging conversations about the virus and the importance of prevention. Also see: Kabelo Mabalane releases new song after 24-year journey of sobriety In a recent social media post, Kabelo revealed that he […]

Read more...
MZANSI MATTERS

Who is Navi Pillay? More about the recent South African Nobel Peace Prize winner

Former ICC judge Navanethem ‘Navi’ Pillay was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today, 9 October 2026, after the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded her the prize for her work in promoting peace and international law. Also see: ‘Helen Zille’ participating in ‘Hotel Lobby’ trend draws fierce criticism Instrumental to the promotion of peace According to Al Jazeera, […]

Read more...