The year 2024 saw the ignition of a squabble between public figures Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng and Nota Baloyi when they clashed during the Prof’s Chris Brown concert villain era. Now, 2025 has seen the reignition of this feud as the two go back and forth on X (formerly Twitter).
The disagreement dates back to when Prof Phakeng revealed that she would proudly attend the highly controversial Chris Brown concert, which did not sit well with many X-users. Among this commotion, music executive Nota Baloyi took it upon himself to call Prof Phakeng out on how she dresses, claiming that it is inappropriate for a woman of her age and stature.
Not taking things lying down, the fab academic defended her autonomy to decide what she wants to wear, and took a few jabs at Nota herself, resulting in a back-and-forth between the two.
As we all thought the matter was laid to rest in 2024, it appears the two were not done with each other as they have returned for round two of their heavily worded quarrel. This time, the squabble started when Prof Phakeng boasted about all her farming knowledge, urging her followers to appreciate farmers just a little bit more in their daily lives.
In retaliation, Nota responded by taking a jab at the learned Professor, claiming that the farmers she is praising are knowingly posing the population. The Prof responded by letting the trolling Nota know that his nutrition was questionable and looked like he last ate when he was still married to the famous singer Berita.
Ah but you look like you last ate when you were still married Nota, so why would I ask you to thank any farmer? You have no one to thank at this stage shem, so ungazifaki mntanami❤️
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) January 9, 2025
The real trouble started when Nota proposed a ‘friends with benefits’ type of relationship with the Prof, citing his weight gain and health, claiming that he would be able to bench the Prof easily. Mamokgethi then put the nail in the coffin when she reminded Nota that he left his ‘friends with benefits’ in prison when he served a short sentence late in 2024. Furthermore, Mamokgethi then told Nota that if the likes of Nstiki (Buthelezi) have rejected him, then he can forget about any other woman wanting him.
You left your friends with benefits in prison, remember? You know where to find them if the situation is bad, because if you were rejected by Ntsiki, then you can forget about any other woman my boy.
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) January 9, 2025
Also see: Jacob Zuma wants back in on the ANC, and the public wants to know why
