Legend Manqele: BarLeader TV production company shuttered, Bonang Matheba 'unprofessional' and owed nothing, Mohale Motaung not paid for Showmax wedding special after 'certain things went down at M-Net' - report

by Thinus Ferreira

Legend Manqele has been forced to shut down his production banner BarLeader TV, says he owes Bonang Matheba nothing who is allegedly "unprofessional" and that her reality show Being Bonang was cancelled over her own "bad behaviour", and that Mohale Motaung is also owed no money and couldn't be paid after "certain things went down at M-Net" following a disastrous Showmax wedding special with Somizi Mhlongo.

In an interview with City Press newspaper (paywall), the controversial TV producer Legend Manqele says he was forced to shut down his BarLeader TV production company following reputation damage and that he and his production company was damaged by "badly managed and badly behaved talent".

Legend Manqele claims that Bonang Matheba's reality show Being Bonang for M-Net's canned 1Magic TV channel on DStv was cancelled due to her "bad behaviour", that she's "unprofessional" and that BarLeader TV doesn't owe her any money. 

He says Bonang Matheba "was paid for her show. At times, she was paid late or the following month because she wouldn't arrive to shoots, or we would find ourselves on set and she wasn't there. Or we had to extend our hours into the night because she forgot. She wasn't being managed well and she wasn't necessarily professional".

BarLeader TV took over the production of the reality show Living the Dream with Somizi from its second season for M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) TV channel. 

That was followed by the tacky reality TV wedding series, Somizi & Mohale: The Union which was filmed for MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer in 2020. 

After the couple's relationship soured, leaked production recordings shocked the industry and the public in which Mohale Motaung accused Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse and of having threatened to kill him with a kitchen knife.

Instead of paying the couple their R1.5 million for Somizi & Mohale: The Union, Legend Manqele says he paid the South African Revenue Service (SARS) since Somizi Mhlongo owed SARS money. Since BarLeader TV closed down and the payment agreement was with SARS, Legend Manqele says he doesn't owe Somizi Mhlongo money.

Legend Manqele says BarLeader TV was owed money by M-Net for Showmax's Somizi & Mohale: The Union but didn't get it "because certain things went down at M-Net". 

Idols on Mzansi Magic sheds a third of its audience in a shocking ratings plunge after Somizi Mhlongo scandal.

by Thinus Ferreira

The once-invincible Idols on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) appears broken and has plunged in the TV ratings from over 1 million to just 693 000 - shockingly shedding hundreds of thousands of viewers and losing almost a third of its entire audience who have fled the reality singing competition after the controversy that was ignited by the now-gone scandal-riddled judge Somizi Mhlongo.

After season 17 of Idols, produced by [SIC] Entertainment for M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel on MultiChoice's DStv, attained a highwater-mark of 1 018 607 viewers in July making it the fourth most watched show on DStv during the month, the show's ratings suddenly cratered in an unprecedented decline.

Idols viewership has now fallen by almost a third and a whopping 31.89% to just 693 760 DStv subscribers watching in August, at most, as the show shed hundreds of thousands of viewers.

The 693 760 viewers for Idols on Sunday 8 August with host Tebogo Thekisho known as ProVerb, means that the show abruptly plunged to 10th most watched show on DStv during the month. 

As shocking, is that this is the most viewers for an episode of the series during August, with last month's other Idols episodes drawing even smaller audiences to Mzansi Magic's Sunday evenings.

The 693 760 viewers for Idols on 8 August follows on the Sunday immediately after the announcement by M-Net that the scandal-engulfed Somizi Mhlongo would no longer be a judge on the Mzansi Magic series. 

Since Idols episodes during August were still pre-recorded, the flamboyant Somizi Mhlongo still appeared on Idols on 8 August all through episodes until 22 August; however a third of the Fremantle-format show's viewers suddenly no longer appeared interested in watching Idols any further and for some reason tuned out.

The precipitous ratings decline of Idols once again underscores why broadcasters like DStv, M-Net, e.tv and the SABC judiciously guard and managing the image of their shows and the on-air talent who appear in them, since personal scandals and drama of talent could end up overshadowing or hurt ratings when viewers decide they no longer like, or like watching, someone on screen.

Somizi Mhlongo left Idols' current season as a judge after the scandal-riddled star was exposed following leaked BarLeaderTV production recordings from his now-estranged lover, Mohale Motaung.

Mohale Motaung claims that Somizi Mhlongo broke his ribs and almost knocked out teeth in a violent physical abuse incident in 2020; allegedly threatened Mohale with a kitchen knife, saying he would kill them both; and allegedly even tried to drive him off the road after an Idols afterparty.

Mohale Motaung and Somizi Mhlongo's tempestuous relationship has been marred by persistent rumours of infidelity and breakup ever since their over-the-top and tacky reality TV wedding series, Somizi & Mohale: The Union that was filmed for MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer in 2020.

Somizi Mhlongo and MultiChoice are also mired in drama over allegations that he allegedly stole and plagiarised the idea for the Dinner at Somizi's TV series from another creative, Hastings Moeng.

Somizi Mhlongo in a statement last month said the public has now become "audience to what has sadly become a breakup between two people laced by defamation, false but very serious accusations and interference from supposedly close and reliable sources".

He said "I have never been physically or knowingly abusive towards my estranged husband. I vehemently deny the allegations of criminal acts towards him and would like to clear my name of the defamation".

Mohale Motaung in a statement said that the leaked BarLeader TV recordings that were made in conversation with a producer of Living the Dream with Somizi, was him "laying case to reason why I would not want the details of our divorce to be used in the upcoming season of the reality show as this would affect the complete truth and furthermore, did not want the details thereof to be used for financial gain".

Mohale Motaung reiterated the alleged abuse he suffered from Somizi Mohale, saying "I did, in fact, experience abuse at the hands of my estranged husband, both physical and psychological. It is not my wish to seesaw my experience against his as he only has his conscience to reckon with".

In January this year the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) slammed Somizi Mhlongo in a strongly-worded statement over his attacks on and insults levelled against journalists.

Somizi attacked journalists after reports about his alleged infidelity and crumbling relationship and a legal battle over the canned Dinner at Somizi's TV show, after he was approached for comment but declined to comment.

SANEF said that Somizi's "actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell."

"SANEF calls on Somizi Mhlongo to unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo's comments." 

ALSO READ: Season 17 of Idols on Mzansi Magic switching to weekly guest judges after exit of Somizi Mhlongo.

ALSO READ: As Somizi Mhlongo abuse allegations swirl, Mzansi Magic doesn't tell DStv viewers on-screen about his upcoming absence as Idols judge; Mohale Motaung insists he 'experienced abuse both physical and psychological'.

ALSO READ: Somizi Mhlongo gone from Idols for now, exits Idols judge seat shortly after Metro FM gig following serious allegations of violent physical abuse.

ALSO READ: Somizi Mhlongo out at SABC's Metro FM after serious allegations of violent physical abuse, Idols role on M-Net's Mzansi Magic in jeopardy.

ALSO READ: In shocking leaked production recordings reality star Mohale Motaung accuses Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse: 'Threatened to kill me with a kitchen knife'.

Somizi Mhlongo out at SABC's Metro FM after serious allegations of violent physical abuse, Idols role on M-Net's Mzansi Magic in jeopardy.

by Thinus Ferreira

The socialite Somizi Mhlongo who is once again swirling in controversy following allegations of violent physical abuse is out of his gig as a presenter on the SABC's Metro FM radio station, with his seat as a judge on Idols on Mzansi Magic that is also in serious jeopardy.

The scandal-riddled star is once again in the tabloid headlines for all the wrong reasons, following leaked BarLeaderTV production recordings from his now-estranged lover, Mohale Motaung.

Mohale Motaung claims that Somizi Mhlongo broke his ribs and almost knocked out teeth in a violent physical abuse incident in 2020; allegedly threatened Mohale with a kitchen knife, saying he would kill them both; and allegedly even tried to drive him off the road after an Idols afterparty.

Mohale Motaung and Somizi Mhlongo's tempestuous relationship has been marred by persistent rumours of infidelity and breakup ever since their over-the-top and tacky reality TV wedding series, Somizi & Mohale: The Union that was filmed for MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer in 2020.

Somizi Mhlongo and MultiChoice are also mired in drama over allegations that he allegedly stole and plagiarised the idea for the Dinner at Somizi's TV series from another creative, Hastings Moeng.

Neither Mohale Motaung nor Somizi Mhlongo responded with any public statement by the time of publishing over the violent physical abuse claims.

On Wednesday morning the SABC in a statement confirmed that Somizi Mhlongo is gone from the Metro FM airwaves for now.

"The SABC can confirm that Metro FM management met with Somizi Mhlongo and he has requested to take some time off from work. Management has granted Somizi Mhlongo permission to do so. The corporation has also noted comments on social media about Somizi Mhlongo and we would like to point out that the public broadcaster does not condone any acts of abuse and violence."

Meanwhile Somizi Mhlongo's continued participation as an Idols judge on M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel is also becoming increasingly untenable given the serious nature of the allegations that have surfaced.

If Somizi Mhlongo is removed or leaves, viewers will however see him for a few weeks longer on-air, since several episodes of the current 17th season have been filmed by the [SIC] Entertainment production company already.

MultiChoice on Tuesday told TVwithThinus in a statement in response to a media enquiry that "We are aware of the allegations made against Somizi Mhlongo. As a strong proponent of a violence-free South Africa, we view these allegations seriously and are giving them the attention they deserve".

In January the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) slammed Somizi Mhlongo in a strongly-worded statement over his insults levelled against journalists.

Somizi attacked journalists after reports about his alleged infidelity and crumbling relationship and a legal battle over the canned Dinner at Somizi's TV show, after he was approached for comment but declined to comment.

SANEF said that Somizi's "actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell."

"SANEF calls on Somizi Mhlongo to unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo's comments."

ALSO READ: In shocking leaked production recordings reality star Mohale Motaung accuses Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse: 'Threatened to kill me with a kitchen knife'.

In shocking leaked production recordings reality star Mohale Motaung accuses Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse: 'Threatened to kill me with a kitchen knife'.

by Thinus Ferreira

In shocking, leaked production recordings that have so far been kept secret and away from broadcast while it kept the veneer of a reality TV series fantasy intact, the reality star and actor Mohale Motaung slams and accuses his fellow reality personality and Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse and that he threatened to kill him with a kitchen knife.

Somizi Mhlongo allegedly broke some of Mohale Motaung's ribs and almost knocked out teeth in a violent physical abuse incident in 2020; allegedly threatened Mohale with a kitchen knife, saying he would kill them both; and allegedly even tried to drive him off the road after an Idols afterparty.

Mohale Motaung and Somizi Mhlongo's tempestuous relationship has been marred by persistent rumours of infidelity and breakup ever since their over-the-top and tacky reality TV wedding series, Somizi & Mohale: The Union that was filmed for MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer in 2020.

Neither Mohale Motaung nor Somizi Mhlongo responded with any public statement by the time of publishing.

A media enquiry to M-Net's Mzansi Magic and Idols was referred to MultiChoice's corporate affairs division. MultiChoice on Tuesday told TVwithThinus that "We are aware of the allegations made against Somizi Mhlongo. As a strong proponent of a violence-free South Africa, we view these allegations seriously and are giving them the attention they deserve".

This follows an explosive report in the Sunday tabloids detailing the contents of leaked production recordings made by the BarLeader TV production company, in which Mohale speaks of the alleged physical abuse and threats from Somizi, dating back its start to just 3 weeks after their troubled relationship began.

In leaked recordings of interviews with the producers of Somizi Mhlongo's Living the Dream with Somizi that was broadcast on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) Mohale Motaung explains how he had been fearful of Somizi Mhlongo when they exchange wedding vows during their garish Somizi & Mohale: The Union streamer special.

Mohale Motaung claims that Somizi Mhlongo broke some of his ribs and almost knocked out two teeth in a jealous rage during a physically violent domestic abuse incident in 2020 at their Johannesburg home.

Mohale Motaung says that he wants to divorce Somizi Mhlongo, isn't "in love with him" anymore, and claims in the Sunday World article that Somizi Mhlongo threatened him with a kitchen knife and allegedly said that he would kill them both.

Mohale Motaung claims that Somizi Mhlongo loves group sex and suggested threesome sex while they were on holiday in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and that Somizi allegedly asked multiple times to bring other sex partners home.

Mohale Motaung details the first alleged violent abuse incident that happened just three weeks into their relationship when Somizi allegedly "took a knife. I was about to exit, so he said to me 'if you exit I'm going to kill us both'. So, I took my keys and I ran. He grabbed the knife and said 'if you walk out, I'm going to stab you".

Mohale said that he was "shit scared and I walked back into the house".

Mohale Motaung also details how Somizi Mhlongo allegedly tried to force him off the road and bumped his car in an alleged road-rage incident after Mzansi Magic's Idols afterparty in 2018. 

"By the time we got married, I was very scared of this person," Mohale Motaung says.

In January the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) slammed Somizi Mhlongo in a strongly-worded statement over his insults levelled against journalists.

Somizi attacked journalists after reports about his alleged infidelity and crumbling relationship and a legal battle over the canned Dinner at Somizi's TV show, after he was approached for comment but declined to comment.

SANEF said that Somizi's "actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell."

"SANEF calls on Somizi Mhlongo to unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo's comments."

7th season of MTV Shuga has started on MTV Base, with the second turn for MTV Shuga Down South exploring the lives of additional characters in the township of Zenzele.

The 7th season of MTV Shuga - the second season of MTV Shuga Down South - has started on MTV Base (DStv 322).

Previous seasons of Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) MTV Shuga have been filmed in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria with the second season of the entitled "MTV Shuga Down South " that was filmed in South Africa between September and November 2018.

The second season of the edutainment drama series is once gain set in Braamfontein in Johannesburg and the fictional township of Zenzele where the plot revolves around various sex and youth challenge dilemmas as part of a Unitaid, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, initiative.

Several of the previous season's characters like Ipeleng (Thuso Mbedu), Q, Zamo and Reggie (Given Stuurman) are back, with the addition of the gay actor Mohale Motaung in the role of Odirile as the second openly-gay character after Reggie.

Also back are Ayanda Makayi (Sol) and Samke Makhoba (Khensani), with the rest of the MTV Shuga Down South cast who includes Jezriel Skei, Lerato Walaza, Jemima Osunde, Jet Novuka, Nqobile Sipamla, Gcina Grace Olifant, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, and Winnie Ntshaba.

New characters include Kwanele (Malibongwe Mdwaba who won a role after the public auditions), Dineo (Mamarumo Marokane), Arabeng (Mamodibe Ramodibe) and Thuli (Dee Rasedile).

This season of MTV Base's Shuga Down South will use Mohale Motaung's character to explore innovations in the HIV-prevention space ranging from percautionary medication like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), self-testing, abusive relationships, so-called "toxic masculinity" and transactional sex.

Episodes were directed by Thishiwe Ziqubu, Vivek Mehta and Mlu Godola.

"Part of the MTV Shuga vision is to empower and open up the industry for young African talent, as it did for Lupita Nyong'o who got her start on MTV Shuga Kenya. We're excited to have Mohale join the MTV Shuga Down South family," says Monde Twala, vice president for youth, music and BET for VIMN Africa, in a statement.