These are the stories that had social media buzzing this year. We reflect on all the drama that took place and news that made South Africa proud.
Minnie and Khune Break-up
Minnie and Khune were the Beyonce and Jay-Z of our local celebrity world and their infamous “Drunk in Love” video on Instagram had us all craving a sip of their love. It’s alleged that Khune cheated on Minnie with soccer babe Vanessa Masilo. Though the on-again off-again nature of their relationship has often left us confused about their status, Minnie recently confirmed on Twitter that indeed, she is single again. It’s unfortunate; all we have left of this relationship is a timeline of memories.
Minnie gets involved in a club fight
Still on Minnie, while celebrating her 24th birthday at a popular Johannesburg club, drama took over the proceedings. Someone threw a bottle at Minnie. It later emerged that the alleged perpetrator was a sports administrator, a woman known as Ncumisa . The TV presenter said she met Ncumisa at a braai. The woman has apparently tried to set Minnie up with another athlete. Minnie refused, and told her then-boo Khune about the incident, who then ended his relationship with Ncumisa.
Kelly Khumalo and Senzo Meyiwa’s unfortunate death
Bafana Bafana team captain was shot dead while at his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo’s home on the 26th of October. Senzo, married to Mandisa Mkhize, regretted to tell Kelly of his true marital status when they met and they dated as a result. According to Times Live, Mandisa had already accepted that Senzo’s heart was with Kelly. Baby Mama drama then surfaced after Meyiwa’s burial. It’s alleged he had impregnated another woman while he was still dating the singer, and there was another lady he had a relationship with (that he also allegedly had a child with) prior to meeting Mandisa.
#NotSenzosDad
Unwittingly, Senzo’s dad, Samuel, became a social media hit soon after the funeral service at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. While he was in a car, Samuel popped his head and arms outside of the passenger seat window and did a now-infamous wave to the crowd. The act was re-enacted and posted online under the hashtag, #notsenzosdad, and soon went viral.
Gareth Cliff questions costs of Meyiwa’s funeral, Fikile Mbalula responds
On the day of Senzo Meyiwa’s funeral Gareth Cliff took to twitter to ask “Who is paying for this massive funeral for #SenzoMeyiwa?” Online users expressed became disgruntled. Then, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula tweeted back saying “Leave him; he is suffering from a Verwoerd hangover.” But Mbalula later deleted the tweet. In a post published on his blog to defend himself, Cliff said “I don’t mind that we are paying for the funeral, I mind that I am the bad guy for asking the questions.” We say to Gareth, right question, wrong timing.
16 Generations actors fired
Many of us pictured moments, years from today, of our grandchildren sitting in our lounges at 8pm watching the soapie most 90’s kids grew up with, Generations. Sixteen of our favourite Generations actors went to a strike: they were requesting longer contracts and pay increases that reflect the continent-wide success of the soapie. Mfundi Vundla, executive producer for the show, took the unprecedented decision to fire them all.
The Bonang, Khune and Euphonik incident
A twist in the Minnie-Khune break-up story happened at a night club at 2am and involves Bonang Matheba, the soccer player and some touchy-feely actions, all the while Minnie was reportedly away at her hometown, Durban. Bonang claims Khune sexually assaulted her to which she responded with the threat of a lawsuit. Kuli Roberts tweeted recently about the incident “Since Revlon et Woolworths’ Bonang won’t lay a charge, is it fair to conclude she lied?” to which Bonang responded “I would address you but I have been taught to respect my elders… God Bless you.”
Oscar Pistorius trial and judgement
That fateful day of Valentine’s Day of 2013 finally reached a conclusion this year. Oscar Pistorius faced five criminal charges, including the premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, culpable homicide and three fire-arm related charges. With Defence Advocate Barry Roux on his side, Oscar was convicted only on charges of culpable homicide and one firearm-related charge. The athlete is currently serving a five year term.
Nonhle Thema gets Madison shoes ambassadorship…then loses it
Nonhle Thema went from being named the new face of Madison Shoes in June to being dropped by the iconic shoe brand in November. While in Botswana, Nonhle allegedly made a phone call where she spoke about girls in Botswana being fat, ugly and AIDS-infested. The label dropped her immediately. The beauty queen took to Twitter to say, “The truth [about] my Madison Shoes endorsement [is] I never got paid… so chill. there. Deal had no money.” First Dark and Lovely, now Madison? We hope Nonhle learnt her lesson and 2015 will be a better year for her.
Katch It With Khanyi, The talk of the nation
Khanyi Mbau’s talk show Katch it With Khanyi made it to the number one spot this year, beating some well-established shows including 3Talk, Motswako and Vusaseki. TimesLive reports that Khanyi understands her celebrity guests because she is one herself – she’s very open about the scandals she’s faced. Because of this, her guests feel at ease around her, making them open up. Well done Khanyi!
Thando Thabethe and Pearl Thusi Land Cool Endorsements
Thando, 5FM DJ, scored an endorsement contract with Nivea. She’s the first South African to represent the brand. Another first is Pearl Thusi who was named the brand ambassador of Europa Art Shoes – she’s also the first local lady to hold the title. Thando’s underrated status makes her cool for the Nivea gig while Pearl, relatable with a feminine edge also fits right into the Europa Art shoes brand.
Lulu Dikana passes away
On some sad and not expected news, singer and songwriter Lulu Dikana passed away. Right now there are no confirmed reports around the possible cause of death but several unconfirmed rumours have mentioned that she died of a “short illness”. Lulu was at the peak of her career as she opened for John Legend when he was here a few weeks ago. Our deepest condolences to Zonke and the rest of the Dikana family.
Pictures: Supplied and Instagram
