The festive season often brings joy and celebration, but for Mabopane TikTok star Mixon Tholo, better known as Tsekeleke, it has brought a bitter dispute with his manager, singer Dr Malinga.
The conflict erupted after a generous donation intended for Tsekeleke was allegedly diverted. "The man said he wanted to give me R100 000, but Dr Malinga asked him to send it to his account. I've never seen a cent from that money," Tsekeleke claimed.
He further alleges that Dr Malinga only provided him with furniture after his complaints went viral, a gesture he says was insufficient compensation for the work performed. "He arrived with beds, but my family wasn't happy. They're angry at what he's done," Tsekeleke stated.
Tsekeleke's complaints extend beyond the R100 000 donation. He alleges a lack of transparency regarding financial matters, claiming he performs without knowing Malinga's fees. "I perform without knowing what Malinga charges. He only gives me R2 000 per show," he said. This, coupled with his claim of receiving no payment for over five performances during the busy festive season, fuels his accusations of exploitation.
"When I inquire about my earnings, he says I won't get it," Tsekeleke added, expressing his deep frustration. The situation has left him contemplating a return to street performances. "I need a new manager, or I'll go back to the streets," he declared.
Dr Malinga vehemently denies these accusations. He claims to have actively sought funds for Tsekeleke, initially for a bedroom makeover and subsequently for his family’s well-being.
"I've been asking funds from people for Tsekeleke. Initially it was for a makeover for his bedroom and after that was done. I saw a need to also help his family,” he explained.
Regarding the R100 000 donation, Malinga claims he allocated R10 000 each to Tsekeleke's mother, girlfriend, and himself, using the remainder to purchase furniture.
"I want them to have a comfortable life," he stated, adding that he intends to build the family a house. He insists that he ceased working with Tsekeleke after the incident.
Malinga justifies his actions, stating his concern that the money would be misused. "I feared the money would be squandered. I'm painted as the villain, but I'm trying to help," he said.
He further offered to provide video proof of his claims, including receipts for the purchases made. After being contacted by Daily Sun, Dr Malinga took to his TikTok page to address the allegations.
In a video circulating on social media, he recounted his conversation with Daily Sun, stating: “People from Daily Sun called me saying he (Tsekeleke) said I’m eating his money, and I calculated for them and sent them receipts.”
Dr Malinga says that he isn’t not exploiting Tsekeleke, this is after the dancer and TikTok sensation accused him of spending his donated money. @DailysunCelebs #Tsekeleke#DrMalinga pic.twitter.com/7TyBFCpptn
— Kgalalelo Tlhoaele (@Kgalulul) January 3, 2025
Attempts to contact Tsekeleke's family proved unsuccessful, with their phone going straight to voicemail. A subsequent call to Tsekeleke resulted in him hanging up the phone. The conflicting accounts leave the public to ponder the true nature of the relationship between the two individuals and the extent to which financial transparency and fair compensation were observed.
