MAKHADZI LABELLED A “DISHONEST ARTIST”BY BOTSWANA COURT AFTER SETTLEMENT IN PROMOTER DISPUTE
GABORONE/JOHANNESBURG — Award-winning South African singer Makhadzi, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, was granted permission by a Botswana court on Wednesday to return home after reaching an out-of-court settlement in a contractual dispute with local promoter Gilbert Seagile of Gilbert Promotions.
The dispute, which left the Limpopo-born artist unable to leave Botswana for several days from 31 October, centred on an alleged agreement for a One Woman Show planned for 12 September 2026. Seagile sought around P500,000 in compensation for financial losses and reputational harm, acknowledging no formal written contract was signed.
Makhadzi’s management disputed any binding agreement, stating she was never formally booked for the event and received no related payment. Her team had prepared to challenge the court order that led to her passport being held.
The standoff began during a performance when her road manager signalled her mid-set. She left the stage and encountered men demanding her passport; she later described feeling “kidnapped” and harassed.
The South African High Commission in Gaborone and DIRCO assisted, confirming she and her team were safe. Gilbert Promotions maintained the actions enforced a legitimate court order. Settlement terms remain undisclosed. Makhadzi plans to continue promoting her One Woman Show scheduled for 24 December at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The Botswana case is the latest in a series of disputes with event organisers. Past allegations include a 2022 no-show in Mahikeng after a R70,000 payment, similar claims involving events in Limpopo and North West, a 2023 Kempton Park booking of R80,000, and a December 2024 North West festival where her team said the full R180,000 fee was not paid on time.
Her management has consistently said performances depend on full and timely payment under signed contracts.