The enigmatic Gogo Maweni, South Africa's most celebrated traditional healer and reality TV star, is once again at the center of a media storm. This time, the controversy swirls around her latest business venture – a range of "cash candles" that promise to bring good fortune to her clients.
In an exclusive interview with Celeb Gossip News, the outspoken Gogo Maweni has fiercely denied allegations that these candles are part of a nefarious "dark money ritual" scheme. "I am not going to defend myself over nonsense," she declared, her eyes flashing with a hint of annoyance. "Because I know people are doing that, does not mean I am doing that."
Maweni, who has built a loyal following through her candid approach to traditional healing and her no-nonsense persona, has long been vocal about the dangers of accepting money from strangers. She has warned her followers that such "gifts" could be part of a sinister plan to transfer bad luck or dark energy.
But in a surprising twist, the savvy businesswoman has now found a way to combine her traditional expertise with a modern capitalist twist. "I am a businesswoman, I'm a traditionalist and inyanga. I always come up with ways that would combine traditional ways and Western ways," she explained, a grin spreading across her face.
Her cash candles, which contain anywhere from R5 to a whopping R10,000, are more than just a gimmick, Maweni insists. "The cash candles are something that helps people eradicate bad omens and spirits in the home. The ingredients I put in the candle are like ibaso. I figured let me do something clever and put money in the candles."
And to prove that there's no witchcraft involved, Maweni has even gone so far as to offer a R10,000 slip that can be claimed via electronic fund transfer. "One has a slip for R10,000 and they need to call me to tell me they've won the R10,000," she revealed, her confidence oozing through every word.
The move has certainly caught the attention of the public, with some embracing Maweni's innovative approach and others expressing skepticism. "People always talk. I'm not new to these kind of conversations or these words being thrown around," the sangoma said, shrugging off the naysayers.
But Maweni's outspoken nature and her willingness to challenge the status quo have long been a double-edged sword. Just last year, former EFF MP Godrich Gardee took issue with her love potion advertisements, accusing her of peddling "witchcraft" under the guise of traditional remedies.
"Herbs are for sickness, not witchcraft," Gardee thundered, sparking a heated debate within the traditional healing community.
Yet, Gogo Maweni remains unfazed, confident in her abilities and her commitment to bringing a modern twist to the ancient practices of her craft. "I've helped a lot of people," she declares, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of pride and defiance.
As the cash candle controversy continues to swirl, one thing is certain: Gogo Maweni is not one to be easily deterred. With her trademark blend of business savvy and traditional wisdom, she continues to captivate and challenge the public, one candle at a time.
