Award-winning actress Gcina Mkhize is facing a difficult situation after her home was sold at auction to businessman Dzivhu Mashile in October 2023.
Mkhize, known for her roles in productions like Isibaya, has been living in the house since 2015, and claims she bought it for R1.2m, consistently paying her mortgage until 2021 when she experienced a loss of income.
The actress, who has been living in the house with her daughters for nine months since the sale, has been vocal about her feelings of vulnerability and insecurity. She claims that Mashile has begun renovations, removing windows and making changes to the house, leaving her and her children feeling unsafe.
"I lay awake asking myself what could happen. Anyone can step into my room and do as they please. We need help, I am unemployed, I am a single mother and we don't have food. Our electricity has been cut off by this guy. We don't have resources," she said as she expressed her anxieties on social media.
Mkhize, who has not had an acting job in a while, is struggling financially and feels trapped in a difficult situation. She argues that Mashile should not have purchased the house while she was still living in it, and feels he is taking advantage of her circumstances.
"Why did he buy the house knowing there are occupants? That is arrogance. He should not make it my problem. I did not ask him to buy my house. I didn't even get the money [typically, this would have been used to offset her debt]," she said.
Gcina Mkhize actress and artist famously known for her role as Jola on the tv show Isibaya. Facing possible eviction pic.twitter.com/G1fR2NSRcg
— Ota Benga (@MmuiWabatho) September 8, 2024
Mashile, however, has a different perspective on the situation. He claims he purchased the house legally after Mkhize defaulted on her bond payments, owing approximately R200,000. He bought the property for R701,000 and says he has been trying to get Mkhize to leave the house.
"I offered that she rents the home for R12k and she said yes but then changed her mind. I am basically paying for her to live in my house. I took the windows out because I want to renovate the house," he said.
Mashile has also expressed frustration, claiming that Mkhize's refusal to leave is hindering his renovation plans. He alleges that she has brought a sangoma and prophet to the house, which has caused fear among other tenants.
"She's looking for public sympathy at my expense. It's not good," he said.
Mkhize, however, remains resolute in her stance. She has stated that she will not leave the house until a court order compels her to do so.
"I will move out when the court tells me to move out. I need to go to court and present my case and then if the ruling says I should move out, I will. If the court doesn't say I should leave, I won't leave," she said.
"I will not run away like a coward. I will stay here and fight for what I believe is rightfully mine. I have no intention of leaving my home. I will not leave because of someone who paid R701,000. If I have to die here, I will," she added.
