JOHANNESBURG – The death of beloved gospel legend Solly Moholo, whose real name was Solomon Majafela Molokoane, on 2 October 2024, following a prolonged illness, has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans across Mzansi. However, a recent social media post by his daughter, Louisa Molokoane, has sparked controversy and criticism.
The 65-year-old singer, famed for hits like "Robala ka Kgotso" and "Mfelegetse," fell ill in Botswana during an album pre-launch and was subsequently hospitalised. His management team and family issued a public plea for donations to cover the substantial costs of his medical treatment, stating that the family lacked the necessary funds.
Following his passing, a family member revealed that only R100,000 was received in donations, a sum insufficient to cover the mounting medical expenses. This revelation set the stage for the current controversy.
Louisa Molokoane recently shared a video on social media showcasing a shopping spree at high-end boutiques, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, accompanied by an armed security guard. The video, showing her carrying numerous bags from these luxury stores, ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media. Many users accused her of using the money donated to her father for her personal luxury spending.
The public outcry prompted Louisa to address the accusations directly on her Instagram account. In a lengthy post, she defended her actions, stating: "I dare you to show me proof of payment of the donation money I ate. What you don’t know is, this was an advance we have to pay because it was just one person who helped us with that."
She further explained that the public was misinterpreting the situation: "People are commenting on something they don’t understand. All we were trying to say was help out when someone is in need, it’s humane, and if you can’t, it's understandable, it wasn’t a force (sic). Papa helped so many people, it was in his blood. He did a lot giving back."
Louisa also addressed comments suggesting that her father should have received treatment at a public hospital: "Some of you suggesting public hospital because it’s free. Others don’t know public hospitals aren't free," she clarified.
She went on to describe the emotional toll of her father's illness and the challenges faced by the family during his hospitalisation: "There are battles we had to face; some you guys don’t know behind the scenes. If I were to talk, it can take the whole day. Having a loved one in hospital is heartbreaking," she said.
She also refuted suggestions that the family had expected financial assistance: "We never said anyone owed us either. I don’t know where you get that from. It's heartbreaking how you can twist a situation you know nothing about. The fact that I had to address this is hurtful."
Louisa concluded her statement by emphasising that the purchases were not made with donated funds: "And no, it’s no policy money either. Remember him with his smile, funny laugh, mkhukhu dance, and a humble soul. May your soul rest in peace, papa," she wrote.
