JOHANNESBURG – In the face of South Africa’s crippling unemployment crisis, some individuals are finding unconventional ways to survive.
One such individual is Siyabonga Mbatha, previously better known by his stage names Siya the Entertainer and now King Minajos, a 27-year-old male stripper and sex worker from Ennerdale, south of Johannesburg. Mbatha’s story offers a stark glimpse into the realities faced by many who resort to sex work out of economic necessity.
“If we had opportunities to work, we wouldn’t want to sell our bodies for money,” Mbatha told Daily Sun. “Some of us don’t have a choice.” He openly admits that the job isn't always enjoyable.
“Sometimes you sleep with people you wouldn’t sleep with if you weren’t desperate, and the kind of stuff some clients want you to perform for the sake of money is shocking.”
Mbatha has been working as a male stripper and sex worker for three years. His success has allowed him to envision a future in the industry, stating: “I already know the places I must go for rich clients, so retirement is something that’s not on my mind right now. I think I’ll push until I’m an old man.”
However, he acknowledges the significant drawbacks: “It’s dangerous for your health and also can make your community look at you differently. Lastly, once you are in this game, people will know you as a sex worker, even if you try to change your life. That thing of being a sex worker will go with you for life.”
His journey hasn't been without regret. “Do you know how painful it is doing something you don’t like just to put food on the table and how painful it is that you are not allowed to attend your kid’s parents' meeting functions because you are regarded as a disgrace in the community?” he lamented.
Despite the hardships, Mbatha maintains a pragmatic outlook: “I had dreams, and I still have dreams, but living in South Africa with no job and opportunities is painful. So, instead of feeling pity for myself, I need to use what I have to make a living regardless of what people say.”
Mbatha’s story is not entirely new to news readers. In previous interviews, he detailed his career progression, financial success, and personal ambitions. In 2022, he declared himself a "magosha" (prostitute) servicing both men and women. He previously made headlines in July 2020 after being accused of impregnating two friends, and in May 2021, he revealed his R3,000 per-session fee, silencing those who labelled him "broke."
A significant achievement was the building of a house for his mother in KwaZulu-Natal, a project he kept secret until surprising her with its completion. "She didn’t know about my plan and it stayed that way until I surprised her this past weekend," he shared. "I’ve been working harder than usual to fulfil this dream, and I’m pleased that it has finally come true.”
While his mother doesn't condone his profession, she expressed her pride in his accomplishment: “I’m happy with the house he’s built for me,” she said. Mbatha himself has stated that negative comments don’t bother him as long as his mother accepts him.
"As much as it sometimes hurt when people bash me on Twitter, they also made me stronger and famous," he added. He even revealed plans to film a pornographic movie overseas.
Mbatha’s career path took a significant turn in 2023 when he adopted the persona of King Minajos, inspired by the success of Limpopo-based Queen Minajos. He explained that the sexually explicit content on social media and OnlyFans platforms made the name a natural fit.
"Initially, my stage name was Siya the Entertainer, however, I didn’t see any growth. Ever since I became King Minajos, as much as I have been getting a lot of hate and also receiving a lot of love and bookings," he said.
His journey into the adult entertainment industry began under the mentorship of the late Mduduzi Cardbury Hulk Zwane, a male stripper who took him under his wing. "I have been in this industry for 3 years, my unique selling point is definitely my manhood,” Mbatha explained in a previous interview.
He proudly declared: “I’m now an established male stripper and pornstar performing for everyone, I don’t care if you’re a man, woman, gay, transgender, fat or skinny as long as there’s money, I offer my services.”
Mbatha’s life has been far from straightforward. He revealed that after an unsuccessful football career, he experienced depression, a chaotic lifestyle, and even time in prison. It was during his incarceration that he allegedly modified his penis, a change he attributes to increased success in attracting wealthy clients. His career choice has created a rift with some friends and family members.
"My community views me as a bad influence, even when I’m fully dressed going to the shops, people stare at me, take pictures and call me names,” he shared.
