Maskandi superstar Mthandeni “SK” Manqele is demanding answers from Ukhozi FM, South Africa's leading radio station, regarding his outstanding prize: a brand new VW Polo Vivo. The car was promised as the grand prize for winning the station's prestigious Ingoma Ehlukanisa unyaka competition, but months after the announcement, Manqele is still car-less.
The competition, a highly popular annual event, generated significant excitement and participation. Ukhozi FM's promotional materials, including posters displaying the prize vehicle, clearly stated: “A winning song will win a brand new car.”
Mthandeni's song, "Gucci," emerged victorious on 31 December 2024, securing the win with over 900,000 votes—each SMS costing R1.50. This victory was a significant achievement for Manqele, whose previous hit, "Paris," was also a strong contender but, according to his manager, may have been overlooked due to "politics."
However, the promised reward has yet to materialise. Simphiwe Masondo, Manqele's manager, expressed his frustration with the lack of communication from Ukhozi FM.
"I can confirm that Mthandeni hasn’t received the car," Masondo stated. "There’s been no communication from Ukhozi FM and we’ve been patiently waiting. Ten days have lapsed already and we’re wondering what could be the cause for this delay. We’ve waited enough and we’re now going to start making inquiries. We need to know the delivery date of the car.”
Masondo clarified that this isn't about Manqele's personal need for a vehicle. "Perhaps I must explain that Mthandeni is not desperate for a car but Ukhozi FM must do the right thing and keep its promise," he emphasised. He highlighted the significance of the competition win for both Manqele and his devoted fanbase.
"Winning this competition is a big deal for Mthandeni and his fans. ‘Gucci’ was a huge hit, and it’s still popular—no wonder it won. We are grateful that justice prevailed," Masondo added.
Repeated attempts to contact Mmoni Seapolelo, head of communications at the SABC (which owns Ukhozi FM), for comment have been unsuccessful. This silence further fuels concerns about the station's commitment to fulfilling its promises. The situation raises questions about transparency and accountability within the organisation.
This isn't the first time Ukhozi FM has faced criticism regarding prize fulfillment. Previous winners of the Ingoma Ehlukanisa unyaka competition, including prominent artists like Senzo “Ntencane” Zondi, Khuzani Mpungose, and Hlosiwe “DJ Hlo” Mthalane, reportedly received nothing.
This pattern of unfulfilled promises casts a shadow over the integrity of the competition and raises serious questions about the management of the event and the treatment of participating artists.
