Old Wounds Reopen: Why South Africa Still Talks About Mohale and Somizi’s Money Drama

South Africa’s entertainment world is once again buzzing after Mohale Motaung, the ex-husband of media personality Somizi Mhlongo, found himself dragged back into a controversy many believed had faded with time.

Old accusations have resurfaced, reminding the public of claims that Mohale attempted to benefit financially from Somizi’s wealth, reigniting debates about love, power, and money in one of the country’s most scrutinized celebrity marriages.

The renewed attention follows viral discussions online where clips, interviews, and court-related statements from the couple’s bitter separation began circulating once more.

What started as nostalgia quickly turned into outrage, with many users accusing Mohale of trying to “eat up” Somizi’s hard-earned money while contributing little to the relationship.

Somizi, one of South Africa’s most successful entertainers, built his fortune over decades through television, radio, endorsements, and brand partnerships.

Long before his marriage, he was already a household name with a carefully crafted public image and substantial financial independence.

Mohale, by contrast, entered the marriage as a relatively unknown figure, and that imbalance became a focal point during their highly publicized split.

During their divorce proceedings, Somizi made explosive claims, alleging that Mohale misrepresented himself, lived beyond his means, and relied heavily on Somizi’s finances.

These allegations, though contested, shaped public perception and permanently altered how many fans viewed Mohale.

The resurfacing of these claims has now reopened wounds that never fully healed.

Critics argue that Mohale’s lifestyle during the marriage raised red flags from the start.

Luxury travel, designer clothing, and sudden access to elite social circles fueled speculation that he was enjoying privileges made possible by Somizi’s success.

While enjoying a partner’s wealth is not a crime, detractors insist the issue was deception, not dependence.

Mohale has consistently denied accusations of financial exploitation.

In past interviews, he described himself as emotionally invested in the marriage and claimed he was unfairly painted as a gold digger once the relationship soured.

He accused Somizi of controlling behavior and emotional manipulation, framing himself as a victim rather than a beneficiary.

Despite these denials, public sympathy has largely tilted toward Somizi, especially after he openly discussed the emotional and financial toll the marriage took on him.

Fans recall moments when Somizi appeared visibly drained, both emotionally and financially, as legal battles and public scandals unfolded.

The phrase “trying to eat Somizi’s money” has now become shorthand on social media, used not just as criticism of Mohale, but as a cautionary tale about power dynamics in celebrity relationships.

Many users argue that the situation reflects a broader pattern where fame and wealth distort intimacy, turning love into transaction.

Adding fuel to the controversy is the fact that Somizi emerged from the ordeal visibly stronger, refocusing on his career and personal growth.

His resilience has further reinforced public loyalty, while Mohale’s attempts to rebuild his image have struggled against the weight of past narratives.

Industry insiders note that reputations in celebrity culture are rarely shaped by court rulings alone.

Perception often matters more than legal outcomes, and in this case, the court of public opinion appears to have rendered a lasting verdict.

Even years later, Mohale’s name remains tied to the idea of financial opportunism, regardless of legal nuance.

Supporters of Mohale argue that the renewed attacks are unfair and amount to harassment.

They point out that relationships are complex and that financial support within a marriage does not automatically equal exploitation.

They also warn against reducing a failed relationship to a single narrative driven by celebrity loyalty.

Yet the intensity of the backlash reveals something deeper.

South Africans, like audiences everywhere, are increasingly critical of relationships that appear unequal, especially when one partner’s success predates the other’s presence.

In such cases, trust becomes fragile, and once broken, nearly impossible to restore.

As the story resurfaces, both men continue to live separate lives under very different public lights.

Somizi remains an influential figure with enduring fan support, while Mohale continues to fight an uphill battle against an image that refuses to fade.

Whether fair or not, the reminder of past accusations has reignited a national conversation about love, money, and accountability.

And once again, Mohale finds himself confronting a reputation shaped as much by public memory as by the marriage that made him famous.

In the unforgiving world of celebrity culture, some stories never truly end — they simply wait for the right moment to return.