In the ever-vibrant and often chaotic world of South African social media, the line between a harmless joke and a full-blown controversy is notoriously thin.

The latest figure to find himself at the center of a digital firestorm is Sol Phenduka, the popular broadcaster and co-host of “Podcast and Chill,” who recently sparked a wave of backlash following a comment directed at Mafikizolo member Theo Kgosinkwe.

The incident began when Theo Kgosinkwe, a veteran of the South African music scene, took to social media to celebrate a significant milestone in his family life: his son’s 21st birthday.

Theo shared a series of heartfelt photos of himself and his son, accompanied by a warm caption expressing his pride and love for his child as he reached this major transition into adulthood.

The images were widely circulated and even picked up by gossip blogs, including accounts run by the controversial figure Musa Khawula, which is where the situation took a sharp turn toward the “shady.

” Sol Phenduka responded to a tweet featuring the photos with a short and cryptic remark: “The dad has better jeans.

” While the word “jeans” on its own refers to a common item of clothing, the context of Sol’s public persona and his penchant for wordplay immediately led the audience to look for a deeper meaning.

Many social media users interpreted Sol’s comment as a clever, yet biting, pun on the word “genes,” suggesting a commentary on the physical appearance and DNA of Theo’s son.

The insinuation perceived by many was that the son looked significantly older than his father, or that the father’s “youthful genes” had served him better than they had the next generation.

This perceived jab at a young man celebrating his 21st birthday did not sit well with the public, who were quick to drag Sol for what they deemed unnecessary trolling.

Critics were swift to point out the irony of Sol Phenduka commenting on anyone’s physical appearance or clothing, with one user bluntly replying, “Look who’s talking about jeans,” accompanied by a mocking emoji.

The backlash further intensified as people accused Sol of losing his “straightforwardness” ever since he became more closely associated with certain controversial figures in the media industry.

The play on words between “jeans” (the denim) and “genes” (the biology) is a classic example of Sol’s style of humor, but in this instance, it was seen as crossing the line into bullying.

One person noted that it was “so weird” for someone of Sol’s stature to be using his platform to pick apart a celebratory family moment for the sake of a few likes.

Others advised the broadcaster to “stay away from that app” when he has free time, suggesting that his obsession with being “relevant” on Twitter was beginning to overshadow his professionalism.

The controversy highlights a recurring theme in the South African digital space: the tendency for celebrities to choose “shading” over peace, even during innocent celebrations.

Theo Kgosinkwe, for his part, has long been admired for his youthful appearance despite his many years in the limelight, which likely contributed to the “genes” comparison in the first place.

However, by making the son the target of the joke, Sol Phenduka hit a sensitive nerve with parents and fans who believe that children should be off-limits for public ridicule.

The phrase “we see what you did there” became a common refrain in the comment section, as users dissected the double meaning of the broadcaster’s remark.

While some defended Sol, arguing that his humor is simply observational and not meant to be malicious, the majority felt that the “shady” nature of the comment was undeniable.

The incident has once again placed Sol Phenduka in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, raising questions about the responsibility that comes with having a massive online following.

In the world of “Podcast and Chill,” controversial takes are part of the brand, but the transition to personal social media platforms often requires a different level of tact.

Theo’s son, who was merely celebrating a milestone, found himself caught in the crossfire of an industry war between influencers and traditional celebrities.

The debate over whether Sol was talking about the son’s actual denim pants or his genetic makeup continues to rage on, though the intent remains suspicious to most.

It serves as a reminder that in the age of screenshots and instant reactions, a single tweet can change the public’s perception of a celebrity in an instant.

The “drag” that Sol is currently experiencing is a testament to the fact that South Africans are becoming increasingly protective of family values in the face of “cancel culture” and influencer trolling.

As the video and the tweets continue to trend, the takeaway for many is that some moments are too sacred for a pun.

Celebrating a child’s 21st birthday is a deeply personal and meaningful event for any parent, regardless of their celebrity status.

To have that moment reduced to a joke about clothing or biological aging is, as many users stated, “disrespectful” and “uncalled for.”

Sol Phenduka has yet to offer a formal apology or a clarification on his intent, which has only allowed the speculation to grow.

For now, the public remains firm in their stance: Theo Kgosinkwe’s son deserved to have his day without being the punchline of a broadcaster’s joke.

The intersection of “Gossip Girl” culture and real-life milestones continues to be a volatile space where few emerge unscathed.

Whether this will lead to a change in how Sol interacts with his peers on social media remains to be seen.

But for the time being, the “jeans” comment has earned him a prominent spot in the week’s most-criticized celebrity interactions.

The lesson for all social media users is clear: sometimes, the best response to a beautiful photo is simply a “congratulations.”

The search for “relevance” should never come at the expense of a family’s joy or a young person’s self-esteem.