Top 10 South African Celebrities Who Faced Financial Ruin in 2025
The world of fame and fortune often seems glamorous from the outside, but for many celebrities, the reality is far more complex.
In 2025, a number of South African stars, from musicians to politicians, found themselves facing financial struggles that shocked fans and the public alike.
Below, we take a closer look at the top 10 South African celebrities who experienced financial hardship, exploring the reasons behind their challenges and the lessons we can learn from their stories.
10.
King Monada
King Monada, the hitmaker behind the iconic song “Ska Bora Moreki,” once enjoyed immense success and a net worth of over $5 million.
However, the rise of the Amapiano genre led to a significant decline in his popularity and income.
With fans shifting their attention to new music trends, King Monada’s earnings dwindled, and he faced challenges maintaining his lifestyle.
His BMW M4 was repossessed, and he replaced it with a more modest VW Polo.
Despite these setbacks, King Monada remains optimistic, claiming he is financially stable but struggling to adapt to his reduced income.
9.
Teko Modise
Former soccer superstar Teko Modise was once among the highest-paid athletes in South Africa, earning R450,000 per month.
However, after being released from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2017 and retiring shortly thereafter, his financial situation took a turn for the worse.
Modise lost a significant portion of his wealth, with his net worth dropping from $14 million to $2 million.
He has since written a book discussing the challenges of fame, money, and discipline, offering insights into the pitfalls of financial mismanagement in the world of sports.
8.
Babes Wodumo
Known for her electrifying Gqom music, Babes Wodumo was once a rising star in South Africa.
However, the emergence of Amapiano in 2019 marked a turning point in her career.
Struggling to compete with the new genre, Babes and her late husband faced declining income and mounting debts.
After her husband’s passing, Babes was left to deal with financial challenges alone, including repossessed cars and a move back to her parents’ home.
Her story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of the entertainment industry.
7.
Kelly Khumalo
Singer and actress Kelly Khumalo has faced both personal and professional challenges in recent years.
Accusations surrounding her ex-boyfriend’s murder tarnished her reputation, leading to a decline in her music sales and TV appearances.
Kelly’s financial struggles became public when she reportedly asked fellow celebrity Somizi for petrol money.
With her net worth dropping from $10 million to $1 million, Kelly is now working to rebuild her career and regain her fans’ trust.
6.
Jacob Zuma
Former South African President Jacob Zuma and his son have also faced financial difficulties.
After leaving office, Zuma was accused of corruption and struggled to pay his legal fees.
His businesses were shut down, and his son’s accounts were frozen due to alleged illegal transactions.
Despite these challenges, Zuma has managed to survive, although his financial woes remain a topic of public interest.
5.
Lady Zamar
Singer Lady Zamar saw her career take a hit following allegations against her ex-boyfriend.
The case, which was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, led to a backlash on social media and a decline in her music sales.
Fans abandoned her, and her most recent album failed to gain traction.
Lady Zamar’s story highlights the impact of public perception on a celebrity’s career.
4.
Emtee
Rapper Emtee rose to fame with hits like “Roll Up” and “Pearl Thusi,” but his financial troubles stemmed from disputes with his record label.
Earning as little as R20,000 per month despite his success, Emtee struggled to make ends meet.
After his assets were repossessed, he turned to selling marijuana to survive.
Emtee is now working on new music in an effort to revive his career and overcome his financial challenges.
3.
Zahara
Singer Zahara enjoyed immense success in the early 2010s, but her career has since declined due to competition and alleged financial mismanagement by her record label.
Zahara claims she is owed millions of rands, and her financial struggles have led to the repossession of her house.
Despite these setbacks, Zahara remains determined to rebuild her life and career.
2.
Dr.Malinga
Known for his energetic performances and hits like “Via Orlando,” Dr.
Malinga faced financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With events and shows on hold, his income dwindled, and he struggled to pay his taxes.
Dr.Malinga’s assets, including cars and furniture, were repossessed.
However, he has since made headlines for purchasing a McLaren, raising questions about his financial situation.
1.
Zola 7
Iconic musician and TV personality Zola 7 was once a household name in South Africa.
While he continues to earn income from streaming his old songs, Zola’s financial struggles have been evident in recent years.
With his net worth dropping from $2 million to $200,000, Zola has faced challenges maintaining his lifestyle and staying relevant in the entertainment industry.
Despite these difficulties, Zola remains a beloved figure, with fans rallying behind him as he works to rebuild his career.
Lessons Learned
The stories of these celebrities serve as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of financial planning.
From mismanagement and competition to personal challenges and public perception, the factors contributing to their financial struggles are varied and complex.
For fans and aspiring artists alike, these stories offer valuable insights into the realities of life in the spotlight.
As these celebrities work to overcome their challenges, their resilience and determination serve as an inspiration.
Their journeys remind us that success is not just about reaching the top but also about navigating the ups and downs along the way
https://youtu.be/iFKPOnGv8mc
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