Why Flaunting Your Wealth Online Could Be a Dangerous Mistake in South Africa: Inside the Viral Debate Sparked by Owamie Entertainment
Owamie Entertainment’s recent video, “Dear Makhi The Sswapha Queen Can You Please Stop Before It’s Too Late,” has ignited a firestorm of conversation across South African social media.
The video, which quickly amassed tens of thousands of views and hundreds of comments, centers on a simple but deeply provocative question: Is it safe—or wise—for influencers and public figures to share their financial successes online?
The answers, judging by the passionate responses, reveal a complex web of cultural anxieties, personal stories, and urgent warnings.
Owamie, a well-known content creator, addresses Makhi, a fellow influencer, with a heartfelt plea: stop displaying your earnings and financial achievements on public platforms.
Her message is not rooted in envy or rivalry but in a genuine concern for safety and privacy.
She points out that South Africa, with its high rates of crime and social inequality, is a particularly dangerous place to make one’s wealth visible.
The video’s title itself is a warning—“before it’s too late”—suggesting that the consequences of such online behavior could be devastating, not just for Makhi, but for anyone who follows her example.
The comment section quickly became a forum for collective reflection. Many viewers agreed wholeheartedly with Owamie’s advice, sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights.
One tax practitioner noted that “real wealth is silent,” explaining that almost none of the high-net-worth individuals she works with have any social media presence.
This sentiment was echoed by others, who recounted stories of family members and friends who faced undue pressure, jealousy, or even threats after revealing financial details online.
The dangers, as described by commenters, are not hypothetical. Several referenced actual incidents where influencers became targets of crime due to their online visibility.
One chilling story involved a YouTuber whose twin was kidnapped by criminals who mistook her sibling for the influencer herself.
The twin had never appeared on social media, but the mere association with someone who flaunted wealth was enough to put her in harm’s way.
Others described how sharing earnings led to family members making demands or strangers harboring resentment, creating an environment of stress and vulnerability.
Privacy, according to the majority of commenters, is not just a luxury—it is a necessity.
Many argued that the best way to enjoy financial success is to do so quietly, without drawing attention or inviting scrutiny. “There is so much peace in eating with your mouth shut,” wrote one viewer, capturing the essence of a widely held belief.
This philosophy, sometimes described as “eating quietly,” is seen as a form of self-protection, a way to safeguard one’s blessings from the dangers of envy, crime, and social upheaval.
However, not everyone agreed with the public nature of Owamie’s intervention. Some felt that her advice, though valid, should have been delivered privately.
By making the issue a topic for public debate, they argued, she may have inadvertently given “wrong people” ideas or further exposed Makhi to risk.
The tension between public accountability and private support is a recurring theme, with some insisting that true concern is best expressed away from the spotlight.
The debate also touched on broader social dynamics. Several commenters observed that sharing wealth online can disrupt the delicate balance that keeps audiences engaged.
“People will stop watching out of jealousy,” one person warned, suggesting that flaunting success could alienate fans and undermine the very formula that made an influencer popular in the first place.
Others pointed out that in a country marked by economic hardship, visible affluence can breed resentment and even incite violence.
Underlying all these discussions is a sense of urgency—a recognition that the digital age has transformed the way people relate to money, privacy, and each other.
The risks of oversharing are not limited to South Africa, but the country’s unique social realities make the consequences especially acute.
Owamie’s video, and the conversation it sparked, serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action: think carefully about what you share, protect your loved ones, and remember that sometimes, silence is the greatest virtue.
As the debate continues to unfold online, one thing is clear: the intersection of social media, wealth, and security is a minefield that requires wisdom, restraint, and constant vigilance.
For South African influencers—and anyone tempted to broadcast their financial status—the message is unmistakable. Privacy is not just a personal choice; it’s a matter of survival.
