Chronicle EditorMbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
VETERAN modelling instructor, Sipho Mazibuko, finds herself in a dispute with Councillor Simphiwe Vuyelwa Mguni of Mangwe Rural District Council over the non-payment of artistes hired for the Miss Mangwe Tourism pageant held last year.
The disagreement has escalated to the point where Mazibuko has reported the matter to the police (Case number RRB 5762536).
“I was invited by Councillor Simphiwe Vuyelwa Mguni to judge Miss Mangwe Tourism on January 26, 2023. I attended as the Chief Judge, alongside a co-judge from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. I was tasked with hiring two cars for performers (Thuli Sithimbile, Skhumz Moonwalker, Triple G, and Krisis) and her catering team, with the promise of reimbursement upon arrival. However, after the show, she failed to fulfill her commitment.”
According to Mazibuko, despite persistent reminders, Mguni has postponed payment month after month, eventually claiming she did not invite the artistes.
Mazibuko questions Mguni’s actions, stating, “Why did she put them (artistes) on her programme and allow them to perform if she didn’t want them? Why did she ask me to hire two cars?”
Mazibuko further recounts abusive text messages from Mguni, who accused her of extortion when she demanded payment. Mguni allegedly promised that her South African boyfriend would settle the debt but later reneged on the commitment.
Mazibuko clarifies, “In total, between me and the artistes, she owes US$650.”
When reached for comment, Mguni vehemently denied owing Mazibuko any amount, asserting that the debt is with Rainbow Youth in Tourism and Environment, a non-profit youth organisation. She claims that the organisation owes Mazibuko $140 for transport costs.
Mguni also disputed claims of unpaid artistes, stating, “There’s no money owed to any artistes by our organisation.”
However, one of the artistes involved, Skhumz Moonwalker, confirms being hired in January last year and not receiving payment.
The outcome of this dispute remains uncertain as the case unfolds.
– @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter