Musa Mseleku, the well-known South African polygamist and reality TV personality, sparked online controversy after expressing gratitude to his third wife, Thobile ‘MaKhumalo’ Mseleku, for raising his daughter Mpilo. The heartfelt Instagram post followed Mpilo’s graduation from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a Bachelor of Social Science degree.
In the post, Mseleku described MaKhumalo’s role in raising Mpilo as deeply significant, writing, “Yesterday was a great day for the Mseleku family. uNdlunkulu MaKhumalo Thobile Mseleku served us by raising you, Mpiloenhle Aphile Mseleku.” He went on to state that Thobile ensured Mpilo attended school and university and emphasized that she was instrumental in Mpilo’s success.
While many acknowledged the gesture as touching, it quickly stirred criticism, especially since Mseleku made no direct mention of Mpilo’s biological mother, Thobile Zungu, in his praise. Social media users argued that the biological mother deserved equal, if not more, recognition for her contribution.
In his message, Mseleku did briefly mention Zungu, saying, “To Mpilo, you must always remember that your mother has done this. To your biological mother, thank you for the opportunity.” However, critics found the phrasing problematic. Phrases like “served us” and “opportunity” were deemed insensitive and dismissive by many.
One user, Fortune Ngidi, commented, “I’m sure Mpilo’s biological mom played a bigger role than just giving an ‘opportunity’. Even if she couldn’t contribute financially, she’s still Mpilo’s mother. The tears she cried at the graduation say it all.” Another user, Miss Brimotsepe, added, “The words ‘serve’ and ‘opportunity’ are unnecessary. Learn to thank people simply and respectfully.”
Despite the backlash, others praised both women for their respective roles in Mpilo’s upbringing. Pearl Noxy Nox wrote, “This is beautiful. We thank the biological mother for trusting Thobile with her child, and we thank Thobile for doing right by everyone. Congratulations to Mpilo.”
The University of KwaZulu-Natal also acknowledged Mpilo’s graduation, celebrating her achievement on social media and noting her appearances in popular reality shows such as *Uthando Nes’thembu* and *Izingane Zesithembu*.
Meanwhile, MaKhumalo herself recently made headlines when she reportedly removed her husband’s surname from her Instagram bio, sparking rumors about trouble in their marriage. Fans speculated that she may be distancing herself from the polygamous union, though no official statement has confirmed this.
As public reactions to Mseleku’s post continue to pour in, the situation highlights the complexities of blended families and the sensitivities surrounding parental roles. Despite the criticism, it remains clear that both Thobile MaKhumalo and Thobile Zungu have contributed meaningfully to Mpilo’s life and success.