South African rapper Shebeshxt has once again found himself at the center of public attention after sending R40,000 to fellow Amapiano star Zee Nxumalo during a live podcast interview. The dramatic moment, which unfolded on The Freshmen Podcast on 30 September 2025, has since gone viral and drawn divided opinions across social media.
The interview was set up to highlight the duo’s collaboration on their latest hit single Rato Laka. The track, which blends Sepedi and isiZulu influences, has been praised for showcasing the rich cultural crossover between the two artists. As part of the podcast, Shebeshxt and Zee were asked to take part in a lighthearted challenge, translating English sentences into each other’s native languages.
While Zee impressed with her quick wit and ability to translate into Sepedi, Shebeshxt struggled to keep up. The rapper ultimately lost the challenge and, as agreed in their playful bet, was required to send money to Zee’s bank account. To the shock of the young singer—and viewers alike—Shebeshxt casually transferred R40,000 on the spot.
The clip captures Zee’s stunned reaction as the funds cleared into her account. She appeared overwhelmed, admitting she felt heart palpitations at the unexpected windfall. Meanwhile, Shebeshxt brushed off the large transaction, revealing that he has millions in his bank account and describing the R40,000 as “pocket change.” He even suggested that Zee should consider using the money to buy herself a car before abruptly wrapping up the segment to head to another performance.
While the moment entertained many fans, it also sparked a flurry of online debate. On one hand, some users celebrated Shebeshxt’s generosity, joking about the well-known stereotype that men from Limpopo go all out to impress women. One user quipped, “Limpopo bros never disappoint,” while another teased, “You guys clearly don’t know how Pedi men operate.”
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On the other hand, critics were less amused. Many accused the rapper of trying to “buy” Zee’s affection, pointing out that she barely thanked him for the gesture. Others went further, warning that his reckless spending habits might soon backfire. “SARS is watching him,” one user cautioned, suggesting that unpaid taxes could eventually catch up with him. Another wrote, “One of these days, he’ll be asking for donations.”
The controversy also drew attention to Shebeshxt’s personal life, with some social media users throwing shade at his long-term partner, Kholofelo. “Kholo is an understanding wife, shame,” one comment read, highlighting speculation about how she might feel about her partner publicly gifting such a large sum to another woman.
Despite the backlash, Shebeshxt continues to receive praise from industry peers. Radio host and podcaster Sol Phenduka recently lauded him as being “in a league of his own,” arguing that no other South African artist currently matches his star power and ability to dominate headlines.
Whether admired for his generosity or criticized for flaunting his wealth, one thing is clear: Shebeshxt knows how to keep Mzansi talking. His R40,000 transfer to Zee Nxumalo has not only cemented their collaboration in public memory but also reignited debates about celebrity culture, money, and relationships in the entertainment industry.
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