*Former ‘Isibaya’ actress refuses to vacate her house after it was sold to a new owner for R700,000 at an auction.*
Gcina Mkhize, former actress on the popular South African TV series *Isibaya,* is locked in a bitter battle over her home after it was sold at an auction to businessman Dzivhu Mashile in October 2023. Mkhize, who has been residing in the house since 2015, insists she bought the property for R1.2 million and was paying her mortgage regularly until 2021, when she lost her income.
Due to financial hardship, Mkhize defaulted on her payments, accruing a debt of approximately R200,000. This led to the sale of the house, which Mashile purchased for R701,000. The actress feels wronged, stating that she never intended to sell and was not even notified of the sale process until it was too late.
“I just want my property. I bought the house, which was available on the market, and I was not at fault for that,” said Mashile, the new owner, defending his purchase.
**Public Plea and Ongoing Tensions**
On Monday, a video of Mkhize pleading with the public for support went viral on social media. In the clip, she expresses frustration, describing the harassment she faces as the new owner begins renovations. According to Mkhize, workers recently changed a window in a bedroom she was sleeping in, further escalating the tension between her and the new owner.
Mkhize vows not to leave until a court orders her to do so, stating, “I will move out when the court tells me to move out. I need to go to court and present my case, and then if the ruling says I should move out, I will. If the court doesn’t say I should leave, I won’t leave.”https://x.com/MmuiWabatho/status/1832803499135906027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1832803499135906027%7Ctwgr%5E11fb0f78e13bb49f0c996b773494bb375e8e1c22%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeslive.co.za%2Ftshisa-live%2Ftshisa-live%2F2024-09-10-watch–if-i-have-to-die-here-i-will-gcina-mkhize-holds-onto-auctioned-house-as-new-owner-revamps%2F
She emphasizes her resolve, adding, “I will not run away like a coward. I will stay here and fight for what I believe is rightfully mine. I have no intention of leaving my home. I will not leave because of someone who paid R701,000. If I have to die here, I will.”
**Rights and Humanity Questioned**
Mkhize argues that Mashile should not have bought the house while she was still living in it, calling his actions arrogant. “Why did he buy the house knowing there are occupants? That is arrogance. He should not make it my problem. I did not ask him to buy my house. I didn’t even get the money,” she stated, suggesting the proceeds from the sale did not go towards clearing her debt.
She remains determined to fight for her home, asserting that her constitutional rights have been violated. “He’s infringing on my constitutional rights. It’s wrong on so many levels. I don’t care how much he bought the house for; at the end of the day, we are human. Where’s humanity in all that?”
**Mashile’s Response and Legal Dilemma**
The house was officially transferred to Mashile’s name in January 2024. In response to Mkhize’s defiance, Mashile claims he offered her alternative accommodation in a room at the back of the house, but she refused.
“The lady doesn’t own the house; I own the house. I’ve given her alternative accommodation but she refuses. I have never harassed her; I just want my property. I bought the house, which was available on the market, and I was not at fault for that,” Mashile said.
Mashile insists that he has been patient but now intends to proceed with renovations regardless of Mkhize’s protests. “She’s been living in that house for about nine months with no intention of leaving. I will continue renovating the house with or without her. If she maintains she doesn’t want to leave, I will take legal action, but it’s something I can’t afford now.”
**Public Support and Fundraising Campaign**
The dispute has garnered significant public attention, with many expressing sympathy for Mkhize. A BackaBuddy fundraising campaign has been launched in an effort to help her retain her home, demonstrating the widespread support she has received amid this difficult ordeal.