Gqom artist Babes Wodumo is being accused of not paying for a series of Uber rides from 2019.
A six-year financial dispute between popular Gqom artist Babes Wodumo and an Uber driver has resurfaced, revealing allegations of unpaid services amounting to R900. The driver claims repeated attempts to collect payment have been ignored by the celebrity and her management team.
Babes Wodumo Accused Of Not Paying For Uber Rides
“In 2019, I received what I thought was a career-boosting opportunity when Babes Wodumo booked my services,” Bhengu explained. “The initial trip with her sister went smoothly, but subsequent engagements became problematic.”
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The conflict stems from multiple trips Bhengu provided for the musician (real name Bongekile Simelane) and her sister/manager, Nondumiso Simelane, during a busy event period in Durban. According to the driver:
- Transportation to a planned DJ Tira photoshoot at Wiseman’s Car Wash in KwaMashu
- An aborted trip when Babes allegedly felt underdressed for the event
- Additional rides between locations with promises of later payment
- A cash advance for personal items that was never reimbursed
The Driver’s Ongoing Frustration
“I kept expecting professionalism from high-profile clients,” Bhengu lamented. “Instead, I was left with empty promises, blocked communication channels, and R900 less in my pocket during a time when every rand mattered.”
The driver admits that he never pursued legal action through the Small Claims Court, as he was concerned about potentially spending more money trying to recover the debt than the original amount owed. Considering inflation, he estimates that the actual value of the unpaid debt today would be significantly higher.
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Management’s Response
When reached for comment, Nondumiso Simelane declined to address the specific allegations, responding only with “No comment” to inquiries about the unresolved payment dispute.
Bhengu now shares his story as a cautionary tale for other service providers working with celebrities:
“The excitement of working with famous clients can cloud your judgment. Always get payment agreements in writing, even for seemingly small amounts. That R900 represented hours of my time and fuel – resources I’ll never get back.”