Mampintsha’s Sister Claims Showmax Paid for Babes Wodumo’s Lobola
Pinky Gumede, the sister of late musician Mandla Maphumulo, has claimed that Showmax and Parental Advisory Production (PAP) financed Mampintsha’s lobola payment for Babes Wodumo.
She claims that the entire Uthando Lodumo reality show was staged, with the production covering all expenses, including make-up, clothing, and even Mampintsha’s wedding ring.
Also Read: Social Media Reacts as Babes Wodumo Dons Wedding Dress at SAMAs in Memory of Late Husband
‘Uthando Lodumo Was Fake’ – Gumede’s Shocking Claims
Speaking to Sunday World, Gumede said that seasons one and two of Uthando Lodumo were scripted to create the illusion of a successful marriage. According to her, Mampintsha was struggling financially at the time, and the production company stepped in to pay his lobola and fund the traditional wedding.
“Initially, we were never informed about the wedding. We found out very late that they were getting married, and by that time it was too late to discuss anything. We didn’t want to embarrass Mampintsha, so we decided to go with the flow,” she said.
Mampintsha’s Sister Claims Showmax Paid for Babes Wodumo’s Lobola (Image Credit: Kaya 595/ TimesLive)She alleged that they were taken to a shopping mall, where Showmax and the production team bought them outfits.
“We were then rushed to a shopping mall, where they bought us outfits for the wedding. Showmax and the production were paying for those costs.
I know this because they were the ones choosing clothes and paying. On top of that, Mandla and Bongekile were broke,” Gumede claimed.
‘Mampintsha Said He Was Broke’ – Family Speaks Out on Lobola
Gumede alleged that Mampintsha himself admitted he had no money for lobola or a wedding.
“He told us that the wedding wasn’t his idea but PAP’s. He was even drunk on the day and had no recollection of what was really happening,” she said.
According to her, Mampintsha confessed that he agreed to everything because they were desperate for money.
A relative, who requested anonymity, backed Gumede’s claims.
“As much as I wasn’t too involved, I know that Mampintsha didn’t have money for lobola. We later learned that the production paid for everything. If he had paid, we would have performed the necessary traditional rituals,” they said.
Mampintsha’s Wedding Ring ‘Didn’t Even Fit’
Gumede further claimed that the production even bought Mampintsha’s wedding ring.
“The ring was too small; it couldn’t even fit on his finger. He left it at home and never wore it,” she alleged.
She said she is speaking out because she believes the show misrepresented reality.
“We told Mampintsha and Babes to do things properly or risk angering the ancestors. Mandla was a traditional man, but this was done the wrong way,” she said.
Babes Wodumo’s Camp Dismisses Allegations
Babes Wodumo’s team has denied the claims, insisting that Mampintsha personally paid lobola.
“Pinky knows nothing about lobola negotiations. Mandla was never broke, and he paid lobola from his own pocket,” said Babes’ manager and spokesperson, Nondumiso Simelane.
She added,
“As the Simelanes, we received lobola from Mandla, not from Showmax or PAP. Pinky wouldn’t know this because she never helped Mandla with anything,” she added.