Makhadzi clears the air over controversial Botswana performance

South African singer Makhadzi has broken her silence over the controversial Botswana performance dispute, insisting that she was never booked to perform at a proposed show organised by Gilbert Promotions and received no payment for it.

The clarification comes after the Limpopo-born musician spent three days in Botswana amid a legal dispute with local promoter Gilbert Seagile, which resulted in her travel documents being withheld.

In a media statement issued on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, Makhadzi Entertainment said the singer had approached the Botswana court urgently after her travel documents were taken.

Her team confirmed that the documents had since been returned following diplomatic engagement between the governments of Botswana and South Africa, with support from the Limpopo provincial government.

Makhadzi distances herself from Botswana show

The singer’s management specifically addressed the proposed performance organised by Gilbert Promotions, saying she was never booked for the event and did not receive any payment.

The clarification is significant because the dispute reportedly centres on an alleged agreement for a One Woman Show scheduled for 12 September 2026.

According to reports by The Botswana Gazette, Seagile claimed that Makhadzi had failed to honour the proposed engagement, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage. He reportedly sought P500,000 in compensation.

However, Makhadzi’s legal representatives disputed the existence of a binding agreement. Her lawyer, Bakotelo Moagisi Mmipi, reportedly argued that the discussions concerned a proposed partnership rather than a confirmed booking.

The promoter’s claims and the singer’s position have not been fully reconciled publicly.

Travel documents returned after court proceedings

Makhadzi’s dispute with the promoter escalated after an urgent court order prevented her from leaving Botswana.

The singer subsequently appealed for assistance in a social media livestream, saying she felt harassed and was being taken advantage of.

Her management later confirmed that the travel documents had been returned following urgent court proceedings and diplomatic intervention.

Makhadzi thanked the governments of Botswana and South Africa, Limpopo Premier and the provincial government for their assistance.

She also expressed gratitude to her lawyers and fans in Botswana for standing by her during the ordeal.

Makhadzi’s Album release postponed

Meanwhile, Makhadzi’s management announced that her highly anticipated album would now be released on 27 November instead of 13 November 2026.

Her One Woman Show at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane remains scheduled for 24 December 2026.

The singer thanked her supporters for their patience and said she looked forward to sharing her new music with them.