Makhadzi breaks English again

3 minutes read

Makhadzi, the Queen of Bolobedu Music, has recently faced criticism for her use of the English language on social media. The star, known for her busy schedule and numerous bookings, has been accused of being a no-show at some of her gigs in recent months. While 2022 was a year focused on her music, this year seems to have brought a slower pace for the artist.

As a TshiVenda-speaking native from Limpopo, Makhadzi primarily conducts interviews in her native language to ensure comfort and relatability. However, she occasionally attempts to communicate in English, which often leads to mockery and criticism for her lack of comprehension. A recent tweet addressing Michael “Mr Smeg” Bucwa, known for inviting ZAlebs to lunch, received attention as Makhadzi replied in English, leaving many confused about the message’s meaning.

The response to Makhadzi’s tweet reaffirmed the fact that she is still single, despite rumors of a reconciliation with producer-DJ Master KG, with whom she had an on-and-off relationship. The couple sparked breakup rumors in December, and their recent actions have left fans puzzled. Master KG initially excluded Makhadzi from his birthday bash lineup, but later referred to her as “his queen” during the announcement, raising eyebrows about their current status.

Critics advised Makhadzi to stick to communicating in her native language, suggesting that those who do not understand can rely on translations or the comments section for clarity. While the language criticism persists, Makhadzi continues to make her mark as the Queen of Bolobedu Music, captivating audiences with her unique style and vibrant performances.

Hot Prices of Luxury Brand’s Most Affordable Cars in South Africa. Check Pics Below

Rising Vehicle Prices Spark Affordability Concerns

As car prices continue to soar, concerns over the affordability of new vehicles have come to the forefront. It is no surprise that entry-level cars from luxury brands now cost well over half a million rand, highlighting the increasing expense.

TransUnion’s latest Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) reveals that the average price of new vehicles rose by 6.3% in the first quarter of 2023, though still below the 7% inflation rate during the same period. However, certain body segments experienced even steeper price hikes, with medium SUVs increasing by 11.4%, and crossovers and small SUVs seeing increases of 7.7% and 7.1%, respectively.

Manufacturers attribute the price increases to a range of challenges faced by the manufacturing industry, including high input costs, power outages, poor economic conditions, and shortages of key components caused by global factors such as the shutdown of China’s economy. Luxury brands have also been affected by these issues, with some experiencing significant price increases.

For instance, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which retailed for R499,000 in 2018, now has a starting price of R794,509, representing a 59% increase over the past five years.

Despite the steep price hikes, luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz target the higher end of the market rather than the affordability segment. Luxury cars have always been associated with status, success, and superior quality. They offer high-quality materials, advanced technology, and exceptional craftsmanship, providing a more enjoyable driving experience.

Luxury brands are also known for their stringent safety standards, making them perceived as more reliable and safer than average vehicles. The primary focus of these brands is on delivering quality and maintaining a strong reputation among the country’s top earners.

However, it is still interesting to explore the cheapest options among the top luxury brands in South Africa. According to BusinessTech, the Audi A1 is the most affordable car on the list, with a retail price of R463,800. Assuming no deposit and a 0% balloon payment over a five-year financing period at an interest rate of 11.75%, the estimated monthly repayment would be around R10,354.

Industry experts recommend that buyers spend no more than 25% of their monthly income on vehicle-related costs. Considering this guideline, a minimum monthly salary of approximately R41,000 is required to afford the Audi A1, placing those who can afford it in the top 8% of income earners in the country.

To put these figures into perspective, the bottom 92% of the population in South Africa earns less than those who can afford the Audi A1. The bottom 50% of working adults earns roughly R12,300 annually, while the top 10% earns over 60 times that amount, around R780,300. Furthermore, those who can afford the cheapest Ferrari, priced at R6,804,200, would need to earn approximately R585,500 per month, placing them firmly in the top 1% of income earners.

Below is a list of the cheapest models offered by South Africa’s most popular luxury brands: