
MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 21: Cassper Nyovest at the DSTV Delicious Festival Day 1 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on September 21, 2024 in Midrand, South Africa. This year the international food and music festival celebrates 30 years of Creative Freedom in South Africa through uniting people through food, music, arts and fashion. (Photo by OJ Koloti/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
- Cassper Nyovest is under fire for his Fill Up Toyota Stadium internship initiative
- South Africans have criticized the rapper for failing to provide salaries to interns, despite their daily involvement as the event approaches
- While numerous fans showed enthusiasm, others accused Mufasa of taking advantage of young people who are in desperate need of jobs
Cassper Nyovest has been having a challenging week following the Scorpion Kings Live with Friends concert, and it appears that things are only deteriorating.
The Mafikeng rapper, whose real name is Refiloe Phoolo, is preparing for his much-awaited Fill Up Toyota Stadium concert, set for December 6, 2025, in Free State, while providing a significant chance for South African youth.
On his social media accounts, Mufasa announced that beginning September 9, he would be offering another series of internships to individuals aged 18 and older who are eager to gain work experience.
“This is your chance to learn, grow and contribute to one of the biggest cultural moments in the Free State.”
The program includes roles in event coordination, bar oversight, merchandising, stage and production assistance, talent coordination, and more. However, the important detail is that these internships are entirely voluntary.

Source: Getty Images
In a disclaimer posted on Instagram on September 4, Cassper made it clear that interns would not receive compensation and must organize their own transportation and lodging.
“Internship placements are voluntary and not salaried. A stipend/ allowance may be provided at the discretion of management.”
Additionally, potential candidates would need to be present on-site throughout the program, which did not sit well with those online.
Social media criticizes Cassper Nyovest’s internship initiative
Social media users flocked to the comments to voice their discontent with Mufasa and his team, accusing them of trying to exploit youth while being acutely aware of the high unemployment rate in South Africa. Here are some of their reactions:
reexo__ expressed:
“Organise your own transport that time you’re not getting paid. And because you’re an intern, you’re going to have to work extra hard, until super late, with no security of payment. Please reconsider the terms once you appoint your team, so people can be motivated by something else either than working for Mufasa. Bread needs to be put on the table; we’re starving. Everyone appointed must be paid.”
rxfiloe shared their disappointment:
“Bloem is always so disrespected. They would never do this in JHB or anywhere else. This is so disappointing.”
nasaa.reloaded called out Cassper Nyovest:
“In a country facing a serious job crisis, waiving internships at young people in the name of experience (with no pay, no transport, no accommodation, no guaranteed stipend) is EXPLOITATION, not opportunity. And just because it’s been running for years, it doesn’t make it right. Discern.”

Source: Getty Images
soul_xvi commented:
“Exploitation at its best.”
preciuos_tee remarked:
“This is so heartbreaking. I feel like selling my ticket. That time, motho wa Modimo is going to be making a lot of money out of this.”
primy.mbali insisted:
“Pay these people stipends. Unemployment is real, and you know that!!”