MaWhoo Faces Backlash Over Drunk Driving Allegations

MaWhoo, a prominent South African singer known for her contributions to the Amapiano genre, is facing criticism after being accused of endorsing drinking and driving in a recent vehicle advertisement. The artist, whose real name is Thandeka Nontobeko Ngema, appeared in a promotional spot for the luxury car brand Jaecoo, featuring their new model, the Jaecoo J5.

This marketing campaign aimed to highlight “affordable luxury and innovation,” but it quickly prompted an online backlash for conveying what many deemed an “irresponsible message.”

In the advert—first posted by entertainment commentator Musa Khawula on October 5, 2025—MaWhoo is depicted enjoying a picnic outdoors, complete with a charcuterie selection and a glass of champagne. Soon after, she is shown getting into the driver’s seat of the Jaecoo J5 and departing.

The clip went viral, with numerous individuals accusing both MaWhoo and Jaecoo of promoting reckless conduct. Many social media users criticized the advertisement for trivializing the issue of drinking and driving, a significant concern in South Africa.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reports that alcohol is a contributing factor in nearly 27% of road traffic deaths in the nation, intensifying the backlash against the ad.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “This is beyond tone-deaf. You can’t have someone drinking champagne and then driving off like it’s normal—especially with South Africa’s road safety crisis.” Another user commented, “Brands need to be more responsible. This shouldn’t have been approved.”

In response to the uproar, Jaecoo promptly removed the advertisement from all of its social media channels. Still, the video continues to circulate as online users express disbelief over how it was ever approved.

Shannon Gahagan, the National Brand and Marketing Manager for Jaecoo and Omoga, addressed the situation in a statement to News24, reiterating the company’s dedication to promoting responsible conduct.

“We remain unwavering in our stance against drinking and driving and will continue to promote responsibility and uphold the highest standards across our community,” said Gahagan.

MaWhoo has yet to make a public statement regarding the controversy. Nonetheless, the incident has reignited wider discussions surrounding the influence of celebrities, corporate accountability, and the depiction of alcohol consumption in South African advertisements.