DIRCO won't say how it helped Makhadzi leave Botswana

DIRCO has refused to say what it did to help Makhadzi get her passport back in Botswana.

Last week, the department told this publication that it was attending to the singer's case. But when Africa Daily asked what help it actually gave, it would only say the matter had been settled.

Africa Daily sent DIRCO questions on 3 November. We asked whether Makhadzi had asked the South African High Commission in Gaborone for help, what assistance the High Commission gave her, and which Botswana authorities DIRCO had engaged.

On Monday, DIRCO's director of media liaison, Nelson Kgwete, replied in one line.

"I am sure you are aware that the matter has been settled," he said.

Africa Daily asked again. Kgwete sent a longer reply, but it still did not answer the questions.

"DIRCO's involvement in the matter was aimed at ensuring Makhadzi's rights are protected and upheld. She has spoken publicly about the support she received from South African authorities. The support that DIRCO provides to South Africans in distress abroad is informed by our Consular Services Policy, which is available on DIRCO's website. We are pleased with the outcome of Makhadzi's matter and now consider it resolved and closed," he said.

DIRCO was far more talkative while the drama was playing out.

Clayson Monyela, DIRCO's head of public diplomacy, posted updates on X. Early on, he said: "We are attending to this matter. An update will be provided."

He later said: "The matter is being attended to. She was at the South African High Commission in Gaborone earlier today."

After Makhadzi's court appearance in Gaborone last week, Monyela posted: "Update: The matter was in court today. Makhadzi has been given permission to leave Botswana and return home to South Africa. The contractual dispute has been resolved with both parties reaching an agreement."

Neither DIRCO nor Makhadzi has said what that agreement was.

Botswana newspaper Mmegi reported that the agreement was made an order of the High Court before Justice Chris Gabanagae. It reported that promoter Gilbert "PP" Seagile agreed to settle, but demanded that Makhadzi pay P100,000 as security until the case is finally settled.

P100,000 is the same amount Makhadzi complained about in her Facebook live video. She said she was being asked to pay it before her passport would be returned.

Makhadzi's own statement, released after the court appearance, credits the two governments. It does not mention an agreement or any payment.

"She approached the court in Botswana on an urgent basis after her travel documents were taken. Diplomatic engagement between the governments of Botswana and South Africa, with the support of the Limpopo provincial government, helped secure their return," the statement read.

"Makhadzi thanks the governments of Botswana and South Africa for their diplomatic co-operation, and the premier of Limpopo and the Limpopo government for their support."

The statement also says Makhadzi was never booked to perform at the show organised by Seagile's company, Gilbert Promotions, and received no payment for it.

Makhadzi, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, went live on Facebook after a man who said he was a sheriff approached her during a show in Gaborone on 31 October. Her passport was later taken under a court order obtained by Seagile. Seagile's claim against her was reported to be P500,000, over a One Woman Show planned for 12 September.

She said she felt "kidnapped" and she spent three days in Botswana before she was allowed to come home.