Music producer and reality TV star Bongani Fassie, son of the late Brenda Fassie, is facing criticism following allegations that his two children have not attended school since last year.
A close friend, speaking on condition of anonymity, paints a picture of a troubled family situation marked by financial mismanagement and a lifestyle seemingly at odds with the needs of his children.
The source claims Bongani took his children, Brenda and Bongani Junior, away from their mother, Buhle, last year, leaving them without schooling.
“The kids have been sitting at home and not going to school since then and he doesn’t seem to care. He keeps saying he is Brenda Fassie’s son when we try to talk to him about taking his life seriously, especially for the sake of his children,” the friend revealed.
This alleged neglect has raised serious concerns about the children’s well-being and future.
The source further details Bongani’s financial struggles, revealing a pattern of irresponsible spending despite significant income. He reportedly faced eviction from his Fourways, Johannesburg apartment due to unpaid rent of R17 500.
“He was squatting with his two kids at his friends’ houses until he made frantic phone calls to Sello “Chicco” Twala,” the source explained.
The intervention of music mogul and former Brenda Fassie producer, Sello “Chicco” Twala, provided a temporary reprieve, with Twala reportedly providing R80 000 in cash. This financial assistance, however, appears to have been short-lived.
The source alleges that Chicco secured an additional R100 000 from a royalty distribution company, pending reimbursement from Bongani’s late mother’s royalties. This, combined with over R200 000 in royalty payments Bongani received two months prior, totalled over R400 000. Despite this substantial sum, the source states that Bongani failed to address his children’s educational needs or consistently pay his rent.
“In short, he received over R400 000, but he doesn’t have money to pay school fees or consistently pay rent. He blew it all. He blew that money on alcohol and hosting parties. Bongani is 40 years old but he doesn’t want to grow up. He is living like a rock star and it’s affecting his children,” the source lamented.
The source also highlighted Bongani’s recent engagement with a public relations team, aiming to improve his public image and secure gigs. However, this too ended poorly.
“But he fired them after they got him a gig on the reality show Unfollowed and the Department of Education, where he performed. He allegedly didn’t pay the two ladies who did his PR.” This pattern of alleged financial irresponsibility casts further doubt on his ability to provide adequately for his children.
Bongani’s past financial struggles have been previously documented. His appearance on the reality show I Blew It last year saw him detailing how he spent over R4 million on drugs and R700 000 on rent.
When contacted for comment on the current allegations, Bongani demanded the identity of the source before offering any statement.
“I will not comment until you reveal your source,” he stated. The allegations raise serious questions about Bongani’s priorities and his ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment for his children.
