Asherkine Breaks Silence On Viral Giveaway, Insists Video Was Genuine

After coming under fire for allegedly staging his recent giveaway — in which a young woman from Ogun State was flown to South Africa and treated to a series of luxury surprises — popular content creator Asherkine has spoken out. In a statement shared on social media, Asherkine rejected claims that the encounter was fabricated for views. He noted that some people find it hard to believe that a young adult living and working in Ogun could receive such opportunities simply because she “looks too good” for her job. He also pointed out that the woman has a sister in Lagos, a two-hour drive away, and reminded critics that he himself has relatives in Ogun State. Reflecting on his own journey, Asherkine said he started filming entertainers at events when he was just 17, working hard to establish himself while juggling multiple jobs at 20. He documented performances for artists like Yhemolee, Asake, and Ashidapo before his content gained traction and began paying off. “I understand agenda-agending, but I won’t let some silly takes ruin this one for her or undermine the videos I create,” he said. He clarified that, unlike many of his videos that capture a single day, the South Africa giveaway spanned an entire week after their first meeting — countering suggestions that it was a continuous 48-hour livestream. Asherkine’s statement emphasizes the authenticity of his giveaways and his commitment to creating content that positively impacts the people he features, despite the scrutiny viral videos often attract online.

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Philanthropist, Asherkine Accused Of Staging Viral South Africa Giveaway Video

Asherkine is facing heavy criticism on social media after allegations emerged that his latest viral giveaway video was staged. The video showed the content creator flying a woman from Ogun State to South Africa for a luxury experience and surprise makeover, a clip that quickly gained widespread attention online. In the footage, the woman was introduced as a random salesgirl he met, but some viewers dug into her social media and claimed she already lived a comfortable lifestyle before the video was filmed. Circulating screenshots allegedly show old posts, luxury photos, and prior interactions between her and Asherkine, leading many to question the authenticity of the meeting. The situation has sparked heated discussions, with critics accusing Asherkine of manufacturing content for views, while supporters argue that regardless of whether it was staged, he continues to help people and spread positivity. Known for his high-profile giveaways—including shopping sprees, bill payments, and trips abroad for strangers—Asherkine has built a massive following but also regularly faces scrutiny over the genuineness of his videos. The South Africa giveaway clip has now become one of his most talked-about videos, with users sharing theories and debating what truly happened behind the scenes. so I met this girl … 💐 pic.twitter.com/VyPQPijRse — THE KINE 🌕🖤 (@asher_kine) March 9, 2026

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South African Woman Arrested For Killing Of Nigerian E-Hailing Driver In Pretoria West

Gauteng police have taken a female suspect into custody following the violent killing of an e-hailing driver in Pretoria West on Wednesday. Investigators say additional arrests are likely as the probe into the shocking incident continues. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo revealed that preliminary findings indicate the driver was attacked by a male and female passenger who had booked the ride. “The driver’s hijacked vehicle and his body were later recovered in Atteridgeville on the same day,” Masondo said. The suspect is set to appear in Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges including murder and car hijacking. The arrest comes after a graphic video circulated online, showing a young man being violently assaulted inside his car. The footage, shared by anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee on X, shows a woman wearing a beige bucket hat and white t-shirt in the front seat while a man in the back repeatedly attacks the driver before fleeing. The victim has been identified as Isaac Satlat, a 22-year-old Nigerian national working as a Bolt driver. Satlat was reportedly a student with plans to graduate next month and move to Canada to continue his studies. Masondo confirmed that police investigations are ongoing and that more suspects could soon be apprehended. Earlier, the police condemned the circulation of the video, describing it as showing “what appears to be a gruesome murder of the victim.” Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni had assigned a senior detective to the case and assured the public that those responsible would be tracked down and held accountable.

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Trump Excludes South Africa From 2026 G20 Summit After Diplomatic Clash

President Donald Trump has announced that South Africa will be excluded from next year’s G20 summit in Miami, intensifying a diplomatic dispute that began when the US boycotted last week’s first-ever G20 meeting held in Africa. South Africa formally handed over the G20 presidency to the United States on Monday. However, the traditional transfer between heads of state was reduced to a symbolic event at the foreign ministry after President Cyril Ramaphosa declined a last-minute request to hand over the presidency to a US diplomat. Trump cited this refusal as the reason for barring South Africa. “Therefore, at my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the Great City of Miami, Florida next year,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added, “South Africa has demonstrated to the world they are not a country worthy of membership anywhere,” and said the US would “stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately.” South Africa, which has long championed multilateralism, vowed it would still attend the Miami summit. Ramaphosa emphasized that the country is a G20 member “in its own name and right” and that its membership is recognized by all other members. The presidency said, “South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its worth in participating in global platforms.” The tensions stem partly from Trump’s repeated claims of a “genocide” of white farmers in South Africa, which his administration has cited in criticism of the country. South Africa’s presidency called these claims “misinformation and distortions” and expressed regret that, despite Ramaphosa’s attempts to reset relations, punitive measures continue. The diplomatic spat escalated after Washington revoked the visa of Naledi Pandor, a former South African foreign minister, just hours after Ramaphosa declined the request to hand over the G20 presidency to a US diplomat. During the recent G20 summit, Ramaphosa successfully led the remaining 19 members in signing a joint declaration, despite Trump’s insistence that no collective statement be issued. Experts warn that Trump’s move could have broader economic consequences. Chris Hattingh, executive director of the Johannesburg-based Centre for Risk Analysis, noted, “There is a risk that the US will pressure other countries to weaken their trade, investment, commercial and diplomatic links with South Africa, lest they also be pushed out of the G20.” Despite political tensions, US businesses continue to engage with South Africa. At the recent B20 — the business track of the G20 — representatives from JPMorgan, Visa, and Citi signed a joint statement with South African counterparts to strengthen business ties. Gary Litman, the US business sherpa, said the goal is to ensure political leaders provide an environment where companies can pursue their business objectives. The exclusion underscores the growing friction between the two nations and highlights the delicate balance between diplomacy, politics, and trade ahead of the Miami summit.

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Nollywood Actor, Odira Nwobu Dies In South Africa

Nollywood is in mourning following the death of actor Odira Nwobu, who reportedly passed away in South Africa. Nollywood producer Stanley Ontop revealed that Nwobu died from complications related to high blood pressure after returning from a club. He wrote, “According to the report, he had high blood pressure. Omo it’s well, someone who was in club last night.” The news has shocked fans and colleagues alike, sparking an outpouring of grief across social media. Born on May 24, 1982, in Enugu, Nigeria, Nwobu rose to fame through his viral comedy skits, earning recognition as ‘Joseph The Dreamer.’ Many admirers and fellow entertainers have shared condolences and fond memories, celebrating his contributions to Nollywood and comedy.

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Vice President Shettima Represents Tinubu At G20 Leaders’ Summit In South Africa

Vice President Kashim Shettima left Abuja on Friday to stand in for President Bola Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. President Tinubu had postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg to receive additional security briefings following recent incidents in Kebbi and Kwara states. The summit, taking place from Saturday, November 22, to Sunday, November 23, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, is hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently presides over the G20. The gathering brings together leaders from the world’s 20 largest economies, alongside representatives from the European Union, African Union, and major financial institutions. Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Nigeria after completing his engagements at the summit.

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Tinubu Embarks On Two-Nation Visit To South Africa And Angola For G20, AU–EU Summits

President Bola Tinubu departs today for a two-nation official visit to South Africa and Angola, beginning in Johannesburg before proceeding to Luanda. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu will first attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, before joining the AU–EU Summit in Angola. The G20 meeting is scheduled from November 22 to 23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, while the AU–EU summit will hold in Luanda from November 24 to 25. Invited by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, this year’s G20 chair, Tinubu will participate under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” marking the first G20 summit held on African soil. Key discussions will include sustainable and inclusive growth, development finance, debt management, disaster-risk reduction, climate action, just energy transitions, food systems, critical minerals, decent work, and artificial intelligence. On the sidelines of the G20, Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral talks to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda and address regional peace, security, and development. The African Union, now a full G20 member, is also slated to take part in the summit. Following Johannesburg, Tinubu will travel to Luanda for the AU–EU Summit, which will convene leaders, innovators, and civil society actors to discuss climate initiatives, infrastructure, inclusive development, the digital economy, manufacturing, agribusiness, and the creative sector. He will be accompanied by senior government officials, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance and the Economy, Solid Minerals, and Trade and Investment, alongside the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency. The Presidency confirmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after completing both summits. While this marks his third trip to South Africa since taking office, it is his first official visit to Angola as President.

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South African Ambassador Found Dead in Paris

Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, the South African ambassador to France, has reportedly been found dead after plunging off a Paris hotel. He was 58. Mthethwa’s body was discovered at the Hyatt Hotel near the Porte Maillot metro station in western Paris on Tuesday, Sept. 30, after jumping 22 floors in an apparent suicide, Reuters and the French newspaper Le Parisien reported, citing the Paris prosecutor’s office. Mthethwa was reported missing by his wife the day before after she received a “worrying message from him in the evening,” the prosecutor’s office told the outlet. Mthethwa’s phone last rang at 3:00 p.m. local time on Monday near the public park Bois de Boulogne in Paris, sparking a search by police and dogs in the area and in the woods in western Paris, per Le Parisien. A spokesperson at South Africa’s foreign affairs department said in a statement to Reuters that they were “aware of unfortunate reports pertaining to Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa” and would be addressing it at a later notice. The Brigade for the Suppression of Crimes Against Persons (BRDP) of the Paris judicial police is investigating the incident and a duty magistrate “is going to the scene,” Le Parisien reported on Tuesday. PEOPLE has reached out to the Hyatt Hotel, South Africa’s foreign affairs department and the prosecutor’s office for comment. Mthethwa’s last public appearance was at the 109th Anniversary of the Battle of Delville Wood in Longueval on Saturday, Sept. 27, the Daily Mail reported.

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