Her name is MaKhumalo from Thembisa. A 60-year-old single mother of six, she never imagined that one video would turn her family’s life upside down.
We caught up with her outside her modest home in Thembisa, where neighbours whispered and children peeked through curtains as she agreed to tell her side of the story. The controversy erupted after a visibly elderly woman — believed to be over 60 — appeared in one of the latest trending videos linked to African Casting, a so-called modelling agency that has recently been flagged as suspicious by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In the now-viral clip, the elderly woman is seen being interviewed by a man identified as Ivo. The setting appears casual, almost professional at first glance — bright lighting, a camera on a tripod, and what looks like an audition process. But as the interview progresses, the tone shifts. The questions become personal, uncomfortable, and inappropriate. Social media users were quick to mock the woman’s participation, with many sharing clips and screenshots accompanied by cruel jokes.
What viewers did not know, MaKhumalo says, is the devastating impact it had on her family.
“My son couldn’t handle it,” she told us, her voice trembling. “He was at college when other students started playing the video and laughing. They said, ‘Isn’t that your mother?’ He came home that same week and said he doesn’t want to go back.”
According to MaKhumalo, her son has since dropped out of college, too embarrassed to return after becoming the subject of ridicule. “He worked so hard to get there,” she said. “Now he just stays inside.”
The trending video is part of a growing number of clips linked to African Casting — a company that presents itself as a modelling and talent recruitment agency. However, SAPS recently issued warnings urging the public to be cautious of suspicious casting calls promising quick cash and overnight fame.
In several circulating videos, participants are reportedly offered R10,000 in cash at the end of the “interview.” In some cases, allegations have surfaced that the interviewer pressures attendees into inappropriate acts under the guise of a private audition. While investigations are ongoing, authorities have cautioned South Africans to verify any agency before participating.
MaKhumalo insists she was misled.
“They said it was just an interview,” she explained. “They said older women are needed for a campaign. I didn’t think anything bad would happen.”
She claims she was promised payment for her time and transport costs. What she did not expect was the interview being posted publicly and shared across social media platforms, where it quickly became a trending topic.
The public reaction has been divided. While some have condemned the agency for exploiting vulnerable individuals, others have mocked the participants, focusing on their age, appearance, or personal circumstances.
Community leaders in Thembisa have since spoken out, urging residents to avoid so-called “easy money” schemes. “If someone is promising you thousands of rands just for showing up, ask yourself why,” one local councillor said.
First, verify the agency. Legitimate modelling or casting companies are registered businesses with traceable offices, contracts, and clear job descriptions. A quick search through official business registration platforms can reveal whether the company legally exists.
Second, never attend auditions alone. Bring a trusted friend or family member and inform others of your location.
Third, avoid any casting that demands personal or intimate acts as part of the process. Professional agencies do not require inappropriate behaviour in exchange for payment.
Finally, be cautious of large cash incentives offered upfront. While legitimate jobs pay for work done, unusually high “appearance fees” are often red flags.
As for MaKhumalo, she says her biggest regret is not asking more questions. “I thought I was helping my children,” she said quietly. “Now I’m trying to fix the damage.”
Her story serves as a painful reminder: in the age of viral videos and instant fame, not every opportunity is what it seems — and sometimes, the cost is far greater than the promised R10,000.
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