Like many disgruntled South Africans, Zakes Bantwini has spoken out about his unhappy experience with insurance provider Old Mutual.
According to the Grammy award-winning star, his family was paid a pittance after his mother died in 2007.
The company became a trending topic this week after one X user claimed that they had “refused” to pay out despite her taking legal action.
OLD MUTUAL: WHAT HAPPENED?
Earlier this week, Seba Molefi, who uses the X handle @seba_s_m, tagged Old Mutual with a tweet that read: “Please advise why you are refusing to release my mother’s money even though a court order has been provided. You are in contempt of court”.
After being dragged online by other X users who had similar experiences, Old Mutual responded in a statement on Friday, 8 March.
The statement added fuel to the fire in the drama online. Many South Africans threatened to cancel their insurance policies and take their money elsewhere.
Old Mutual issued a second statement on Saturday, claiming the issue was a “sensitive matter” and that they “cannot engage on it publicly”
Responding to Kaya FM presenter Sizwe Dhlomo, who admonished Old Mutual for their negative press, Zakes Bantwini shared his own experience.
He tweeted: “Only R380 we receive as a payout for my mother’s life cover with Old Mutual.”
Needless to say, many tweeps were shocked by the entertainer’s revelation.
@Evidence_Shongw: “Even celebrities are getting robbed by this organisation”
@RichmanSekatane: “You also suffered and kept quiet? Zakes, you are a celebrity, for heaven’s sake.”
@zigzag231: “Zakes got scammed…when a Grammy award winner gets a R380 payout!”
Zakes mother, Nomthandazo Madida, died in 2007 after a battle with cancer.
The Grammy-award-winning singer has posted several touching tributes to his mother, whom he called his “biggest supporter.”