Anele Mdoda faces backlash over Andre Esterhuizen comments

South African media personality Anele Mdoda is facing social media backlash and calls for a boycott of her 947 radio show following her comments regarding rugby player Andre Esterhuizen. Mdoda publicly called for Esterhuizen to be banned from playing rugby after allegations surfaced that he used a racial slur as a teenager in 2012.

In response to critics, Mdoda defended her stance on X, warning of the consequences of the media storm regarding the alleged use of the slur. The controversy has also drawn criticism from other public figures, such as music producer Prince Kaybee and podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa, who have questioned SA Rugby’s silence on the matter.

Separately, during a recent episode of ‘The Anele Podcast: Her & Now’, Mdoda discussed her views on financial independence and relationships. She noted that her early start in the workforce at age 16 has allowed her to maintain independence in her romantic life, stating she has never been in a relationship with a man who earned more than her through independent means.