Andile Mpisane, the Royal AM soccer player and Gqom singer, has found himself at the center of a social media storm after a video of him throwing designer Gucci bags on the floor following a lavish shopping spree went viral. The video, shared by an X user, quickly caught the attention of South Africans, many of whom were left stunned by the display of what they perceived as reckless spending. The incident came at a time when Mpisane’s mother, business mogul Shauwn Mkhize, was already making headlines for her ongoing tax issues with the South African Revenue Services (SARS), including a recent raid on her La Lucia mansion.
In the video, Mpisane, who has often been in the spotlight for his wealth and extravagant lifestyle, casually tossed his high-end bags onto the floor, seemingly indifferent to the value of the designer goods. His actions sparked a flood of reactions online, with many questioning his attitude towards money. One X user, @joy_zelda, voiced her frustration, suggesting that SARS should seize his wealth due to his apparent carelessness with money. “Andile Mpisane brags too much, SARS must take it all until Mamkhize pays,” she wrote, referencing the ongoing financial issues that have plagued Mkhize’s business empire.
The video prompted a wave of criticism from South Africans who were quick to comment on Mpisane’s lavish spending habits. Many pointed out the stark contrast between his attitude and that of individuals who have worked hard for their money. User @KoketsoResane remarked, “No one who works for their money treats it like this. No one.” The sentiment echoed the feeling that Mpisane’s casual disregard for expensive possessions reflected a lack of appreciation for the value of hard-earned wealth. The response from online critics suggests a deeper discontent with the way some members of the new-money generation display their wealth.
Other users took to social media to highlight the difference between “new money” and “old money.” One such comment from @30000Leon read: “I want to write a thesis on (black/ new/ young) money. I have never seen (white/old/ generational) money do this. Why so?” The comment resonated with many who felt that Mpisane’s behavior represented a certain level of irresponsibility and immaturity when it comes to managing wealth. The implication was that individuals who inherit wealth or come from longstanding generational fortunes tend to approach money more prudently, in contrast to the flashy display of wealth often seen among newer, younger affluent individuals.
Amid the backlash, some observers defended Mpisane’s actions, suggesting that he was not necessarily disrespecting hard-earned money, but rather expressing a lack of reverence for materialism and the societal obsession with luxury brands. One user, @Mahlogonol2076, argued that throwing Gucci bags on the floor wasn’t an affront to money itself, but to the brand. “He is disrespecting the brand, which I think is okay because we have been conditioned to believe that having GUCCI should be praised and bragged about,” they wrote. This perspective underscores a growing sentiment among some individuals who challenge the notion that luxury goods are the ultimate markers of success or status.
The incident has drawn attention not only to Mpisane’s spending habits but also to the broader conversation about wealth, privilege, and responsibility in South Africa. The recent video comes amid the ongoing saga surrounding Mkhize’s financial troubles, including a controversial raid by SARS on her property, which has put her business dealings under further scrutiny. As the situation unfolds, many are left questioning whether this public display of excess is simply a reflection of a broader cultural shift towards flaunting wealth, or if it points to deeper issues around financial accountability and social responsibility within South Africa’s elite circles.
