South African singer MaWhoo, whose real name is Thandeka Nontobeko Ngema, has sparked outrage online after appearing to drink alcohol before driving in a recent Jaecoo J5 car advertisement.
The video — first shared on 5 October 2025 by entertainment commentator Musa Khawula — shows the Gucci hitmaker enjoying a solo picnic with a glass of champagne before getting into the driver’s seat and driving away.
What was intended as a stylish showcase of “affordable luxury and innovation” quickly turned into controversy, as viewers accused both MaWhoo and the Jaecoo brand of promoting reckless behaviour.
Social media users called the advert “irresponsible”, noting that drunk driving remains one of South Africa’s leading causes of road deaths, with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) estimating alcohol involvement in around 27% of fatalities.
Amid the backlash, Jaecoo removed the ad from all its official platforms, but clips continue to circulate online.
In a statement to News24, Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for Jaecoo and Omoga, reaffirmed the brand’s stance on responsible conduct, saying:
“We remain unwavering in our stance against drinking and driving, and will continue to promote responsibility and uphold the highest standards across our community.”
Despite the removal, the incident has reignited discussions about accountability in influencer marketing and the role of brands in promoting responsible behaviour.
A look inside MaWhoo's Jaecoo advertisement. pic.twitter.com/Q2tklXmqj8
— Musa Khawula (@Musa_Khawula) October 5, 2025
