Reality TV star Khanya Nqolase, known for her explosive appearances on The Ultimatum: South Africa, recently made waves after appearing on the L-Tido Podcast, where she opened up about her experiences during the show. According to TshisaLIVE, while discussing the backlash she received for her on-screen behaviour, Khanya made startling claims regarding the show’s compensation practices, sparking a heated debate about how reality TV participants are treated in South Africa.
On the podcast, Khanya expressed her frustrations, revealing that she never received formal payment for her participation. “I wish I got money for that. I don’t know if royalties apply to reality TV. I think talent is being exploited in this country,” she lamented. According to her, the payment she did receive barely covered basic expenses. “There was no actual formal payment. We had to buy our own food from the payment.”
Her statements quickly caught the attention of the public, raising questions about the financial treatment of reality TV stars in South Africa. However, Netflix and Urban Brew Studios, the production company behind The Ultimatum: South Africa, have strongly refuted Khanya’s claims.
In a statement shared with TshisaLIVE, Netflix made it clear that all participants were paid in full for their involvement in the show. “All participants of The Ultimatum: SA reality show entered into an agreement with Urban Brew Studios, which also covers remuneration, before they voluntarily joined the reality show,” the statement read. Adelaide Joshua-Hill of Urban Brew Studios added, “I can confirm that any payments due to the participants have been made in full.”
Despite the controversy, Khanya remains unapologetic about her portrayal on the show, which saw her relationship with Nkateko Mahange unravel in front of millions. The finale, which featured Khanya hurling insults at Nkateko, led to her being labeled as “abusive” and “mean” by viewers. Reflecting on the criticism, Khanya said, “None of the people know me, maybe never will. I don’t regret anything, apart from body-shaming.”
