MaWhoo faces backlash after being accused of promoting drinking and driving in car advert

Mawhoo dragged for promoting drinking and driving

South African singer MaWhoo has found herself at the centre of social media backlash after appearing to drink alcohol before driving in a car commercial.

The Gucci hitmaker, whose real name is Thandeka Nontobeko Ngema, was featured in an advertisement for the car brand Jaecoo, promoting their new J5 model.

The campaign aimed to highlight affordable luxury and innovation, but it quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.

In the video, which was first shared online by entertainment commentator Musa Khawula on 5 October 2025, MaWhoo is seen enjoying a solo picnic complete with a charcuterie board and a glass of champagne before getting into the driver’s seat and driving away.

The scene immediately drew criticism, with many accusing her and the brand of encouraging reckless behaviour.

Online users slammed the advert as irresponsible, pointing out that drinking and driving remains one of South Africa’s biggest causes of road fatalities.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), alcohol consumption is linked to roughly 27% of all road deaths in the country.

Following the outcry, Jaecoo swiftly removed the video from its official platforms.

However, it continues to circulate on social media as people question how it was approved in the first place.

In a statement shared by News24, Shannon Gahagan, the National Brand and Marketing Manager for Jaecoo and Omoga, addressed the controversy and emphasized the brand’s position on responsible conduct.

“We remain unwavering in our stance against drinking and driving, and will continue to promote responsibility and uphold the highest standards across our community,” Gahagan said.

See the video below:

A look inside MaWhoo’s Jaecoo advertisement. pic.twitter.com/Q2tklXmqj8

— Musa Khawula (@Musa_Khawula) October 5, 2025