Nyawolomshini, real name Nkululeko Dlamini, is a popular fitness coach and former soccer player who is known as the “King of Squats” in the fitness world. He and his team of 20 people, the Tser Life Team, were invited to Durban to conduct a fitness class at a boot camp organised by Siko Republik, a clothing company, and Amazulu Football Club. The boot camp was supposed to take place on Saturday, 28 October 2023, at the Moses Mabhida Amphitheatre from 8 am to 10 am. People were charged R125 to participate in the event.
However, when Nyawolomshini and his team arrived in Durban, they found out that they had been played by the organisers. None of the organisers picked up their calls or showed up at the venue. Nyawolomshini and his team had to sleep in their cars overnight and then drive back to Johannesburg the next day. They wasted money and time on the trip and received no payment for their services.
Nyawolomshini told ZiMoja, a local news outlet, that he was shocked and disappointed by the treatment he received from the organisers. He said he spent over R20 000 from his own pocket for transport, the driver, toll gates, and food for the crew. He also apologised to his fans who paid for the event and hoped they would get their money back.
Nyawolomshini also took to his TikTok account, where he has more than 420,000 followers, to update them about his situation and clear his name. He said he decided to go live on social media to avoid people blaming him for the mess. Some of his fans expressed their support and anger at Amazulu FC and Siko Republik, while others questioned his credibility and asked for more evidence.
Amazulu spokesperson Philani Ndlela said they will not be commenting on the matter. Siko Republik also confirmed that they booked Nyawolomshini and his crew for the boot camp, but refused to comment further. Jabu Gwala from Siko said: “Kindly call us again we can’t comment at the moment.”