{
  "id": 14656461,
  "title": "Andile Mpisane says he supports his children amid ‘deadbeat’ claims",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/andile-mpisane-says-he-supports-his-children-amid-deadbeat-claims",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T09:02:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/2026-10-15-andile-mpisane-says-he-supports-his-children-amid-deadbeat-claims/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Royal AM chairman and musician Andile Mpisane has addressed recent speculation surrounding his status as a father in a formal statement on social media. The former defender of Orlando Pirates insisted that his commitment to his children should not be judged based on assumptions, rumors, or one-sided narratives. Mpisane clarified that he has consistently supported his children's education, paying their school fees, and expressed his continued dedication to their well-being and future.\n\nThe issue resurfaced when Sithelo Shozi, a detective from The Masked Singer South Africa, commented on a TikTok post known as the \"Akawondli challenge.\" This challenge features women publicly accusing their children's fathers of not providing support. Shozi, who is Mpisane's children's mother, did not mention his name directly but referenced the \"6 years and counting\" comment made by another user. Shozi explained that while she felt no need for sympathy, taking care of her children is her \"ministry\" and something she loves doing.\n\nMpisane revealed that his access to his children had been limited in the past but that he had recently regained contact with them. He emphasized that he had chosen to keep personal family matters private to protect his children's privacy. Despite this, Mpisane rejected the notion that his silence on the matter implied a lack of involvement or responsibility. He urged the public not to equate his decision to remain silent with a lack of commitment or love for his children.\n\nMpisane firmly rejected the criticism directed at him, reiterating that his choice to avoid discussing private family matters did not indicate a lack of dedication. He asked the public to evaluate him based on his actions and verified facts, rather than allowing assumptions and speculation to shape their perception of his role as a father.",
  "summary": "Andile Mpisane has responded to social-media speculation about his role as a father, saying he supports his children and has recently reconnected with them.",
  "key_points": [
    "Andile Mpisane addressed speculation about his fatherhood on social media.",
    "He affirmed consistent support for children's education and well-being.",
    "Mpisane rejected claims of inactivity, urging evaluation based on actions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "Andile Mpisane denies deadbeat dad claims following Sithelo Shozi’s TikTok comments",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/andile-mpisane-denies-deadbeat-dad-claims-following-sithelo-shozis",
        "published": "2026-10-15T09:30:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}