Bridgette Motsepe Denies R3 Million ‘Worse Than Apartheid’ Extortion Claims, Clashes With Chicco Twala

Businesswoman and Pan-African Parliament ambassador Bridgette Motsepe has hit back at what she calls “baseless and malicious attempts at extortion” linked to the abandoned film project Worse Than Apartheid.

The project, reportedly meant to expose alleged corruption among senior ANC members, was spearheaded by veteran musician and filmmaker Sello “Chicco” Twala. According to reports, Motsepe was allegedly asked by ANC figures to intervene in shelving the film and pay R3 million — not for its completion, but for its burial.

Motsepe dismissed the allegations outright, describing them as “false, defamatory, and part of a coordinated attempt to extort money under false pretences.” She added that the claims misrepresented her limited involvement with the production.

Defamation and Drama Surround Worse Than Apartheid

The controversy deepened following weekend media reports that accused Motsepe and Twala of failing to meet financial obligations to the film’s cast and crew.

Motsepe, however, stated that she never agreed to pay anyone involved in the production. She explained that her meeting with Twala was merely to explore whether the film could be reframed to “include a hopeful view of 31 years of our democracy and the achievements of our country, rather than just a negative one.”

She denied ever requesting the film’s shelving or promising financial support. Twala, in response, told The Citizen that Motsepe’s remarks were unfair and damaging.

“Her accusation is a direct attack on the dreams, passion, and hard work of creators who poured their hearts into creating this film,” Twala said, claiming Motsepe had involved third parties to undermine the production.

Twala Fires Back at Bridgette Motsepe: “The Truth Will Prevail”

Twala accused Motsepe of attempting to save her own reputation at the expense of the project, adding that retired judge Dennis Davis’s involvement in assessing the dispute only fueled tensions.

Motsepe maintained she would not support any film that “promotes or references unfounded allegations of genocide, or that denies apartheid was a crime against humanity.”

As a “proud South African,” she said she rejected the film’s premise and sought instead to promote a positive and unified image of the country. She added that she requested a private screening for business leaders to assess the film’s potential economic impact — but said the script was never provided.

Twala countered, saying Motsepe used the missing script as “an excuse.”
“Scriptwriters don’t write for free. If she was serious, why didn’t she raise the money for them?” he said.

Cast and Crew Threaten Legal Action

Amid the escalating dispute, members of the Worse Than Apartheid cast and crew announced plans to take legal action against Motsepe and her associates for alleged misrepresentation and defamation.

Editor Nanani Mashimbyi accused Motsepe of contradicting herself, claiming the team had recordings that would expose her. “We may be broke and poor, but we are not stupid,” she said.

Mashimbyi further alleged that Twala had tried several times to contact Motsepe to resolve the matter, even showing messages where he “begged her to pay” without response.

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The group also questioned why Motsepe had not gone to the police if she truly believed she was being extorted. “She’s only coming out now because of our planned protest at her house,” Mashimbyi added.

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