Thuli P Says She’s “Never Been Unemployed” — Mzansi Responds: “Girl, We Just Don’t See The Jobs!”

It seems Thulisile Phongolo — better known as Thuli P — is once again reminding everyone that she’s that girl. The actress-turned-DJ hopped onto Instagram this weekend to flex her boss moves, clap back at “dating men for money” allegations, and remind the internet that she’s been in her bag “since age 15.”

But while she was serving “I built this empire from scratch” energy, Mzansi was like — “Built what empire, exactly?”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Cassper Nyovest Dragged For Sipping Tea In Club While Still Selling Alcohol

Thuli P “Been a Boss Since 15”… But Doing What Exactly?

Thuli took to her Instagram stories to say: “Been a boss since the age of 15, let’s not forget that… all me, no connections, no shortcuts, no dodgy deals, just hard work. I did THAT!”

She also reminded her followers that she holds a BA in Strategic Brand Management from UJ and that she’s a chef on the side. (Okay Gordon Ramsay P?)

Now, while fans applauded her academic flexes, others couldn’t help but side-eye the “never been unemployed” part — because, truth be told, it’s been quiet on the Thuli P gig front for a while now. Like… radio silence quiet!

@nonnybae said: “Never been unemployed? We just haven’t seen the employment part.”

@tshego_makgopa added: “She must mean emotionally unemployed, because work? I don’t recall.”

@theRealNtokozo joked: “Sis been DJ’ing to Bluetooth for years but okay, boss lady.”

The Timeline Is Confused But Entertained

It’s not the first time Thuli P has had to clap back at people accusing her of being funded by powerful men — from DJ Maphorisa to rumours about a certain “presidential cartel” figure.

But instead of ignoring the noise, Thuli went full motivational speaker mode, mixing soft life nostalgia with “hard work pays off” energy. She even shared a throwback pic from her first brand shoot at age nine, telling her story about rising from agency kid to entertainment powerhouse.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Shamiso Mosaka Sends Shots After Thabethe Sisters’ Shade Over DJ Speedsta – “If I Took Your Man, Don’t Cry!”

Still, South Africans aren’t buying the “self-made” narrative entirely.
@lebza_lady wrote: “Not her saying no dodgy deals when her relationships been headline news since forever 😩.”

@modimo_loves_me said: “We love you Thuli but your résumé needs visibility babe — like actual gigs.”

“AVANA” Coming Soon… But Mzansi Wants Proof of Employment First

To wrap up her long Instagram reflection, Thuli teased her upcoming EP, “AVANA,” inspired by her niece. Cute moment, yes — but Mzansi’s already dragging her pre-release announcement.

@djchronic joked: “Girl drop the EP first before the TED Talk.”

@_lethabo_laughs added: “She’s never unemployed because she’s always typing captions.”

Let’s be real — Thuli P looks stunning, her captions slap, and she’s definitely living that luxury life. But until we see actual bookings, paid partnerships, or a release date for “AVANA,” Mzansi says the only thing fully employed here… might be her ring light.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky