South African media personality and YouTuber Thulasizwe “Lasizwe” Dambuza has officially ended his partnership with MultiChoice following a dispute over unpaid fees related to his podcast Awkward Dates, which was one of the original shows launched on DStv earlier this year. The fallout highlights ongoing tensions between content creators and major broadcasters in the evolving digital entertainment landscape.
The controversy erupted when TikTok influencer Dominic Zaca, a guest on Awkward Dates, publicly accused Lasizwe and his production team of breaching their agreement by airing her episode on television without her consent. Zaca claimed the contract she signed only permitted distribution on social media platforms, not on DStv’s TV channels. She also alleged that despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue privately via emails and calls, her concerns were ignored, and she was not compensated for the broader use of her content. Zaca emphasized that her livelihood depends on her image and voice, making the alleged unauthorized broadcast a serious violation.
Lasizwe responded to the accusations with a mix of shade and denial, stating on his show that he does not owe anyone money. The exact details of the financial dispute remain unclear, but the public spat has undoubtedly strained relations. It is also uncertain whether Lasizwe chose to exit the deal or if MultiChoice severed ties first. However, reports confirm that the partnership has ended, and Awkward Dates has been removed from DStv’s lineup.
This incident sheds light on the complexities of content rights and compensation in South Africa’s growing podcast and streaming industry. While MultiChoice has been expanding its local content offerings, including podcasts like Awkward Dates, disputes over contracts and payments can jeopardize collaborations with influential creators like Lasizwe.
As the media landscape continues to shift towards digital and on-demand content, clear agreements and fair compensation will be crucial to sustaining partnerships between broadcasters and talent. For now, Lasizwe’s split with MultiChoice marks a significant moment in South Africa’s entertainment industry, underscoring the challenges creators face when navigating traditional media platforms.
