MALAMULELE: Social media influencer Philani Maluleke, who is a former friend of the TMPD officer Constable Peter Nonyane known as “Greater Gagash”, has come under scrutiny after appealing to his followers to donate towards securing a safe house for a 77-year-old senior citizen in his home village under Collins Chabane Local Municipality.

The donation appeal, made on Thursday, has triggered criticism from some of his social media followers, who questioned why Maluleke was appealing to ordinary members of the public when he has been seen campaigning for the African National Congress (ANC) ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Critics have challenged him to approach the ANC politicians and municipal leadership with whom he has been associating during the election campaign, arguing that they should be approached to assist the elderly woman with a decent and safe home.

Maluleke was also seen campaigning alongside Collins Chabane Municipality Mayor Shandrack Maluleke during the election period.

His political associations have become a point of discussion, particularly as several villages under the municipality continue to experience water shortages and other service-delivery challenges.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of his appearance alongside ANC Member of Parliament and ANC Youth League Secretary-General Tsakani Shiviti, whom he accompanied to her home village to cast her vote at Mapapila Primary School on 04 November 2026.

Mapapila village has also been at the centre of a service-delivery investigation by MDNTV concerning a R4.5 million water infrastructure project that was expected to improve access to water for residents.

MDNTV previously visited the village and established that the water infrastructure project, involving water pipelines, remained incomplete despite claims that the appointed contractor had already received full payment.

The project, which was expected to benefit the community, has raised questions about municipal accountability, expenditure and the delivery of essential services.

Against this background, Maluleke’s appeal for donations has prompted questions about the responsibility of elected leaders and political representatives towards vulnerable residents.

Some followers have argued that instead of relying on public donations, he should use his proximity to ANC leaders and municipal representatives to push for intervention.

The debate has also reignited concerns about the gap between political campaigning and the everyday realities facing communities, particularly elderly residents who continue to struggle with basic needs.

While assisting a vulnerable senior citizen is a humanitarian gesture, critics argue that political leaders should also be held accountable for ensuring that residents have access to dignified housing, clean water and other essential services.

MDNTV will continue monitoring developments surrounding the R4.5 million water project and the concerns raised by residents of Collins Chabane Municipality.

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