Former Thobela FM radio presenter Jermaine Kaka, who is currently spokesperson for the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture in Limpopo, allegedly caused an unedifying spectacle when she vitriolically attacked Limpopo Artists Movement (LAM) chairperson Mphoza Mashabela.
This incident occurred at legendary radio icon Max Mojapelo’s book launch at NG Klerk in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Saturday.
The jaw-dropping allegations are contained in a letter of complaint Mashabela filed with Kaka’s boss and head of department Kgathane Mokgonyana on Monday, 7 September 2026.
In the letter, which Africa Daily has seen, Mashabela said he was invited to Mojapelo’s book launch and afterwards walked outside to take pictures with the newly appointed MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Constance Kupa-Mabuza.
“Kaka followed us when the MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture, Constance Mabuza, left the stage. As we walked outside to take pictures, Kaka said to me that she did not trust me with the MEC, which I took as a joke.
She continued after we took pictures with the MEC and Mr Mojapelo. She said I’m happy now with the new MEC, but come Mapungubwe Festival, LAM will be attacking her.
I told her to stop with the accusations and emotional blackmail, as I was there to honour Mr Mojapelo’s invitation,” he wrote.
Mashabela said like chewing gum on a shoe sole, Kaka followed him as he was trying to avoid her and threatened him.
“Kaka followed me as I was trying to avoid her and told me that she was not afraid of me. She said I could fight if I wanted to, that she was ready for me and that I would not do anything because she was not afraid.
This behaviour is unacceptable, unbecoming and uncalled for and is a sign of disrespect and a threat. As LAM, we cannot be threatened by anyone in the department, Kaka included,” he said.
Mashabela said Kaka has crossed the line and committed a serious act of misconduct and must be reprimanded.
“We expect to work with all our stakeholders with respect and not have our mandate interfered with.
The new MEC has a mandate to listen to us and we will reciprocate. We do not understand why Kaka took a resolution that LAM would not agree with Mapungubwe activities.
I am not intimidated. I will continue to carry the mandate of Limpopo artists without fear, favour and prejudice,” he said.
Mashabela said he deserves an apology from Kaka for unfairly attacking him.
“We have therefore lost confidence in the leadership of the director of communications. We demand an apology and that steps be taken against her.
We cannot work with someone who does not respect us and is so hell bent on sowing division between us and our leader – the new MEC. She is bringing politics into the workplace after she mentioned that LAM had issued a media statement to support the premier with the reshuffle,” he said.
Mashabela further said they could not interfere in political decisions to reshuffle cabinet as that was solely the prerogative of Premier Phophi Ramathuba.
“Our role is to support the new MEC and be positive that, together, we will take arts matters forward,” he said.
Mashabela said they will escalate the matter if Kaka does not extend an olive branch within 14 days.
LAM also filed a formal complaint in which it described the alleged remarks as unfortunate and concerning, particularly because its statement welcoming the new MEC was issued in good faith and in an effort to establish a constructive working relationship with the department.
LAM said its willingness to engage constructively with the department did not mean it would surrender its responsibility to raise legitimate concerns affecting artists.
“Welcoming a new MEC does not prevent the movement from speaking on matters affecting the arts sector in future,” the complaint states.
The organisation said constructive engagement should allow room for both cooperation and respectful criticism, arguing that raising concerns about issues affecting the arts sector should not automatically be interpreted as an attack on the department.
LAM said it remained committed to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the department, founded on mutual respect, open dialogue and a shared responsibility to advance and protect the interests of artists in Limpopo.
Speaking to Africa Daily, Mashabela confirmed that he has filed a formal complaint against Kaka.
“The spokesperson attacked me as if I was the one who made the cabinet reshuffle. If she has a problem let her go and face the Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba. LAM doesn’t interfere with government and ANC resolutions,” he said.
Kaka had not responded to written questions sent to her at the time of publication.