Thuli Phongolo’s real estate business sparks debate over Soweto properties
Thuli Phongolo’s side business has landed her in hot water after photos of properties under her real estate company, Phongolo Properties, made the rounds online.
The actress and DJ, who started investing in township homes earlier this year, is being accused of reselling RDP houses that were originally handed out by government.
Phongolo, who co-runs the company with her sister Marcia, has been marketing homes in Soweto ranging from a R1.5 million 12-bedroom house in Mapetla to a Braamfischerville RDP listed for R370,000.
The properties were shared on the company’s official Facebook page, but the listings didn’t sit well with many social media users.
While some applauded her for trying to bridge the housing gap, others criticised the condition and pricing of the homes.
“These properties look abandoned,” one user commented, while another wrote, “Wanting cash only for properties that look abandoned and occupied by pharas makes so much sense.”
Another critic added: “That house that is going for 1,5m is right opposite hostela, so udakiwe!! There’s also an Engen and usave 2 mins away, but they have been trying to sell that property for years now cause of the crime.”
This isn’t Thuli’s first move in property; earlier in 2025 she bought herself a lavish home and even put her mansion on the market for R7.3 million.