South African comedian Mongezi “Tol A$$ Mo” Mahlangu. Picture: X/@dailysunsa
South African comedian Mongezi “Tol A$$ Mo” Mahlangu has publicly apologised to traditional healer and DJ Gogo Skhotheni after making hurtful comments regarding the passing of her son, Monde Junior.
During a recent episode of “Podcast and Chill”, Tol A$$ Mo made remarks about traditional healers using muti during pregnancy.
His words implied that Skhotheni’s spiritual calling and practices may have contributed to her son’s passing in September 2024, when he died in ICU.
This statement deeply upset Skhotheni and her husband, Monde Shange, both of whom responded with emotional statements on social media.
Taking to TikTok, Skhotheni expressed her pain and anger over Tol A$$ Mo’s insinuations, stating that his words were both hurtful and reckless.
Her husband also responded strongly, calling out the comedian on Instagram for disrespecting their family’s grief.
“There are lines that should never be crossed, and one of them is speaking on the loss of someone’s child with disrespect and ignorance,” Shange wrote.
He continued: “@tolassmothegamer, the comment you made about my wife and my son’s passing is beyond hurtful - it’s reckless and inhumane. My wife, as a mother, has been carrying unimaginable pain every single day since Monde Junior left us.
“To suggest that her work as a traditional healer had anything to do with his passing is not only false but deeply offensive.”
Shange further stated that no grieving parent should have to endure such baseless accusations while trying to heal, urging Tol A$$ Mo to be mindful of the pain his words have caused.
“Respect our loss. Respect my wife @gogo_skhotheni. And most importantly, respect Monde Junior’s memory,” he concluded.
Following the backlash, Tol A$$ Mo shared a now-deleted post on social media, featuring a video of himself preaching in church.
In his statement, he admitted to the insensitivity of his comments and took full responsibility for the hurt they caused.
“I want to take a moment to sincerely apologise for my words. In the heat of the moment, I spoke without truly understanding the depth of pain that comes with losing a child.
“I realise now how insensitive my words may have been, and I deeply regret any hurt I may have caused,” he wrote.
He added: “Loss is something no-one should have to experience, and I can’t begin to imagine the pain of those who have. I take full accountability for my words, and I am truly sorry.
“Moving forward, I will be more mindful and considerate in my speech, ensuring that I lead with empathy and understanding.”
Tol A$$ Mo ended his apology by stating that he would not celebrate his 39th birthday until Gogo Skhotheni forgave him, expressing his hope for a reconciliation.