- Businessman Thami Ndlala faced tough questions at a press conference after his foundation pledged R9 million to SP Attorneys for public legal aid
- Ndlala, who is accused of extortion, said the donation stemmed from a personal experience he had while in a holding cell
- Social media users were divided over whether the pledge was genuine or a calculated attempt to manage his public image
Source: Facebook
Businessman Thami Ndlala took to a press conference on 22 October 2026 to defend his foundation's R9 million pledge to SP Attorneys for public legal aid, pushing back hard against suggestions that the donation was merely damage control following his arrest linked to allegations made by Blu Mbombo.
Facing a pointed question from IOL journalist at an indoor press conference held in front of a Thami Ndlala Foundation step-and-repeat backdrop, Ndlala insisted the pledge had nothing to do with buying goodwill or managing his legal troubles.
"It is not a form of buying our way into anything. It is rather to extend assistance to people in need, people that just get arrested for unjust reasons or for ulterior motives," he said.
What Sparked the Pledge?
Ndlala explained that the idea came to him during his time in a holding cell, where he encountered a young man who could not afford legal representation. He said he personally covered that individual's legal costs, and the experience prompted him to reflect on how many more South Africans face prosecution without adequate access to funding.
He also addressed the extortion allegations head-on, arguing that being accused of extorting small sums via e-wallets directly contradicted the scale of the pledge his foundation was now making. "I'm currently accused of extortion as it stands now... someone speaking about 5,000, 10,000 rent and all these type of amounts, you talk about sending those monies through e-wallets," he said, calling the accusation a clear contradiction.
Ndlala also touched on gender-based violence, describing it as a "very sensitive subject" and framing the foundation's legal aid contribution as part of a broader community responsibility, noting that South Africa's courts are being strengthened to address GBV more effectively.
Watch the IOL press conference that sparked the debate: [Thami Ndlala addresses media at the Thami Ndlala Foundation press conference](https://x.com/IOL/status/2113244734302888447)
Netizens React
The pledge drew a mixed response from social media users:
@Nonhlan23097804: "Thami and Carrim are same whattsup group. There is no limit to the extent they go to when they are frustrated or angry."
@Workersday: "We've got to be honest, we need a fund like these. In fact, I'd previously argued that organisations like Black Lawyers Association should be taking the lead and defend the plight of our people. Even on contentious issues like migration."
@MlaziBongz: "Who are the directors of this foundation, is it just a banner foundation or is it formally registered as an NPO."
@TswanaAunt: "How do we apply for Ndala funding?"
@somethingFRESCA: "But his not a cop, how does he know that his holding cell mate is innocent, just because he likes this stranger he wants him to be free on the streets? This man is bribing himself out of jail or he's being extorted."
@LEBUXX33: "Could've used that money to refurbish his various buildings in Pretoria because they're in bad shape."
@msprudy: "Which other media house wasted resources to attend to this nonsense?"
Source: Briefly News