Natasha Thahane Faces Criticism Over “Inappropriate” Outfit and Funding Scandal at EFF Event
- Natasha Thahane attended the EFF's annual Last Dance Matric Dance event, hosted by Julius Malema for learners from two Limpopo schools
- The actress delivered a heartfelt speech to the class of 2026, quoting scripture and offering words of encouragement to learners who had lost loved ones
- X users turned the spotlight on Thahane's choice of attire and also dug up her old R1 million funding scandal
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Source: UGC
Natasha Thahane's good intentions at a high-profile matric event were quickly overshadowed when X users turned their attention to her outfit and an old controversy that has followed the actress for years.
On 13 October 2026, Thahane, 31, shared footage and photos from The Last Dance Matric Dance 26, an annual event organised by Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema for matriculants from Mohlakaneng High School and Moruleng High School. The initiative is designed to uplift learners from underprivileged communities as they prepare for their final examinations.
Natasha Thahane's message to the class of 2026
Clips from the evening captured an enthusiastic crowd of students cheering and snapping pictures as Thahane arrived at the venue. She posed for photos and delivered a speech filled with encouragement, quoting Philippians 4:13 and addressing learners who may have suffered personal losses ahead of their finals.
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"May God grant you wisdom, understanding and the confidence to give it your all," she said.
She also offered these words: "To every learner who has lost a parent or a loved one along the way, may their love & prayers carry you. Make yourselves proud. Heaven is cheering you on."
Source: UGC
X users revisit the R1 million funding scandal
Despite the uplifting nature of her appearance, online critics took issue with her fitted, sheer dress, arguing that the outfit was inappropriate for a school setting and could distract male learners from the evening's purpose. Several users suggested she should have opted for a more conservative look given the educational context.
Others used the moment to revive a long-standing controversy tied to Thahane's studies at the New York Film Academy. During a past appearance on Podcast and Chill, the actress revealed she contacted former National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete, whom she called "Mam' Baleka," asking her to "arrange something" to fund her studies, which reportedly cost over R1 million. She initially implied that Mbete approached the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to secure the funds.
The revelation resurfaced in the comment section, with X users offering some sharp takes.
AliTheOnlyDon said:
"We have not forgotten the R1m funding Baleka Mbete arranged for her after just 1 call. While the underprivileged black child is in the queue submitting applications with no one to call. What these people are telling the black child is nothing but a fluke because they use corruption."
Laxavision wrote:
"Is she going to ask a mama for money again?"
MeshackBevhulas posted:
"Good call to invite her; in fact, she must do a high school tour as community service work for the R1 million fund she got for being related to top politicians."
YSL_TT added:
"She went to America and is stuck here. What motivation is she giving the learners?"
See the footage from the event below.
Scebi Dlamini's wife's speech moves Natasha Thahane to tears
In an earlier report, Briefly News shared Natasha Thahane's reaction to a heartbreaking speech by Scebi Dlamini's wife.
Natasha, along with her followers, was shattered by her words as she said goodbye to her husband and the father of her child.
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Source: Briefly News
