Lerato Makwela Trending Video Twitter: Viral Clip Exposes Alleged African Auditions Exploitation Scam
Jan. 21, 2026 — South Africa — An explicit video featuring 20-year-old South African Lerato Molwelang, trending widely on X (formerly Twitter) as the “lerato makwela trending video twitter,” has exposed an alleged fake modeling audition scam by Ivo Suzee under the “African Auditions” platform, prompting warnings from authorities.
The video, described as “amanyala” or “tlof tlof” footage, surfaced online in mid-January 2026 and rapidly spread across X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, sparking debates on consent and exploitation. Molwelang claims she was misled into believing it was a legitimate casting opportunity, leading to non-consensual recording and distribution.
Victim’s Statement
Molwelang broke her silence in a statement covered by MDN TV Live on Facebook, dated around Jan. 15, 2026:
I confirm that I am the individual seen in the footage but was exploited and misled by a casting agency. I did not sign any agreement or contract consenting to the lawful production, distribution or monetisation of the video, and did not give informed consent for how the content has been used or shared.
She warned that further sharing is unauthorized and threatened legal action, also denying affiliation with a circulating Facebook account purporting to be hers.
Authorities’ Response
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, via @CrimeWatch_RSA on X, flagged “African Auditions” as a deceptive operation targeting young women, including potentially over 150 victims, for explicit content sold on porn sites. A LatestLY article detailed how Ivo Suzee used fake job ads since 2008, violating South Africa’s Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 and Films and Publications Act 65 of 1996. Authorities urged verifying opportunities and reporting incidents.
“African Auditions” is not a legitimate casting agency but an operation that falsely presents itself as a legitimate modelling agency.
Social Media Frenzy
The “lerato makwela trending video twitter” phenomenon dominated X discussions, with posts like @EddyJames___ identifying Molwelang and her exploitation claim, and @AdvoBarryRoux debating consent. Others, such as @Vende265, noted the video’s “clean” quality ironically. Instagram reels under #LeratoMakwelaTrendingVideo amassed millions of views, while a Reddit thread questioned the trend.
YouTube videos, including “Lerato has finally broke her silence”, amplified the story. Public reactions mixed victim sympathy with mockery, but no major South African outlets like IOL or News24 covered it as mainstream news.
The incident highlights online scams preying on aspiring models, with the “lerato makwela trending video twitter” serving as a stark example.
