Latest news with #ConnieFerguson
The South African
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Not just Siya - 'Connie Ferguson' appears in AI investment scam
Scammers are using sophisticated technology to dupe the public into another investment scam, this time involving actress Connie Ferguson. Like Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, the veteran TV star's image has been doctored using AI. On the X platform, South Africans have been sharing videos of another investment scam, this time using popular TV veteran Connie Ferguson. Using AI technology, the actress appears to tell the public: 'This business is 100% legit and has helped so many lives out there. Trust me, you will never regret doing business with me.' Earlier this week, Siya Kolisi's likeness appeared in an AI video, accompanied by the voice in an accent of what seemed to be a Nigerian man. On her official Instagram account, Connie Ferguson recently alerted the public to another scam, this time using an old clip of her. The actress posted screenshots of the scammer who sent her WhatsApp messages, ironically pretending to be her. Cautioning her followers, Connie Ferguson captioned the clip: 'SCAMMERS ARE DOING THE MOST! Be vigilant! I DO NOT offer any investment opportunity in business! Thieves are AI now to convince you that they are whoever they say they are! 'Do not easily part with money you worked so hard for! If it's too good to be true, it usually is! Have you never asked yourself why they are the ones who always have to call you and you can't call them back? Don't be manipulated into losing your common sense because times are hard. 'Again, IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT USUALLY IS!' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Connie Ferguson warns against scammers using her name – ‘Be vigilant!'
Media mogul Connie Ferguson has warned her followers about scammers impersonating her online. The fraudsters are using her identity to trick people into 'investing' money or sending them cash. Ferguson says she's the latest celebrity to fall victim to this type of identity theft and has urged her followers not to fall prey to these scams. In a series of photos and videos, Connie shared details of how scammers are targeting people using her identity. She revealed that she first received a call from someone claiming to be her. When she searched the caller's number on TrueCaller, it showed up under the name 'Madonsela.' The imposter then attempted to video call her to 'prove' their identity by using one of Connie's videos from social media. Read more | Mkhokha star Deli Malinga steps away from acting to pursue business ventures In response, she issued a stern warning to her followers. 'Scammers are doing the most! Be vigilant! I do not offer any investment opportunity in business! Thieves are [using] AI now to convince you that they are whoever they say they are!' she warned. 'Do not easily part with money you worked so hard for! If it's too good to be true, it usually is! Have you never asked yourself why they are the ones who always have to call you, and you can't call them back? Don't be manipulated into losing your common sense because times are hard. Again, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Connie Ferguson (@connie_ferguson)
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: ‘A scammer trying to scam me as me'
Experts say there has been a significant rise in these types of cybercrimes in South Africa. Actress and producer Connie Ferguson recently took to Instagram to warn her followers after a scammer attempted to impersonate her. Scammers are increasingly using the names and images of public figures to deceive unsuspecting victims. From fake investment schemes to bogus giveaways, con artists are exploiting social media and messaging apps to pose as well-known personalities. 'Time for a short story,' Connie wrote, sharing screenshots and a video. She said she received a WhatsApp message from someone claiming to be 'Connie Ferguson'. When she checked the number on Truecaller, it appeared as 'Madonsela'. The scammer then video-called her using an old clip from a live workout session she had posted during lockdown. 'After a few seconds, they dropped the call and texted, 'You saw me, right?'' she said. Connie made it clear that she does not offer any investment opportunities and urged her followers to remain vigilant. 'Thieves are using AI to convince you that they are whoever they say they are. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Don't be manipulated into losing your common sense because times are hard.' ALSO READ: 'A true role model': Connie Ferguson to judge Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 Rising cybercrimes Cybercrime Unit Specialist Investigator Mike Bolhuis previously told The Citizen that in recent years, there has been a significant rise in these types of cybercrimes in South Africa. 'This surge can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing number of techniques and tools available, the growing popularity of social media platforms, and the public's heightened trust in celebrities. 'It goes without saying that people often fall for 'get-rich-quick' schemes, especially when a 'celebrity' is encouraging them to get involved,' he said. NOW READ: New beginnings: Rugby WAG Marise Pollard on building a new family home after moving from the UK
Mail & Guardian
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Power, blood and spirits: Inside season 3 of Kings of Jo'Burg
Kingpin: Mo Masire, played by Zolisa Xaluva, in a scene from Kings of Jo'Burg season 3, which is on Netflix. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix There is no doubt that the team at Ferguson Films know how to create action in a gripping crime drama. Mzansi Magic's The Queen and Rockville are thrilling examples. In Netflix's Kings of Jo'Burg franchise they add an element of the supernatural. In the first season, which premiered in 2020, viewers were taken into the underworld of a Johannesburg criminal family, the Masires. Created by the late Shona Ferguson, who played kingpin Simon Masire in season 1, the series follows the Masires as they navigate power struggles, betrayals and supernatural forces. Led by Veronica Masire (Connie Ferguson) and Mo Masire (Zolisa Xaluva), in season 3, we see the family's continued rule over the criminal underworld, while dealing with a supernatural family curse and a new contender threatening to bring their empire to its knees. The rival gang, headed by Gavin Salat (Clint Brink), has declared war on the Masires in a bid to establish dominance in Johannesburg. To defend their turf, the Masires make a deal with their former enemy Aliko Bajo, played by Nigerian actor Enyinna Nwigwe. Executive producer Connie Ferguson and US co-executive producer Samad Davis continue their aim to create a show with a global reach. Thus, the casting for the franchise seems strategic with the inclusion of actors from South Africa, Nigeria and the US. Similar to previous seasons, which included American actors Terri J Vaughn and Michael Anthony, in this season we see new characters, such as Isador played by New York-born Malik Yoba. At first, I was sceptical about this all-star cast fulfilling my expectations, especially in the first season. But, rest assured, this is a serious series with a serious cast. With the exception of Lester's (Abdul Khoza) trivial jokes, there is no comic relief here. The overall tone from the characters, the soundtrack, and even the locations, is riveting, ominous and tense. There is no darker character than the menacing Gavin Salat who elevates the danger and supernatural factor. Complex and cold, with a robot-like wife on his side, Salat is Cape Town's saint by day and devil by night, leading a wide drug distribution network that includes prisons. Similar to Masire's Mermaid, Salat's supernatural entity is called Oom. Drawing from South African cultural heritage, Salat's gang members are tattooed with an eland — the spirit animal of the Khoisan. It is these spiritual symbols and mythical figures that set this franchise apart from what South African audiences have seen before. Unlike the Nigerian and Asian film industry, supernatural mythology is not broadly explored in South Africa. Growing up, my cousins and I were scared to death by drama series like Lesilo Rula (1987) and Ubizo (2007). Watching my grandparents' black-and-white TV, even the scenes with witches and dark spirits in Henry Cele's Shaka Zulu (1986) shook me as a boy. In recent times there have been a few films that drew inspiration from local folklore and beliefs. Norman Maake's recent award-winning Sebata: The Beast, 8: A South African Horror Story and Vuyani Bila's Deep Face, for instance, explore ghosts, spirits and other supernatural entities. A common denominator in the horror-supernatural genre is that the monsters are representative of unresolved traumas. When triggered by life events, we experience life as 'horror' as those past 'monsters' have been awakened. Kings of Jo'Burg challenges us to think about the monsters that lurk in our past and present, be it unresolved childhood traumas, envy, corrupt thoughts or fear. These negative emotions and energies, when undealt with, can turn people — alive or in the afterlife — into disruptive entities, hungry for blood and souls. The series made me wonder if family inheritances of spiritual gifts is a curse or blessing. Through The Mermaid and Oom, the series explores the idea of family legacies and spiritual warfare in protecting and enriching the family. In my village days as a child, we heard stories of shop owners burying human skulls and hands, with bony fingers creepily calling customers to purchase. Stories of people sleeping with snakes in their homes to gain success. Stories of businessmen and politicians bathing and drinking all sorts of concoctions in the shadows to amass more power and wealth. Kings of Jo'Burg prompts us to check our personal spiritual blind spots and our lineage. As hard as it might be to ask our elders about our family history, rituals and beliefs, the assignment to this generation is to ask those difficult questions, regardless. If we want to break generational curses, and embrace the beauty of family spiritual gifts, lifting the lids becomes of utmost importance. The supernatural aside, the action in series 3 is enthralling. In last year's Heart of the Hunter, a Netflix production also starring Ferguson, viewers saw how big-budget production can push the boundaries of action when it comes to fight scenes, car chases, weapons and explosions. The South African film and TV industry is indeed improving on that front. I was, however, not moved by the hyperbolic scoring in convincing audiences of the danger and thrill. Sure, it's a crime-action series, with plenty of bullets, blood, demons and drugs, but did the soundtrack have to be ominous in every scene? The overall sound design was off-putting, especially in the calmer and more emotive scenes. In one scene, when Veronica and Keneilwe (Thembi Seete) are talking about the glow of pregnancy, the music is imposingly eerie and mismatched. What am I as the viewer supposed to feel, exactly? The scene between Outjie (Maurice Paige) and Mo in the prison cafeteria also could have been made without music to allow the actors' prowess to naturally shine. The visual effects supplied by Pau Meyer from Luma Animation Studio, also the principal VFX supplier for M-Net's Shaka iLembe, immensely elevated the supernatural features in this season. The franchise has come a long way from the questionable camerawork, ambitious storyline and poor character development in the first season. Season 3 is bolder and more menacing — glowing eyes and all. Kings of Jo'Burg season 3 is streaming on Netflix.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Connie Ferguson, Clint Brink and Malik Yoba on raising the stakes in 'Kings of Jo'burg' season 3
Connie Ferguson stars as Veronica Masire in Netflix's "Kings of Joburg". She also served as its executive producer. Picture: Supplied/Netflix Image: Supplied/Netflix The third season of the Netflix series 'Kings of Jo'burg' has finally arrived after a long wait from fans. Season three features an impressive all-cast that includes Zolisa Xaluva, Connie Ferguson, Abdul Khoza, Maurice Paige, Cindy Mahlangu, Llewelyn Cordier, Altovise Lawrence, Keenan Arrison and Enyinna Nwigwe. The third season is joined by renowned actor Clint Brink and American actor Malik Yoba. 'This season was a big task, coming from two successful seasons. We wanted to make season three even bigger, even better and that's a huge responsibility. 'We had to get the best of the best in cast, crew, and even the right pocket to do it cinematically," said Ferguson who is also the executive producer of 'Kings of Jo'burg'. The cast of season three of "Kings of Jo'burg" at the premiere hosted in Sandton, Johannesburg. Image: Timothy Bernard/ Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Cordier excitedly admitted how he couldn't stop reading the script after getting the email "I was late for a client meeting because I was reading it on my phone and needed an hour just to sit and finish it. It was that gripping," he said. Brink was just as excited after reading the script and wanted to jump straight into shooting. 'It's ballsy, it's gutsy, it's brave, it's courageous, and the execution went along with the visions.' The new season explores several themes, family, mystical, kingdom and legacy and as actors they need to serve the characters to their best to bring all those elements together. Brink explained that if you serve the truth of your character and story and play things truthfully, things align. 'All you can control is being present in the moment, after that, it's in the hands of editing, PR, and marketing. 'Everyone came with a really honest, sincere, heartfelt, intentional, loaded performance, you know, with dynamic and range of variety, and made it special. Paige revealed that the show's sauce is putting a lot of heavyweight actors in one show. 'There's no one person in South Africa, in Nigeria, or the whole of Africa – or even internationally – who won't see and feel this." Collaboration was a word the entire cast echoed at the 'Kings of Jo'burg' press junket, with the actors all being able to come together and understand the main goal of delivering a great project. "We were really, hard on this, but the teamwork made the dream work. After shoots, we'd get together, print out scenes, and brainstorm. So when you got to set, you were already in the moment," said Cordier. Yoba joined the cast, can only be described as serendipity, while he watched the first season and during his trip to the country in 2024, through his connection with American film producer and director Samad Davis, who is also an executive producer of 'Kings of Jo'burg'. "It all felt divine. I came here to screen a documentary on real estate, and somehow ended up in 'Kings of Jo'burg.' This was bigger than just doing a job, it was about connection, community, and purpose." 'Kings of Jo'burg' also delivers a product that showcases South Africa, especially Jo'burg, in an interesting light. 'It's beautiful to see how the execution is coming up at a time where we can project that quality, that beauty, that excellence to the world from South Africa. 'It shows how we can collaborate, having Nigerian, South African, and African-American actors, proving we can be connected globally through storytelling,' said Nwigwe. With prison seasons also included in the third season viewers get to see another side to the ruthless world of the 'Kings of Jo'bug'. Khoza says that this element pushed him as an actor and left him with goosebumps. 'Each challenge brought about an opportunity to learn, to feed off the cast that was there and, you know, the safety of the crew was there and all that allowed you to be at your best at any moment,' said Khoza. 'Kings of Jo'burg' was the creation of late actor Shona Ferguson. His wife Connie opened up about being in a much stronger place than she was when she was filming season two. 'Season two was hard, losing him (Shona) between two and three meant rewriting everything. But for season three, I was more intentional. There's a legacy to uphold, and I believe he's smiling, proud of what we've done.' IOL Entertainment
