​‘I was just trolling’ – Scooby Nero apologises for RDP claims, admits he ‘didn’t read the room’

​Nigerian influencer Scooby Nero has finally broken his silence, admitting his viral claim of owning “80% of RDP houses in South Africa” was a reckless joke that spiralled out of control.

In an exclusive X Space sitdown with NOWinSA late Monday, the music influencer with 1.5 million Facebook followers apologised profusely, saying he “messed up” and never intended to aggravate South Africans.

“I was just teasing. There’s no way I could own 80% of RDPs in SA. I’m not a South African to start with… I can’t own it. I was just trolling,” he stated.

​The Space has already attracted over 13,000 listeners, underscoring how deeply the original video had cut into the national mood following our previous Scooby Nero RDP outrage coverage.

‘I didn’t read the room’

Born Anthony Chukwuma Onwubuariri, the entertainer, who has lived in South Africa for 15 years, said he borrowed the “80%” figure after hearing Patriotic Alliance Deputy President Kenny Kunene mention that a foreign national – a Nigerian – allegedly owned 80% of Cape Town’s RDP stock.

He admitted he failed to consider the current social strain in the country: “I must say I didn’t read the room. I’ve been doing this for a long time – jokes and gimmicks – and I didn’t reflect on what’s happening when I posted that video. Even when people were bringing in the recent Nigerian coronation king, I was like: what are they saying? I didn’t put that thing into context.”

He added: “I understand that people are so angry, even people that used to like me are not happy with me.”

‘I’ve taken this too far’

​Describing himself as an ex-musician now working as a promoter, Scooby Nero said his following grew on the back of such gimmicks – but this time the backlash was different.

“I’ve done a lot of crazy things, and I didn’t think this would get out of proportion. I admit that this time I’ve taken this too far, and I really am sorry.”

He also clarified his legal status, saying he is willing to cooperate with law enforcement and can produce documentation for spousal and business visas, the latter valid until 2029.

“South Africa has been good to me, from way back when I started doing music with the likes of Kwesta, Nadia Nakai and many others.”

​‘A nothing’ – listener blasts media amplification

​Not everyone accepted the apology. One listener, @BlackSupremeZA, argued the saga is a dangerous distraction from real issues.

​“Some fellows like Scooby Nero and the Igbo king – this is who they are. Agitators. Attention seekers. They are a very small representation of the problems of this country. The only reason they appear so big is because this topic is very profitable.”

He accused media and politicians of using Nigerians as proxies to inflame immigration fears while ignoring systemic failures.

“The head of state walked up to a Somalian shop after 12 children died from fake products and asked how business is going. Not for papers. Not for product integrity. The system is what allows this crisis to flock in.”

He added: “This is my exact problem with this thing. This is now a third week where media is just being dominated by the issue of immigration with these Nigerians being used as proxies to create non-existent things, such that South Africans are up in arms about things that don’t even matter. They even result in tribalism… painting us as weak, saying how can we allow Nigerians to do this in their country.”

He referenced Chidimma and Prophet Bushiri as past examples where state investigations led nowhere.

“The very system that we’re entrusting with the investigation of this fellow… What happened with the investigation of Chidimma? What happened with the investigation of Bushiri? This very system is going to let down South Africans the same way it always did. This Scooby Nero is a nothing. I don’t even want us to have him as a discussion.”

​JCPS cluster: claims ‘unlikely to be true’

​Meanwhile, there Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster weighed in, stating that Nero’s original claim was almost certainly false but had been reported to the relevant agency.

In a statement, the cluster reiterated the legal reality of RDP housing:

• ​You can only sell an RDP house after living in it for at least eight years.
• You must first offer it back to the government (First Right of Refusal under Section 10A of the Housing Amendment Act).
• Written consent from the local municipality is required.
• ​ Renting out an RDP for profit is strictly illegal at any time and can lead to the property being reclaimed by the state.

The JCPS also warned about informal sales without a title deed transfer: “Without a legal transfer, the house still legally belongs to the original owner, leaving the buyer with no legal protection.”

What’s next?

Nero says he is willing to cooperate with authorities if needed. Whether the state pursues the matter remains unclear – but the backlash has already done its damage.

​For a deeper look at the actual laws governing subsidised housing, read our explainer:

👉 Can you sell an RDP house? The legal reality of government housing

Catch up on related stories:

· Scooby Nero RDP outrage: How a viral video sparked a national fire
· Hawks investigates Chidimma’s alleged fraud
· Interpol fugitive Prophet Bushiri extradition approved

​For breaking South African stories and in-depth analysis of the issues that matter to you, visit NOWinSA.