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| Inno Matijane Facebook Page |
In the early hours of Tuesday, June 25, Inno Matijane, a well-known media personality, YouTuber, model, and reality star, took to Facebook to share a deeply personal and candid account of her current financial struggles and mental health challenges. Matijane, who originally hails from Lesotho and moved to South Africa at the age of seven, has long been celebrated for her advocacy for gay rights. In February 2024, she made headlines once again by announcing her transition as a trans woman, proudly embracing her identity and using she/her pronouns.
In her heartfelt post, Matijane reflected on her journey from driving luxury cars and living in big houses to facing the harsh reality of losing her home and dealing with substantial debts. She described how the pressures of maintaining a celebrity image led her to make financially irresponsible decisions, ultimately contributing to her current situation.
"I've driven luxury cars, stayed in big houses. I started being independent and making money when I was 18, I believe. I shared that life with y'all when life was good, now no car, few days left before I lose my home (by Friday need to be out of this house) I don't even know where I'll go, I have crazy debts, and I will share with you too that part of my life too," Matijane wrote. She acknowledged the mistakes she made in trying to impress others and the toll it took on her well-being. "I am not going to hire a Mercedes Benz just so that I can impress strangers and know when I post a car like that I'll get 100k likes, no I will use my taxi even though I haven't since 2015 and start from the ground because I am not too proud."
Matijane's post highlighted the dangers of succumbing to societal pressures and the importance of being authentic. She urged her followers to stop trying to keep up appearances at the expense of their financial stability and mental health. "I really need you guys to listen to me right now. Even you reading this, you know life is hard but because you don't want people to see, you are trying to get yourself into more problems to keep up. Surrender, forget people, start from the ground. Solving problems with problems won't help you, you're only burying yourself even more."
In a moment of raw vulnerability, Matijane admitted to feeling depressed and suicidal but also recognized her role in her downfall. "I am so depressed, so suicidal but I played part in most of my downfall, I guess it's learning and growing. That's a mistake a lot of us do. I was living like I didn't know that The Way Ngingakhona is seasonal and when it's off there's no income. There was absolutely no reason to buy a BMW a year ago when my life was not good and in debts, what was I hoping to achieve? I always lied to myself and said when I look good I make more money, I can't believe I made such embarrassing life choices."
Her message also served as a cautionary tale to others who may be facing similar pressures. "We really need to start making better life choices, guys, and it's not only celebrities. Though it's hard because being a celebrity comes with so much pressure, that pressure is going to kill us. I am also talking to you who lost their jobs but still want people to think life is good, you who used to earn a lot in corporate but not anymore but keeping that car that's costing you money, even though you know you can't afford it anymore. Staying in that house you know you have to go to mashonisa to keep lights on."
