This week's celebrity highlights: Minaj's political stance, Cena's WWE goodbye and Kolisi's call for GBV support

It’s another week of star-studded twists and unexpected turns. We have it all for you!

From Nicki Minaj stepping into the political spotlight, to several stars finding themselves facing legal woes and Ratile Mabotja’s raw and emotional struggle of grief, here‘s everything you might have missed:

1. Nicki Minaj supports Trump’s stance on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria

Multi-award-winning rapper Nicki Minaj spoke out at an event hosted by the US embassy to the United Nations and thanked the US president for calling for an end to faith-based persecution in Nigeria.

“No group should ever be prosecuted for practising their religion, like I recently stated on social media. And we don't have to share the same beliefs for us to respect each other,” Minaj shared.

2. Sol Phenduka earns a nomination at the upcoming Telkom Radio Awards

Controversial radio host Sol Phenduka has been nominated for Best Traffic Presenter at the Radio Awards, a few months after he was dismissed by Kaya 959.

Phenduka was suspended from the radio station early this year because of his involvement in a high-profile defamation case involving Minnie Dlamini and his "Podcast and Chill" co-host, MacGyver “Mac G” Mukwevho.

3. Shebeshxt’s girlfriend remains optimistic despite his ongoing legal troubles

Kholofelo Moloto, Shebeshxt’s girlfriend and the mother of their late daughter, posted the Lekompo rapper’s festive gig guide.

This post left fans confused as the musician might not be able to show up to any of these performances due to his current legal battles.

He was arrested last week in Polokwane, facing serious charges related to an October road rage shooting. Shebeshxt is also facing other pending cases, including two counts of attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

4. Gospel star Mmatema Gavi announced the cancellation of her upcoming album tour

Media personality and gospel singer, Mmatema Gavi, has announced the cancellation of her upcoming tour.

She wrote online: “After much prayer, reflection and guidance from the Lord, I have decided to officially cancel the upcoming album tour. This has not been an easy decision, but it is one I am at peace with.

“This cancellation is official, and I will communicate directly when the time is right to gather again. Please note that I am still fulfilling the remaining commitments I made for this year, so you will still see me at those. It is only the tour that has been cancelled.”

5. John Cena bids farewell to his WWE career

After 20 years, WWE star John Cena closed the chapter on his legendary career.

Cena's successful journey came to an end at Madison Square Garden in New York City this week, where he partnered with Sheamus and Rey Mysterio in an exciting six-man tag team match to defeat The Judgment Day.

Even though he bid farewell to his wrestling career, Cena still has two more matches planned, including his appearance at Survivor Series on November 29, followed by his last-ever match on December 13 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

6. Siya Kolisi urges fans to wear purple in support of the GBVF campaign

Rugby star and Springboks captain, Siya Kolisi, urged fans to stand in solidarity with the GBVF campaign by swapping their normal green jerseys for purple clothes this Friday.

He shared in a video that in South Africa, women and children are murdered daily and that the nation should wear purple in support of GBV and femicide.

7. Ratile Mabotja on coping with grief after losing her husband

“The Mommy Club” reality TV star, Ratile Mabotja, opened up in a heartfelt podcast interview about the profound grief and ongoing challenges of motherhood she faces following the tragic death of her husband, Elias Mabitsela, who died by suicide.

In a conversation with Nozipho Ntshangase, Mabotja shared: “The wound of grief does not quite go away. It’s always there, but you learn to live around it. The more you accept it, the more you go to therapy, the better the weight becomes.”

"It’s been quite a journey. It does take a knock on someone. In every facet of life, you feel it. I feel like sometimes I physically wear the grief," she admitted.

8. Rich Mnisi celebrates a decade milestone in the fashion industry

South African award-winning designer Rich Mnisi is celebrating a decade of storytelling, craftsmanship, and cultural expression by launching a Trans-seasonal 25 collection, NAMBU (River).

He collaborated with multiple brands, including Rain, Foschini and Vaseline Cera-Glow for his Spring/Summer 2026 collection to kick off this milestone.

9. Ox Nché announces temporary pause from Ox Kraal amid legal dispute

South African rugby star, Ox Nché (real name Retshegofaditswe Nché) has suspended all orders from his online store, Ox Kraal, due to an ongoing legal battle.

Nché explained on Instagram: “We’ve hit a small bump, or should I say, technical tackle. I'm currently working through a legal matter involving the Ox Kraal online store, which has affected order processing and deliveries.”

"As part of this issue, I do not currently have access to the Ox Kraal website or social media pages, as these are still controlled by a third-party administrator involved in the dispute.”

10. Kessler twins die by assisted suicide at 89

Identical twins Alice and Ellen Kessler, Germany's most recognisable entertainers, have reportedly died at the age of 89 in a joint assisted suicide.

Their story has taken social media by storm, with many curious about why they chose assisted suicide, while others found their story heartwarming because they chose to decide to be with each other in everything, including death.

Several reports shared that police were called to their home outside Munich on Monday. While officials didn’t reveal details, the German Humanist Association confirmed that the sisters chose an assisted death.