NoChill God Opens Up About Owing SARS R200K: A Wake-Up Call for Creators

South African digital creator NoChill God—real name Ndivhuwo Muhanelwa—has publicly confirmed that he owes the South African Revenue Service (SARS) a substantial R200,000. The revelation comes after a recent news report exposed the outstanding tax amount, prompting the popular influencer to address the issue directly and transparently.

Taking to Instagram, NoChill God told his followers that the report was completely accurate. Instead of denying the claims or shifting blame, he accepted full responsibility. His openness immediately drew praise from fans and fellow creators who appreciated his willingness to confront such a sensitive matter honestly.

“This is not gossip. This is not a scandal. This is a lesson every South African creator needs,” he declared, signalling that this moment was less about shame and more about accountability and education.

NoChill God Explains How the SARS Situation Unfolded

In his statement, NoChill God revealed that he personally approached SARS long before the news broke, applying for the Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP). This initiative allows taxpayers to come forward, declare errors, and potentially receive relief from certain penalties. For him, initiating the process was about leading with integrity rather than reacting defensively.

“I faced everything head-on because leadership requires honesty,” he said, making it clear that he wanted to demonstrate responsibility rather than hide behind excuses.

According to the creator, the root of the problem came down to a lack of knowledge. Like many rising influencers, he did not fully understand the tax implications of being an independent digital content producer. The concept of provisional tax, declaring income from platforms such as Meta, and accurately reporting brand deals were areas he admits he misunderstood.

His situation worsened when he realised that much of the spending in his content creation—such as paying freelancers, buying equipment, and covering production costs—placed him in the category of running a microbusiness. But without this knowledge upfront, he failed to record and file everything properly.

“I didn’t know the rules around provisional tax, late filings, and declaring ALL income… Nobody told us we’re actually running MICROBUSINESSES,” he wrote, highlighting a widespread knowledge gap among South African creators.

When SARS eventually presented him with the R200,000 tax bill, NoChill God said he accepted it without argument, acknowledging that “it was the truth.” Instead of responding with embarrassment or denial, he chose to embrace the situation as a teaching moment for himself and others.

“The day I learned the truth, I didn’t run. I didn’t hide. I didn’t fight SARS. I submitted myself. I took responsibility. And I’m using this moment to educate,” he shared.

NoChill God message was clear: creators must be proactive, informed, and transparent when it comes to their earnings. With influencer marketing booming across South Africa, the digital creator economy is expanding rapidly—but many online personalities remain unaware of their legal and financial responsibilities.

Beyond his personal experience, NoChill God directed part of his message toward the broader influencer community. He urged his peers to stay compliant, file their taxes correctly, and avoid under-declaring income. He emphasised that ignorance of the system is not an excuse, and that creators must take their businesses seriously.

However, he also called on SARS to play a more active role in guiding creators. According to him, many influencers fall into trouble not because they intend to evade tax but because they simply don’t understand how the system applies to them.

He encouraged SARS to work directly with content creators, offering clearer guidance, workshops, and accessible educational materials. A proactive approach, he argued, would help prevent situations like his from becoming commonplace.

“There are thousands of us who contribute to the economy, but most creators don’t know the rules,” he pointed out. His plea reflects a growing sentiment within the industry: with influencer incomes becoming increasingly mainstream, tax education is no longer optional—it’s essential.

In addressing his SARS debt, NoChill God has taken a bold step that many public figures might shy away from. Instead of protecting his image, he prioritised honesty and leadership. His transparency has sparked important discussions about tax compliance, financial literacy, and the responsibilities that come with being an independent creator.

As he continues creating content and growing his platform, his experience stands as both a cautionary tale and a guide for others navigating the digital creator economy.

Source- Fakaza