Culture Craze
Grace Mondlana’s Pricey Party Menu Sparks Debate Over ‘Free Drinks’ Promise
When “Free Drinks” Became a Costly Surprise
It was meant to be a celebration. South African influencer Grace Mondlana threw her much-anticipated year-end party, inviting guests to an evening of glamour, content creation, and celebration. But instead of walking into a free-flowing bar, attendees were greeted by a printed price list that had jaws dropping before the first toast.
The menu included ciders such as Savanna and Ice Tropez at R300, Corona beers at R300, Tanqueray gin at R800, and Don Julio tequila at R1 800. For guests who arrived expecting “free drinks,” it was an expensive plot twist, one that quickly turned into one of the week’s most viral conversations online.
The Internet Reacts
It didn’t take long for guests to start posting photos of the bar menu across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Many captioned their images with disbelief and humour, while others accused the host of being misleading.
One post read, “R300 for a Corona? I thought this was a celebration, not a savings lesson.” Another user quipped, “Was there a tap-and-go wallet at the door?”
Across platforms, the general sentiment was the same: if an event feels like it promises an open bar, guests expect an open bar. The conversation also exposed how deeply South Africans value clarity and fairness when it comes to social events, especially those hosted by public figures who often blend lifestyle with brand image.
When Vibes Don’t Match the Menu
In local culture, year-end events are often about abundance and generosity. Whether it’s a workplace braai or a celebrity bash, “drinks on the house” is almost an unspoken expectation. That’s why this particular incident hit such a nerve.
Grace’s event looked the part of a luxury celebration, but the pricey drinks list gave it a commercial twist. For some, it was a fair business move, high-end crowd, premium pricing. For others, it felt like a mismatch between the promise and the experience.
The disconnect sparked a bigger conversation about influencer-hosted events and transparency. South Africans are savvy audiences who expect consistency between the invite’s tone and what’s delivered on the day. If a party is meant to feel exclusive or monetised, the communication needs to reflect that clearly.
This obese/ugly narcissist charged her clowns R300 for ciders and beer🤣🤣🤣
What kind of party is this? Is this a money laundering scam? pic.twitter.com/j27xgLbT9i
— Norma Kay (@realnorma_kay) November 9, 2025
The Bigger Lesson Behind the Buzz
Beyond the memes and mockery, there’s a cultural insight here. As influencer-led events continue to grow, expectations around authenticity, clarity, and value are evolving. The public wants to support creators, but they also want honesty about what’s free and what’s not.
For Grace, this moment could serve as a reality check, not a downfall. She remains a well-known creator with a loyal following. By addressing the misunderstanding openly, she could turn controversy into a conversation about transparency in influencer culture.
At the end of the day, South Africans don’t mind paying for a great experience; they just want to know what’s on the bill before the party starts.
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Source: Bona Magazine
Featured Image: OkMzansi
