Chante Jantjies has released an official statement to refute claims that she is the founder of Mara Phones.

The former Miss Teen SA and news anchor made it clear that she has nothing to do with them, and she has not received any money from them.

This is coming after reports that the company was put on auction recently, despite having been given a R1.5bn cash injection by Standard Bank and the Industrial Development Corporation when it was launched in 2019.

Chante’s name came up in a series of Twitter posts linked to the company’s failure, leading to her setting the record straight

Responding with a statement drafted by her legal team, said Chante bought and invested in a Mara Phones franchise two years ago but did not received any funds from Mara Phones or its founders.

“As a small franchise owner, our client is not connected to nor involved in the day-to-day operations of Mara Phones, nor does our client own or have a share in the company.” read the statement.

“Unsubstantiated claims, harassment and unfounded allegations addressed to our client will not be tolerated.”

Read full statement below: