WATCH | ‘I use this project myself’ — but Siya Kolisi never said that

Cape Town – In a wave of confusion and humour, scammers have produced an AI-generated video purporting to be Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, pushing a fake investment opportunity to unsuspecting viewers.

In the viral video, the AI-generated voice encourages viewers to invest at least R4 400 to supposedly earn R100 000.

The impersonated voice claims, “It is completely transparent, legal, and has already helped thousands. I have no need to lie. I use this project myself.”

How on earth is Siya Kolisi speaking in a Nigerian accent.? pic.twitter.com/YRInnnyBjJ

— Æsċlēah_Ash 🩵 (@Ashley_Ash_Gang) July 12, 2025

This isn’t the first time South African sports figures have been exploited by scam artists. In 2019, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’s image was used in a similar scam.

According to The South African, in response, SA Rugby issued a firm warning at the time, stating, “Rassie – or any other Springbok personality… does not have investing advice for you; does not want you to send money to him… these are all scams.”

The Kolisi deepfake has now joined a worrying trend where public figures are impersonated using advanced AI tools to mislead people into parting with their money.

Connie Ferguson was also recently targeted in a similar AI hoax.

I was texted by Connie Ferguson 😭😭😭😭 & I played along & this was the “proof” that it’s the real Connie 😭😭😭 https://t.co/JRPSQVFW0k pic.twitter.com/XhyY4ApkNL

— Monde With The Good Hair 🎀 (@Nomondensele) July 16, 2025