Is PJ Powers so broke she can't pay her bills?

The country's financial crisis has been taking its toll on many South Africans - and now it appears to be hitting musician PJ Powers.

That is the only explanation for the local celeb failing to fork out R5 000 for business cards she ordered last November from Fourways design agency Elevation Africa.

The award winning artist has released over 17 albums that reached gold selling status and four with platinum status.

But despite her success, it seems she can't pay her debts.

Owner James Robinson said she ordered the cards just before a trip to China. But more than four months later, she still hasn't paid up.

Robinson says she has used every excuse in the book.

"I have spoken to her about 10 or more times on the phone where she promises to pay this afternoon or the next day but the money never comes. She's said she had internet problems, that she will get to it latter, she will do it tonight. But the money never comes through."

Powers however admitted to the Saturday Star that she has not paid the money.

"It is my error, but it was a genuine mistake. I lost my assistant and I've just had a bad time. I've tried three times on my Internet, but payment hasn't gone through."

"As soon as I get back from Cape Town, next Tuesday I will go to the shop myself and pay it in cash."

Asked why there was such a delay she said that after she received the business cards, she had gone straight to Hong Kong, then England and then Uganda.

But Robinson has heard similar excuses before.

He said their policy is usually to ask for 50% upfront.

But Powers was in a hurry as it was one of her last minute errands before her trip to China.

"She was very nice and she was running out of time. I thought she was a good person."