South African content creator and businesswoman Mihlali Ndamase has spoken out against rumours linking her romantically to the late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Also see: Inno Morolong claims Mihlali Ndamase’s alleged stalker splurged nearly R1 million on her
According to Reuters, Mihlali addressed the speculation on 1 October 2026, shortly after Wicknell and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died in a helicopter crash near Marondera, Zimbabwe, on 30 September 2026. Zimbabwean authorities and Wicknell’s family confirmed the deaths.
Mihlali Ndamase sets the record straight
Taking to social media, Mihlali released a video and written statement rejecting claims about her alleged relationship with Wicknell.
She said she had never dated Wicknell and had never met him, according to her statement reported by IOL. She also denied ever dating the late Zimbabwean socialite Ginimbi.
Mihlali said she was frustrated by what she described as people creating false narratives about her personal life.
“There comes a point where you have to draw a line between people having opinions and people deliberately creating narratives that simply aren’t true,” she wrote, according to IOL.
She added that while she could accept being discussed, criticised or misunderstood, she objected to claims that she said were fabricated.
Mihlali says y’all must keep her name out your mouths she does not know Tony or Wicknell and everybody else you guys say shes dating she only knows leeroy. 😔may wicknell RIP😔 pic.twitter.com/SdWnsx6oEB
— Salties_unmasked (@Saltiesunmasked) October 1, 2026
Also see: Mihlali Ndamase accused of chasing unrealistic beauty standards
‘Leave my name out of your lies’
Mihlali also questioned why social media users continued to circulate claims about her despite her previous efforts to address similar speculation.
She specifically said she had never dated or met Wicknell, while also rejecting claims involving Ginimbi.
Her statement ended with a firm message to those spreading the allegations: “Respectfully, leave my name out of your lies.”
Mihlali Ndamase says she has never slept with Sir Wicknell and has never even met him. So, what they are saying about her and Sir Wicknell are lies, they just want to ruin her reputation.
Right now, the only thing she is currently focusing on is her businesses. pic.twitter.com/POHCaA2mJh
— Mshana ka malume🏌♂️ (@sfisomahla14431) October 1, 2026
Wicknell Chivayo’s death sparks renewed speculation
Wicknell, who was 43, died alongside his wife and other people aboard the aircraft. President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed his death on 1 October 2026, while investigations into the crash are ongoing, Reuters reported.
The Zimbabwean businessman was well known across the region for his lavish lifestyle, social media presence and relationships with prominent political figures.
Social media turns attention to Mihlali Ndamase
While many social media users supported Mihlali for addressing the rumours and standing up for herself, the conversation soon moved in another direction.
Some commenters focused on her appearance in the videos, with online discussions about whether she may have had cosmetic or dental work.
Among the speculation were comments about her lips and teeth, with some viewers debating whether changes to her appearance could be attributed to cosmetic procedures.
Those claims are unverified, and Mihlali’s comments were focused on rejecting the relationship rumours rather than discussing any cosmetic procedures.
A wider conversation about online gossip
The incident has once again highlighted how quickly unverified claims can spread across social media, particularly when they involve well-known personalities.
For Mihlali, the issue appears to be less about being discussed online and more about what she described as false information being presented as fact.
Her decision to address the rumours publicly has also divided social media users, with some supporting her choice to set the record straight while others questioned whether responding gives online gossip more attention.
Also see: Pam Mlunjwana seemingly trolls Mihlali Ndamase amid Toluwalase Arokodare dating rumours
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About the writer
Zintle Mdaka
Zintle Mdaka is a junior content producer, with four years of experience in the newsroom. Zintle has gained valuable experience in newsgathering, writing, research, and digital content production. To contact Zintle, email zintle.mdaka@habarimedia.com