An old clip has a way of finding its moment. For South African influencer Mihlali Ndamase, that moment arrived again this week when a past video resurfaced and landed right in the middle of fresh online drama.
The video, which has circulated before, shows Mihlali candidly discussing why she dates married men. At the time it was first shared, it sparked discomfort and heated debate. Now, years later, it has returned to timelines, WhatsApp groups, and comment sections, reopening conversations many thought had already run their course.
Why this clip keeps coming back
Old content rarely resurfaces by accident. In Mihlali’s case, the timing coincides with renewed scrutiny of her personal life, turning the clip into fuel for an already active online fire. South African social media has a long memory, and when a public figure is trending, the archives open fast.
What stands out is not just the statement itself but how unfiltered it feels. Influencers today are often more polished and cautious. This clip comes from an earlier era of content creation, when oversharing felt less risky and long-term consequences were not always considered.
Social media reacts again
As expected, reactions have been sharply divided. Some users have criticised Mihlali for comments they see as dismissive of other women, while others argue that dragging up old footage ignores growth and context. A smaller but vocal group has pointed out the gendered nature of the backlash, asking why men involved in similar situations rarely face the same sustained outrage.
On platforms like X and Instagram, the conversation quickly moved beyond Mihlali herself and into broader debates about accountability, cancel culture, and whether public figures are allowed to evolve.
Mihlali Ndamase explains why she dates married men. pic.twitter.com/JhfQTERdyL
— Lavish Living (@busiwe_bubu) January 13, 2026
The bigger picture behind the controversy
Mihlali rose to fame in the late 2010s as part of a new wave of South African influencers who built careers on beauty content, lifestyle branding, and personal storytelling. That era rewarded honesty and relatability, even when it crossed into controversy.
What this resurfaced video highlights is how permanent digital footprints have become. Comments made in one chapter of a public career can resurface years later, stripped of their original context and judged through today’s lens.
A moment for reflection, not just outrage
Beyond the shock value, the renewed attention raises uncomfortable but necessary questions. Should old statements define someone forever? How much responsibility do influencers carry when sharing personal opinions online? And why are women in the public eye often held to harsher moral standards?
For now, Mihlali has not publicly responded to the video’s return. Whether she chooses to address it or let the cycle pass, the episode serves as a reminder that in South Africa’s fast-moving online culture, nothing truly disappears.
Source:Â Briefly News
Featured Image: Youth Village