Mihlali Ndamase denies dating rumours about Wicknell Chivayo

South African content creator and entrepreneur Mihlali Ndamase has pushed back against renewed rumours linking her romantically to late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and socialite Ginimbi. Ndamase addressed the claims in a lengthy social media statement, saying she would not allow false stories about her personal life to be presented as fact.

‘I know who I am’

Ndamase said she had no problem with people discussing or criticising her but objected to what she described as fabricated narratives involving people she had never dated or even met. She said she knows what she has done and, importantly, what she has not done.

Denies Chivayo relationship

Ndamase was particularly direct about Chivayo, stating that she had never dated him and had never met him. She also denied ever having a romantic relationship with the late Zimbabwean socialite Ginimbi.

Previous rumours resurfaced

The latest speculation follows dating rumours from 2024, when Ndamase and Chivayo were reportedly both in Miami. Chivayo publicly denied the claims at the time, saying he was not dating Ndamase and did not know her. Ndamase later welcomed his clarification and criticised the circulation of the rumours.

Social media claims reignite debate

Interest in the alleged relationship resurfaced following Chivayo’s death in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. Social media posts and gossip accounts renewed claims about women who had previously been linked to the businessman, prompting Ndamase to respond directly.

Chivayo killed in helicopter crash

Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in the Marondera district of Zimbabwe on September 30. Zimbabwean authorities confirmed there were no survivors, while investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing.

Mihlali calls for her name to be left out

Ndamase said she intends to focus on her peace and business rather than online speculation. She concluded her statement by calling on people to stop attaching her name to claims she says are untrue.

Rumours continue online

Her response has once again placed Ndamase at the centre of online conversations surrounding Chivayo’s personal life. However, the previous dating claims were publicly denied by Chivayo, while Ndamase has now repeated that she never had a relationship with him.