Devastated’ reality star Vuyokazi Nciweni addresses fiancé’s ‘troubling accusations’ about lobola

Vuyokazi Nciweni, star of the reality show Izingane zeS’thembu, is facing serious accusations regarding the payment of lobola (bride price) for her engagement to her fiancé, Xolani Sabelo. The allegations suggest that Nciweni coerced Sabelo into paying the lobola, a traditional practice in South African culture, and this has sent shockwaves through her followers and the public.

The 30-year-old reality star has taken to social media to express her dismay and frustration over the claims, which she describes as deeply troubling and emotionally painful. The accusations have shed a new, unsettling light on her fiancé and have left Nciweni grappling with their impact.

The engagement between Nciweni and Sabelo, a chef, was made public in August. Fans and followers were thrilled to hear the news, especially after Nciweni’s tumultuous relationship with Mpumelelo Mseleku, the father of her children, ended on the Izingane zeS’thembu show. Her engagement was a welcomed new chapter in her life, and Nciweni shared joyous photos of herself in a striking pink dress and a towel inscribed with the words “Becoming Mrs. S.” The post, captioned “A promise kept,” was filled with heart and ring emojis, celebrating the commitment she had made to Sabelo.

However, this exciting milestone was soon overshadowed by troubling developments. During the season finale of Izingane zeS’thembu, Nciweni made headlines when she revealed her split from Mpumelelo, an aspiring polygamist who had been in a relationship with her and was also dating another woman, Tirelo Kale. The breakup followed a tense moment on the show where Nciweni was asked whether she left Mpumelelo because he planned to marry a virgin as his first wife. This revelation further sparked public interest in Nciweni’s personal life.

Just when things seemed to be settling, accusations began circulating regarding Nciweni’s engagement to Sabelo. Alleged voice notes, reportedly from Sabelo, claimed that Nciweni had pressured him into paying lobola for her. These claims have drawn widespread attention and stirred controversy, with many questioning the authenticity of their relationship.

In an emotional Instagram post, Nciweni addressed the accusations head-on. She explained that she had learned about the disturbing voice notes and was “devastated” by the things being said. “I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart, as recent events have deeply affected me,” Nciweni wrote. She shared that the accusations had unveiled a side of Sabelo that she was either unaware of or had previously ignored, adding, “These accusations have brought to light a side of him that I was not prepared to face.”

Nciweni also expressed frustration with how her personal life continues to be thrust into the public eye. She explained that while she had always tried to live authentically and keep her private life just that—private—she now found herself in a difficult position, trying to manage the fallout from these accusations in the public domain.

The reality star also revealed that her engagement had taken her by surprise. Speaking to News24, Nciweni shared that Sabelo’s proposal, which took place on her birthday, was unexpected. “I did not expect it. I didn’t know he was planning to propose, as he never mentioned anything about marriage,” she explained, further underscoring the surprise element of their engagement.

The allegations surrounding Nciweni and Sabelo’s relationship have caused confusion and concern among fans, who had previously been supportive of the couple’s engagement. Despite the emotional toll, Nciweni remains determined to address the situation with grace. She ended her post by expressing her desire to focus on healing and moving forward, but also made it clear that she would not allow false claims to define her.

As the controversy continues to unfold, Nciweni’s fans are left grappling with the tension between the public persona she has cultivated on reality television and the private struggles she now faces.