Zodwa Wabantu,has made headlines not only for her career as a pantyless dancer but also for her igh-profile relationships with younger men. Her dating history includes relationships with Ntobeko Linda, Vusi Buthelezi, and Ricardo Olefile Mpudi, all of whom were significantly younger than her.
Zodwa's first notable relationship was with Ntobeko Linda, known as the Durban Ben 10 turned sangoma, who was 10 years younger than her. However, their plans to get married were abruptly called off just weeks before the wedding. Following this, Zodwa entered into a relationship with Vusi Buthelezi, who was 11 years her junior at the time. When their love affair ended, it took a bitter turn with Zodwa accusing Vusi of being a fraudster and threatening legal action against him. She claimed that she had given him various expensive gifts and financial support during their relationship.
"Vusi, I don't fear you. I have been quiet. I will call the police and anyone who has seen Vusi knows that he is a fraudster,' Zodwa said. "I have been thinking about your future. I feel I do not need to do anything. I have proof and I have a case against you,' she blasted him on social media. "I gave him everything, my phone, a R20,000 phone. I gave you my money and you even went to Dubai. You stayed in my house and I was paying everything, from food, electricity, and bond. You went to Audi and used my connections as if you represented me. You knew I wanted to use an Audi for Durban in July. Give me what is mine. I'm coming for you,' Zodwa added.
After the emotional breakup with Vusi, Zodwa moved on to date Ricardo Olefile Mpudi. They were together for almost three years and even lived together. However, their relationship has also come to an end. Unlike her previous breakups, Zodwa has chosen to keep this separation relatively low-key. According to a friend, Zodwa has learned from past experiences and is refraining from making a big fuss about the breakup. The friend mentioned that Zodwa has been more focused on her spiritual journey, which has affected the relationship. Zodwa's career has also experienced a decline in bookings, leading to financial changes that may have impacted the dynamics of their relationship.
"She is not getting as many bookings as she used to, obviously the money is not the same and you know these young ones. But she has been spending time doing umsebenzi we dlozi and that affected the relationship.'
Ricardo has deleted all pictures of Zodwa from his social media and has pursued a new career path as a DJ and nightclub host. He has chosen not to comment on the matter. Zodwa, likewise, has not made herself available for comment regarding the breakup.
Zodwa Wabantu's relationships with younger men have garnered attention and speculation from the public. While she has experienced both passionate love affairs and tumultuous breakups, Zodwa continues to navigate her personal life with a certain level of discretion and focus on her evolving spiritual journey.
