South Africa’s social media landscape is ablaze with speculation following the emergence of intimate photos depicting TV personality Minnie Dlamini and renowned plastic surgeon Dr Brian Monaisa in various close settings.
The images, initially shared on Dr Monaisa’s Instagram stories, have ignited a firestorm of debate and conjecture, with close friends confirming to ZiMoja that the pair are indeed romantically involved.
Minnie Dlamini and her new boyfriend, Dr Brian Monaisa pic.twitter.com/GqgiUEbrPW
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 18, 2025
In a joint statement released at the time, Dlamini and Jones addressed rumours of infidelity, stating, "We have been made aware of various allegations regarding our divorce circulating on social media since yesterday. Without saying much more, all the allegations made are false, damaging, and malicious. Fabrications of such a damaging manner are both unnecessary and hurtful in a matter that is already sensitive to us."
They further committed to co-parenting their son and pursuing legal action against those spreading false narratives.
Dlamini herself later opened up about the emotional toll of the divorce, stating, "People need to understand that when a marriage ends, it doesn't end at the announcement or the day before the announcement; it ends long before that. By the time I announced, I had gone through a lot of processes already. At the time of the announcement, it felt like a really big relief and a weight off my shoulders. I never imagined getting divorced. I always thought that I would raise my kids how I was raised. I just felt like, for me, the timing was off; I felt like I didn't know myself. Furthermore, I went on to lose myself in my marriage." She expressed her desire to raise her children in a two-parent household but acknowledged that the reality of her marriage had become untenable.
The new relationship, however, has sparked fresh controversy. Dr Monaisa, a highly respected figure in the South African surgical community, is reportedly married to Kholo Monaisa, with whom he has two children. This revelation has led to accusations of infidelity against both Dlamini and Dr Monaisa, further fueling the online discussion.
A source close to the couple revealed to ZiMoja that their relationship developed organically from a friendship.
"They were both in relationships, and they were genuine friends, and we all spent a lot of time together," the friend explained. "It just happened naturally when both of them became single. There was no extramarital affair or cheating, just people who had a great time together as friends."
This account, however, has not quelled the public outcry, with many social media users expressing their opinions on the matter.
Comments on social media platforms range from expressions of support for Dlamini's happiness to criticism of the alleged affair.
Some users, such as @tbuthelezi10, expressed simple support, stating, "I'm happy for Minnie Dlamini everybody deserves love."
Others, like @harleymamly, offered more nuanced observations, noting, "She does not even look as in love as she did ke Itu and Quinton, especially Quinton 🥺."
The diverse reactions reflect the complex and often contradictory emotions surrounding the situation.
Other comments included:
- @Ke__Lebohang: "As long she is happy."
- @Matshepo143: "I wonder why men are so pained here 🤣"
- @Nonhlan49906118: "Wow, I am happy for you Ma Dlamini. You deserve all the happiness in Earth 🤞👏🥂"
- @Calvin_Cros: "She did it again."
- @NothileMaZondi: "She looks happy🤍"
Dr Monaisa's professional achievements are also noteworthy. He has established himself as a leader in the field of plastic surgery, holding the position of head of plastic surgery at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital and receiving accolades for his work in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. His accomplishments include winning the award for "Best Clinical Paper by a Registrar" at the APRSSA congress and being a runner-up in the Bert Myburgh research day at WITS Medical School.
Both Dlamini and Dr Monaisa have remained silent on the matter at the time of publication, leaving the public to speculate and debate the details of their alleged relationship. The controversy surrounding the leaked photos continues to dominate social media conversations, highlighting the intense public scrutiny faced by high-profile figures in South Africa.