Mihlali Ndamase (right) is facing backlash after posting an open letter on YouTube, where she addresses her involvement in a controversial relationship with businessman Leeroy Sidambe. Digital influencer Perseverance Maremeni, known as Madam Speaker, (left) criticises Ndamase, suggesting she is now facing the consequences of her actions. Pictures: Instagram
Digital influencer and motivational speaker Perseverance Maremeni, better known as Madam Speaker, has taken to social media to voice her disapproval of Mihlali Ndamase’s recent open letter video.
The well-known beauty influencer, posted a letter on YouTube where she admitted to being involved in a controversial and toxic relationship with businessman Leeroy Sidambe.
In her letter, Ndamase described the relationship with Sidambe as toxic and acknowledged the damage it caused.
She also highlighted the importance of educating oneself on the impact of gender-based violence (GBV) on both individuals and families.
The letter, meant to address her role in the high-profile relationship, quickly became a topic of public debate.
Sidambe has denied physically abusing Ndamase, saying she made 77 missed calls to him before arriving at his home, brandishing a knife.
It is not known whether Ndamase has opened charges against him, or if Sidambe has done the same against Ndamase.
Madam Speaker did not hold back in her response on Instagram, saying:
“There is no honour amongst thieves! Sometimes you will think you have won when you date a married man and get promoted from side chick to main. But in reality, you’re taking on a burden that was never yours.”
Her comments have resonated with many social media users who feel that Ndamase’s letter failed to fully address the pain caused to Sidambe’s ex-wife, Mary-Jane, and her children.
Many social media users agree with her comments, saying they believe Ndamase is now facing the consequences of her actions.
On Twitter, user @Menzi__Nxumalo stated: “Mihlali must go & apologise to Mary-Jane — what she did was wrong & just like that, what goes around comes around, karma works like that!! She ruined her career for a married man!! That Leeroy relationship was not worth it.”
Another user, @3202S, shared similar views, saying: “Oh Mihlali Ndamase, I almost feel sorry for you but remembered how you belittled Mary-Jane Sidambe. It's all coming back crashing down on you. Something is off about the open letter. It screams damage control! Learn or perish.”
User @joy_zelda added, “Mihlali is just bitter cos she used to support Leeroy financially and now he has cheated on her. She snatched a married man from Mary-Jane and kept provoking her daily about her. The pain she went through while Mihlali rejoiced at her tears has now come back to bite her.”
Some social media users have defended Ndamase, saying the focus should be on the issue of abuse, not just her involvement in the relationship.
User @Leeann_Nthako pointed out: “It's weird how we are now blaming Mihlali for being abused but we believed it when Mary-Jane put it out there that he was abusive towards her. Let's not shy away from the real issue irrespective of the circumstances.”
The discussion around Ndamase’s letter also led to reflections on the warning signs that may have been overlooked.
User @Victori98500419 commented: “The moment Leeroy told her he plans on getting a divorce but no documents have been filed (at the time) should have told her all she needed to know about that man. That man cheated on his wife since day 1 why would you think you’re special when he's dogged out women.”
In response to this, @madam_speaker added, “That's the problem right there. We always think he would never do that to me, I am not her, I am me now look.”
IOL