She is notorious for taking a liking to younger men. She first dated, Durban Ben 10, turned sangoma, Ntobeko Linda who was 10 years younger than her. After they separated, she went on to date Vusi Buthelezi who was 11 years younger, whom she also separated from. Then, later Zodwa Wabantu Libram looked like she had a future with Ricardo Olefile Mpudi but they have since separated.
PAST
Zodwa and Ntobeko were supposed to tie the knot but called the wedding off, a few weeks before. Zodwa dated Vusi when he was 23 and she was 34. When the love affair ended, she accused him of being a fraudster after dumping her for new love and claimed that she wanted him arrested. "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.
BREAKING UP
After the teary breakup, she moved on and dated Ricardo, whom she has since separated from. They two dated for almost three years and lived together. But according to a friend, "they have separated. But Zodwa is not making a big fuss out of the breakup like she did with the others. She is keeping it on the low,' the friend says. "I think she has learned not to talk too much, especially after Vusi made her look like a fool and dated someone straight after the breakup.' The friend says the breakup was due to Zodwa spending more time on her spirituality. "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 since deleted all pictures of Zodwa from his social media and refused to comment on the matter. He has also taken on a new career path as a DJ and nightclub host. Zodwa did not avail herself for comment on the breakup.
Zodwa Wabantu and ex-lover Ntobeko Linda
Zodwa Wabantu and Vusi Buthelezi
SPENDING MORE TIME ON SPIRITUALITY
Earlier this year, Zodwa told ZiMoja that she had cut down on spending on expensive champagne as she used to in the past and invested more in her ancestral calling. "I had to put my spirituality first because I know whatever sacrifices I make will reward me in the future.' Zodwa is still gyrating half-naked on bar counters and taking off her clothes in front of an audience. "If I was broke, I would talk about it, I am an open book. Nothing of mine is a secret. Dancing naked pays my bills. It's who I am and that is what people love about me. I am free, I don't fake it and I will never stop until the time is right.' Zodwa said she wants to remove the perception people have of being broke. "Let's not put fear on being broke as black people and society. There's nothing wrong with being broke at times or going through financial strains, as long as you work on fixing things. Mina, I have never cried to anyone for money for groceries.'