We are drawing closer to the end of the year. Many are penning down their new year's resolutions already and how they wish the year 2023 will go. This year has been quite an eventful one for many South African couples. Here is  top five list of relationship scandals that shook the country in 2022.

1 MATTHEW AND SONIA BOOTH

No one saw this one coming. They seemed like the perfect football couple who had it all together. But when Sonia aired their family's dirty laundry, jaws dropped. The former beauty queen left no stone unturned and detailed how she found out about the affair. She revealed that she hired a private investigator who followed Matthew and his alleged mistress (who is also married) on their rendezvous. "They spent the night in Polokwane and the following day he dropped her off at her house. I bet it was bliss because Matthew Booth arrived home with an exquisitely wrapped gift box, one of the perfumes being 'Guilty', a wicked sense of humour," Sonia wrote on social media. She also detailed how he baked a cheesecake for his lover on the eve of their child's birthday but made nothing for the child. "I won't kill mysel fover a man, not even for your legend ... I survived ICU, for a reason ... I was Sonia before Booth! Better recognise, put some respect on my name not so easy upbringing ... Everything I've experienced prepared me for this. I will survive this too."

2: MIHLALI NDAMASE AND LEEROY SIDAMBE 

 Social media influencer and brand ambassador Mihlali Ndamase always reiterated how much she "believes in indoda." This year she fell head over heels in love with married businessman Leeroy Sidambe who had been estranged from his wife. Later Leeroy cleared the rumours with a statement, saying that he and Mary Jane separated in March this year and he found love in the arms of Mihlali. "I met a woman I fell in love with. It has been heartbreaking to see her name dragged daily on social media for loving me loudly and boldly. The constant harassment she receives, instigated by my estranged wife's associates is unbearable and quite frankly not safe for anyone's mental well-being," Leeroy shared. "Mihlali Ndamase, like us all, is human and has a right to follow her heart on who she loves. She is a self-sufficient woman, who has astutely run her business, which does not deserve this kind of hateful intrusion upon her life and work. I can no longer turn a blind eye to the effect cyberbullying has had on her. The constant defaming of those who work in the public space has to stop."

3: MSAKI AND SMASH AFRIKA

To everyone's shock, singer and mom of three Msaki was accused of having an affair with 5FM presenter and DJ Smash Afrika, who is married to Rami Chuene's daughter, Kefiloe Chuene. In reports, it is alleged that Kefiloe found images of Smash Afrika and Msaki kissing, along with letters from the singer professing her love for him. The reports further state that Kefiloe suffered emotional and psychological abuse. But while Smash Afrika ignored the reports, Msaki has announced she's been taking time off from social media, which lasted a few days. "Thank you for the love you show in all the live shows. Msaki is in reset and rest mode preparing and looking forward to all the upcoming shows. The festive season is going to be super special," reads the statement on her social media. Kefiloe has not addressed the allegations because she is "anxious about posting on social media" she shared. "So now Ihave anxiety ya goposta (to post) as usual because everyone is camping on my page, Ke (I'm)dizzy."

4: MINNIE DLAMINI AND QUINTON JONES

 Earlier this year, media personality Minnie Dlamini and her husband Quinton Jones announced that they had filed for divorce after four years of marriage. The couple tied the knot in 2017 and documented their wedding celebrations in a three-part series titled Becoming Mrs. Jones. Butw hen the marriage failed, they shared a joint statement announcing the divorce."Despite our best efforts to absorb the changes in motion, the emotional burden and the post-traumatic distress of our individual loss outweighed our will. After months of separation and consultation with our family and a counsellor, we have taken the decision to officially file for divorce."

5: BERITA AND NOTA?

Their marriage was short-lived. After dating, in July 2020, Nhlamulo ?Nota' Baloyi and Gugulethu ?Berita' Khumalo started their marriage process when he paid lobola for the Siyathandana singer. Last year they celebrated their wedding anniversary on 26 July 2021, but separated within 18 months, as far back as 13 January 2022. "The day I decided to leave my marriage is the day I had to choose between being married and being alive," Berita shared. "I am no longer married to Nhlamulo 'Nota' Baloyi. I left our marital home on Thursday the 13 of January 2022. As it stands we are currently separated. I have been quiet because my safety has been a huge concern. This man is extremely irresponsible, reckless, and unruly. He simply does not listen to anyone. I do not condone his actions. I cannot even begin to count the numerous times he has erred in his speech." A source told Zimoja that they were separated but working on rekindling their relationship.

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