Perseverance Maremeni, also known as Madam Speaker, took to social media to express her displeasure with Mihlali Ndamase’s recent open letter video.
The well-known beauty influencer sent a message on YouTube admitting to being in a contentious and destructive relationship with businessman Leeroy Sidambe.
In her letter, Ndamase defined her connection with Sidambe as toxic and acknowledged the harm it had caused.
She also stressed the necessity of educating oneself about the effects of gender-based violence (GBV) on individuals and families.
The letter, intended to acknowledge her part in the high-profile connection, rapidly became a source of public controversy.
Sidambe has denied physically attacking Ndamase, claiming she placed 77 missed calls to him before arriving at his house with a knife.
It is unclear whether Ndamase has filed accusations against Sidambe or vice versa.
Madam Speaker responded emphatically 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.”
