Social media in South Africa has erupted after popular actress Denise Zimba revealed that her best friend of 14 years had been having an affair with her husband.
Zimba took to X, formerly Twitter, on Jan 10, 2025, to expose what she called the ultimate betrayal: her friend Mpumi Mdluli, whom she had known since she was a teenager had been having an affair with her husband, Jakob Schlichtig.
Zimba’s post, laden with pain and disbelief, recounted how Mpumi’s absence during key moments of her life—her pregnancy, baby shower, and even her wedding—suddenly made sense in light of the betrayal.
“There is nothing worse than finding out your best friend, since you were 14 years old, has been having an affair with your husband,” she wrote.
Accompanying the post were wedding photos from two years ago, where Mpumi was seen delivering a heartfelt speech.
“These pictures land really differently now. The day of my wedding, your speech… little did I know,” Zimba shared.
Social Media Reacts
Zimba’s revelation sparked a firestorm of reactions, with netizens expressing empathy, recounting similar experiences, and weighing in on the complexities of friendship and betrayal.
User @ngazengasha shared her own painful story:
“My niece slept with my husband for a good year. I was working as a technician and came back home too tired to sleep with him… only found out so very late in life. So nje gal, such is life.”
Another commenter, @Gracey, questioned the lingering friendship despite Mpumi’s absences:
“Your friend ghosted you when she was pregnant and never celebrated you, yet still remained your friend?”
@King offered a more philosophical take:
“Sometimes, the best friend you cherish is really just a healthy competitor in disguise until they’re not. Many pure-hearted folks unknowingly keep such people in their circle.”
The betrayal serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and vulnerabilities of human relationships. Zimba’s candidness has sparked important conversations about trust, betrayal, and the silent harm that can lurk within close-knit circles.
Community Support and Healing
Despite the heartbreak, Zimba’s revelation has also galvanized support from fans and followers, with many urging her to focus on healing and surrounding herself with genuine relationships.
As one commenter aptly noted: “Tragic. Time heals all things.”
For the popular actress, the journey to healing has only just begun.
