A deeply personal conversation with Moonchild Sanelly sees Zodwa Wabantu reflect on the highs and lows of fame, her relationships with younger men, motherhood, friendships and her spiritual journey
A life lived loudly
Zodwa Wabantu has never been one to shy away from conversations that make other people uncomfortable.
The entertainer, socialite and former adult dancer has built a career around living on her own terms, from her unapologetic approach to her body and relationships to her rise from nightlife personality to one of South Africa’s most recognisable entertainment figures.
But in a candid conversation with musician Moonchild Sanelly on The Moonchild Diaries, Zodwa opened up about some of the more painful and complicated chapters of her life.
The conversation touched on her career, family dynamics, friendships, relationships, spirituality and the experiences she says forced her to confront parts of her past.
Among her most startling revelations was her admission that she had undergone numerous abortions.
“I have done so many abortions, maybe 13. I had to confess and be clean,” she said.
Zodwa explained that the confession formed part of a broader spiritual process she had undertaken, including cleansing ceremonies.
From adult dancer to household name
Zodwa’s public image was initially shaped by her work in nightlife and as an adult dancer, where she became known for her bold personality and refusal to conform to conventional expectations of how women in the public eye should behave.
Her fame grew rapidly as she became a fixture at major entertainment events, appeared alongside some of the country’s biggest celebrities and developed a strong social media following.
Her decision to embrace her sexuality and body also made her a controversial figure, attracting both devoted supporters and harsh criticism.
Over the years, however, Zodwa has repeatedly spoken about wanting her life to represent more than her provocative public persona.
Her latest conversation offered another glimpse into the woman behind the headlines.
‘I had to confess and be clean’
Zodwa’s discussion about her abortions was closely linked to her spiritual journey.
She revealed that she had undergone traditional initiation and embraced her role as a sangoma, describing the process as one that required her to confront aspects of her past.
Following her confession, she said she went through cleansing ceremonies.
The revelation comes against the backdrop of Zodwa’s increasingly public spiritual journey, which has become another significant chapter in her life away from the party persona that first made her famous.
For Zodwa, spirituality appears to have become a space for reflection, accountability and confronting experiences she had previously carried privately.
Why she dates younger men
Zodwa has also long been open about her preference for younger men, something that has frequently made headlines throughout her career.
During her conversation with Moonchild, she reflected on her romantic life and the scrutiny that has surrounded her relationships.
She spoke about a younger former boyfriend, while also discussing the man she is currently dating.
According to Zodwa, her current relationship has lasted for three years – longer than some of her previous relationships.
She believes one of the reasons it has survived is because they got together after she had already passed what she described as the peak of her career.
The relationship therefore developed during a different chapter of her life, when the intensity surrounding her fame had begun to change.
Family, friendships and painful betrayals
Zodwa also opened up about the dynamics within her family and the friendships she has formed throughout her life.
She described herself as someone who has always been willing to help the people around her, particularly friends who were struggling financially.
“My enemies were my poor friends. I love poor people. I go where I am needed to help,” she said.
She recalled one friendship that eventually ended badly while she was going through her spiritual journey.
Zodwa said she once asked the friend to lend her R500, only to later see information about the situation appearing in the tabloids.
The incident appeared to be particularly painful because Zodwa remembered supporting the same friend during a difficult period in her life.
“But when she was down and had a child, I would buy her milk and took care of her,” she said.
Her account highlighted a recurring theme in Zodwa’s story – the complicated relationship between loyalty, generosity and betrayal.
‘My enemies used witchcraft on me’
Zodwa also made startling claims about what she believes she has experienced within the entertainment industry.
She alleged that people who considered themselves her enemies had used magic and witchcraft against her.
The claims form part of her broader reflections on the darker side of fame and the spiritual experiences she says she has encountered throughout her journey.
While such beliefs are deeply personal and culturally significant, Zodwa’s comments show how closely her spiritual identity has become intertwined with her understanding of some of the challenges she has faced.
Her initiation as a sangoma has given her another framework through which to understand those experiences.
A thank-you to Sjava
During the conversation, Zodwa also expressed gratitude to musician Sjava for the support he has shown her.
Her appreciation comes as she reflects on the people who remained part of her journey through different stages of her life.
For someone whose public career has been marked by controversy, relationships, headlines and intense public scrutiny, Zodwa’s conversation with Moonchild revealed a more introspective side.
Behind the famous personality is a woman confronting her past, navigating her spirituality and reassessing the people she chooses to keep close.
The Moonchild Diaries conversation ultimately offered Zodwa an opportunity to tell parts of her story on her own terms – including the mistakes, relationships, betrayals and spiritual transformation that have shaped the woman she is today.
