Miniyothabo Baloyi (born July 2, 1977, Age: 46 years old) is the third and current wife of Constantino Chiwenga, the First Vice-President of Zimbabwe under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. She is also a serving officer in the Zimbabwe National Army, holding the rank of Colonel. Baloyi has been in the spotlight since June 2022, when her marriage to Chiwenga was officially announced by the presidency.
Baloyi is not only the spouse of one of the most powerful politicians in Zimbabwe, but also a highly educated and multilingual professional, with degrees in Chinese, international relations, and business leadership. She plays a vital role as a linguistic translator between Zimbabwean and Chinese government officials, as well as other foreign dignitaries.
In this article, we will explore the biography, career, and personal life of Miniyothabo Baloyi, the woman who became Zimbabwe’s new Second Lady.
Early Life and Education
Miniyothabo was born on July 2, 1977, in Nkayi, Bulawayo, Matebeleland North, Zimbabwe. She grew up in Filabusi, in Matabeleland South, where she received her primary and secondary education.
Baloyi developed an interest in languages and cultures from a young age and decided to pursue a career as a language translator. She enrolled at the PLA University of Foreign Languages in China in 2005, where she studied Chinese Mandarin. She graduated with a first-class Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chinese in 2009.
Baloyi continued her academic journey at the University of Zimbabwe, where she obtained a Master’s Degree in International Relations and international/Global Studies in 2012. She then joined Midlands State University, where she completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Leadership, Business Administration, and Management in 2019.
Miniyothabo Baloyi Wiki/Bio
| Name | Miniyothabo Baloyi |
| Date of birth | 1977 |
| Place of birth | Filabusi, Matabeleland South |
| Current position | Colonel in the Zimbabwe National Army |
| Education | PhD in Business Leadership, Midlands State University Master of International Relations University of Zimbabwe Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Mandarin PLA University of Foreign Languages |
| Languages | English, Shona, Ndebele, Mandarin, French, Zulu |
| miniyothabobaloyi | |
| Miniebaloyi | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Military and Political Career
Baloyi joined the Zimbabwe National Army in her 20s and rose through the ranks to become a Colonel. She is one of the few female officers in the army and has been praised for her professionalism and dedication.
Baloyi’s military career brought her into contact with Constantino Chiwenga, the former army general and current vice president of Zimbabwe. Chiwenga is widely regarded as the mastermind behind the 2017 coup that ousted longtime leader Robert Mugabe and ushered in Emmerson Mnangagwa as the new president.
Baloyi and Chiwenga reportedly started a relationship in 2018, after Chiwenga divorced his second wife, Marry Mubaiwa, on allegations of attempted murder, fraud, and money laundering. Baloyi was one of the few people who were allowed to visit Chiwenga during his lengthy medical treatment in China in 2019, where he was diagnosed with idiopathic oesophageal stricture, a condition that causes narrowing of the esophagus.
Baloyi’s role as a language translator also made her an indispensable asset for Chiwenga and the Zimbabwean government, especially in their dealings with China, Zimbabwe’s main economic and political ally. Baloyi is fluent in six languages, including English, Chinese Mandarin, French, Zulu, Shona, and Ndebele.
Personal Life and Spouse
Baloyi is the third wife of Chiwenga, who has been married and divorced several times. Chiwenga’s first wife was Jocelyn Jacobsen, whom he married in 1998 and divorced in 2012. Chiwenga’s second wife was Marry Mubaiwa, a former model and the former wife of footballer Shingi Kaondera. Chiwenga married Mubaiwa in 2011 and divorced her in 2019, amid a bitter and public legal battle.
Baloyi and Chiwenga have no children together, but Chiwenga has six children from his previous marriages. Baloyi is said to have a good relationship with Chiwenga’s children, who are close to her age.
Baloyi’s marriage to Chiwenga has been met with mixed reactions from the Zimbabwean public. Some have praised Baloyi for her achievements and qualifications, and for being a supportive and loyal partner to Chiwenga. Others have criticized Baloyi for being a gold digger and a home wrecker, and for marrying a man who is old enough to be her father.
Baloyi and Chiwenga tied the knot in a private ceremony in December 2023, after Chiwenga paid lobola (bride price) to Baloyi’s family. The marriage was officially announced by the presidency in June 2022, making Baloyi the new Second Lady of Zimbabwe.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Miniyothabo Baloyi’s net worth is not publicly known, but it is estimated to be in the millions of US dollars. Baloyi has several sources of income, including:
- Her salary as a Colonel in the Zimbabwe National Army is reported to be around US$1,000 per month.
- Her income is from her high-end boutique in Harare, which sells imported clothes and accessories from China and other countries. Baloyi is said to be the owner of the boutique, which caters to the elite and wealthy clientele in the capital city.
Baloyi enjoys a lavish lifestyle, as evidenced by her frequent travels, expensive cars, and luxurious homes. Baloyi and Chiwenga live in a mansion in Borrowdale Brooke, one of the most affluent suburbs in Harare. The mansion is valued at over US$10 million and features a helipad, a swimming pool, a gym, and a golf course. Baloyi also owns a house in Filabusi, her hometown in Matabeleland South, where she visits her family and relatives.
Religion, Tribe, and Ethnicity
Baloyi is a Christian, as she was raised in a religious family. Baloyi attended church services and scripture union meetings during her school days. Baloyi is also a member of the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) Church, one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in Zimbabwe. Baloyi often accompanies her husband to church events and functions, where they are greeted by the congregants and the clergy.
Baloyi belongs to the Ndebele tribe, one of the major ethnic groups in Zimbabwe. The Ndebele people are mainly found in the Matabeleland region, which comprises the provinces of Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and Bulawayo.
Baloyi is also of mixed ethnicity, as she has some Shona ancestry. The Shona people are the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe and are mainly found in the Mashonaland region, which comprises the provinces of Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, and Harare. The Shona people have a diverse and complex culture, language, and history, which Baloyi is familiar with. Baloyi is fluent in both Ndebele and Shona, the two official languages of Zimbabwe, as well as other languages.
Physical Appearance
| Height (approx.) | In Feet Inches: 5′ 4″. In Centimetres: 162 cm. |
| Weight (approx.) | In Kilograms: 50-55 kg. In Pounds: 110-121 lbs. |
| Hair Color | Black. |
| Hair Length | She has short curly hair. |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown. |
Parents and Siblings
Miniyothabo Baloyi is the daughter of Baloyi and Thandiwe Baloyi, who are both deceased. Baloyi was a businessman and a farmer, who owned several shops and plots of land in Filabusi and Bulawayo. Thandiwe Baloyi was a housewife and a devout Christian, who took care of the family and the household.
Baloyi and Thandiwe Baloyi died in a car accident in 2015, when they were traveling from Filabusi to Bulawayo. Baloyi was very close to her parents and was devastated by their death. Baloyi inherited most of their assets and properties, which she manages and maintains.
Baloyi has four siblings, two brothers and two sisters. Her brothers are Dumisani Baloyi and Nkosana Baloyi, who are both businessmen and politicians. Dumisani Baloyi is the director of Zim Energy, a company that supplies fuel to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA).
Nkosana Baloyi is the chairman of Invictus Energy, a company that explores oil and gas in Muzarabani. Baloyi’s sisters are Sibongile Baloyi and Nokuthula Baloyi, who are both teachers and social workers. Sibongile Baloyi works at a primary school in Filabusi, while Nokuthula Baloyi works at an orphanage in Bulawayo. Baloyi has a good relationship with her siblings, and often visits them and supports them.
Controversies
Baloyi has also faced accusations of being involved in corruption and abuse of power, along with Chiwenga and other senior government officials. In 2020, Baloyi was named as one of the beneficiaries of a controversial US$60 million COVID-19 tender, which was awarded to a company called Drax International, owned by a fugitive businessman named Delish Nguwaya. Baloyi allegedly received US$2 million from Nguwaya, who claimed to be her relative. Baloyi denied the allegations and said she had no links to Nguwaya or Drax International.
Baloyi has also been accused of using her influence to secure lucrative contracts and deals for her relatives and associates, especially in the mining and energy sectors. Baloyi’s brother, Dumisani Baloyi, is the director of a company called Zim Energy, which was awarded a US$120 million contract to supply fuel to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) in 2021. Baloyi’s cousin, Nkosana Moyo, is the chairman of a company called Invictus Energy, which was granted a special grant to explore oil and gas in Muzarabani in 2018. Baloyi’s critics claim that these deals were facilitated by her husband’s position and connections.
Baloyi has maintained a low profile and has rarely spoken to the media or the public. She has preferred to focus on her duties as the Second Lady and as a military officer. She has also been involved in some charitable and social causes, such as supporting women’s empowerment, education, and health initiatives.
Miniyothabo Baloyi is a remarkable woman who has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in Zimbabwe. She is a highly educated and multilingual army colonel, who is also the wife of the vice president of the country. She has faced many challenges and controversies in her personal and professional life, but she has also shown resilience and determination. She is a role model for many young women in Zimbabwe and beyond, who aspire to achieve their dreams and goals.
