Grace Mondlana Opens Up About a Recent Loss

Award-winning content creator Grace Mondlana recently opened up about a painful personal loss on her Instagram Story, revealing that her former partner, Sipho, tragically passed away in a car accident.

Grace shared an emotional tribute: “Sipho was the love of my life for over 5 years. I have kept my relationship with him off the internet for so long & I would always say I’m travelling alone whereas I was with him every single time, I really protected us.”

She revealed that she and Sipho had a deep and long-standing connection that began when she was just 18 and he was 24.

“My varsity sweetheart… we shared so many of our firsts together — our first time at the beach, our first jobs, our first flights. We did it all together. A recent goal we clocked was renovating both our homes,” she wrote.

The couple parted ways early in 2025, both choosing to move on and eventually cutting all contact. Still, Sipho reached out the night before his passing.

“He sent me a message… it was an indirect goodbye. He told me he was proud of me and that I should continue to take care of myself,” she added.

Grace admitted it’s been the hardest week of her life, but she finds strength in God, her friends, family, and her current partner. “May his soul rest in peace.”

Many fans responded with messages of love and support. One message read: “On behalf of the family, thank you for the love and support that you showed for Manaka Sipho… God bless you… thanks to the Mondlana family.”

However, not everyone agreed with Grace’s public tribute. Some felt it was inappropriate, considering she is in a new relationship.

On X (formerly Twitter), @BusisiweMotha_ wrote: “If your ex dies & you mourn them LIKE THAT, you’re single. Ungazong bhedela mina.” (Meaning: Don’t embarrass me.)

Another user, @nqobileblessed, added: “Grace should’ve kept this private the same way she kept the relationship private for over 5 years.”

Some even accused her of oversharing. @Tsholofelo_le said: “I hate when someone starts counting what they did for someone. She couldn’t keep it to herself that she paid for the funeral and used to borrow him her sneakers?”

But others defended Grace. @nkosazana posted: “You guys need to give Grace Mondlana some grace, literally. She loved that guy, and loss is painful. Stop painting her as ‘weird’ for choosing how she grieves.”

@LesediMashinin1 added: “They were together for five years and parted ways in a good, healthy manner. We can’t expect her not to get hurt or act like that guy meant nothing.”