South African gospel singer Dumi Mkokstad has come under renewed public scrutiny after screenshots purporting to show private Instagram messages between him and an unidentified person began circulating on social media.
The messages, which spread across platforms including X and TikTok on Wednesday, 14 October, include a line attributed to the singer: “A few backstrokes never hurt a friendship.”
The wording has fuelled speculation about the nature of the alleged exchange, with social media users debating whether the screenshots are genuine. Others have questioned their authenticity, with some suggesting they could have been manipulated.
One detail attracting attention is the profile picture visible in the screenshots. According to a report by Briefly News, it appears to show the cover of Mkokstad’s 2022 album, The Overflow Gcwala Kimi, rather than the family photograph reportedly used on his current social media profile. If the image is authentic and the account belonged to him at the time, this could suggest the exchange dates back several years. However, the profile picture alone does not establish when the messages were sent or who was behind the account.
Why the controversy has drawn attention to his marriage
Mkokstad, whose real name is Mdumiseni Nzimande, married Dr Ziphozenkosi Nzimande in June 2019. His wife is a medical professional, and the couple have publicly celebrated their relationship and family life over the years.
In December 2025, the couple spoke to Drum about their marriage, faith and the role of prayer in their relationship. They have also shared milestones and family moments publicly, making the latest allegations a subject of particular interest among followers familiar with their life together.
The latest incident is not the first time Mkokstad’s personal life has attracted public attention.
Ahead of his wedding in 2019, reports emerged about a woman who allegedly claimed the singer had promised to marry her before marrying Ziphozenkosi. Mkokstad publicly denied knowing the woman and disputed the allegations, including the authenticity of messages reportedly presented in support of her claims.
At the time, he said the controversy had been hurtful, particularly because he wanted his wife to enjoy their wedding without the surrounding speculation.
In 2023, another reported incident drew attention after a woman allegedly arrived at his parents’ home claiming to be his wife, according to subsequent media coverage. These earlier episodes form part of the public background to the renewed discussion surrounding the latest screenshots. (Briefly)
No clear confirmation of the latest messages
Despite the online reaction, the screenshots circulating on social media do not, on their own, establish that Mkokstad sent the messages or reveal the full context of the alleged conversation.
We reached out to the singer for comment, however no response has been received at the time of publishing.
For now, the focus remains on the alleged messages, their uncertain origins and the questions they have raised about the gospel star’s private life.
