The life of South African advocate and political figure Dali Mpofu has been marked by significant public and private events, including a romantic history that has, at times, drawn considerable media attention. From early relationships that saw the birth of his eldest son to a highly publicized affair and a long-standing marriage, Mpofu's romantic journey reflects a life lived in the public eye, often intertwined with the nation's political landscape. His relationships have spanned decades, evolving from youthful connections to a settled family life.
One of Dali Mpofu's early significant relationships was with Theresa Oakley Smith, a psychotherapist and diversity consultant. Their union resulted in the birth of his eldest son, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, born on January 4, 1989. While details about the exact timeline and nature of their relationship are not extensively public, it is known that they shared a son and maintained a co-parenting relationship. Theresa Oakley Smith has been described as a dedicated professional and activist in her own right, contributing to the upbringing of their son who later became a prominent author, musician, and activist.
A highly controversial and widely reported chapter in Dali Mpofu's romantic life involved his affair with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the former wife of Nelson Mandela, in the early 1990s. This relationship garnered immense public scrutiny, particularly given Madikizela-Mandela's iconic status and the political climate of post-apartheid South Africa. Reports indicate that the affair began while Mpofu was significantly younger than Madikizela-Mandela, with some sources stating he was around 30 years old at the time.
The affair came to light through a leaked letter, reportedly written by Madikizela-Mandela herself, which detailed the intensity of their relationship and its impact on her marriage to Nelson Mandela. The letter explicitly mentioned Nelson Mandela's distress over the affair, stating he refused to speak to her for five months. It also revealed financial transactions, with Madikizela-Mandela admitting to giving Mpofu a substantial sum of money, approximately 160,000 rand (about £30,000 at the time). This financial aspect led to investigations into the accounts of the social welfare department of the ANC, where both Mpofu and Madikizela-Mandela held positions.
The fallout from the affair was significant. In May 1992, both Mpofu and Madikizela-Mandela were dismissed from their ANC positions amid fraud allegations linked to the misuse of party funds, which were reportedly used to support their lavish lifestyle. The scandal contributed significantly to the eventual separation of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, announced less than a month after the letter's contents became public. Despite the controversy, Mpofu maintained a public presence, eventually transitioning into a successful legal career and political advocacy.
Following these tumultuous years, Dali Mpofu found enduring partnership with Nompumelelo “Mpumi” Nxumalo. The couple married in 2004, establishing a stable family life away from the intense public scrutiny that characterized his earlier romantic entanglements. Mpumi Nxumalo is a career-oriented woman with a background in urban and regional planning and government transport. She notably served as a leader for the Government Transport Plan for the FIFA World Cup 2010.
Together, Dali Mpofu and Mpumi Nxumalo have three children: Mncedisi Mpofu, Zwekazi Mpofu (born in 2003), and Letsema Mpofu. While Dali Mpofu is a prominent public figure, his wife and their children generally maintain a low profile, preferring to keep their private lives out of the media spotlight. Mpumi Nxumalo, in particular, is noted for her absence from social media, a stark contrast to her husband's public presence.
Dali Mpofu has openly spoken about his family life, emphasizing the importance of his marriage and children. In a 2021 interview, he humorously remarked on his wife's unwavering allegiance to the ANC, despite his own prominent role in the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). > "If there’s one person I know I’ll never be able to recruit, it is her," Mpofu stated, highlighting their differing political affiliations but underlying marital harmony. He added, > "I’ve got all the kids now, so I’m good. If there was an election at home, I would emerge victorious.”
Mpofu's romantic history reveals a journey from early personal connections to a period of high-profile scandal, ultimately leading to a long-term, stable marriage. His relationships have been shaped by and have, in turn, influenced his public image and career trajectory. From the private beginnings with Theresa Oakley Smith, the explosive affair with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela that intertwined with national politics, to his current enduring partnership with Mpumi Nxumalo, Dali Mpofu's romantic life has been a complex and evolving narrative. He has consistently presented himself as a dedicated family man, balancing his demanding public career with his private commitments.