Loving controversial Niehaus to the moon and back
While former uMkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association spokesperson Carl Niehaus’ support for Jacob Zuma has endeared him to the former president’s supporters, it has also garnered him a throng of haters.
“Can you please get a life. You a such a sore loser.”
“Please do us a favour and just go to bed. We sick and tired of your moaning and whinging.”
These are just a few of the vitriolic attacks Niehaus gets on social media each time he posts something in defence of Zuma.
However, not everyone believes that Niehaus is only concerned with political expediency. One of those who believes that Niehaus is just exercising his right to freedom of expression is 27-year-old Noluthando Mdluli – a Johannesburg model and entrepreneur.
“He is a kind man who loves people and his country,” she said.
Mdluli, who met Niehaus, 62, at a Johannesburg Mall two years ago, believes in Niehaus to the extent that she had no qualms about having him as her partner.
“The moment we met, he just blew me away with his caring, kind and friendly persona.
“It’s unfortunate that those who dislike him are doing so out of ignorance. If they get to know him, I can assure you they will immediately view him in a different light,” she said.
Mdluli, who runs an online clothing shop, was working as a sales assistant at a shop in the Rosebank Mall when she met Niehaus.
“Initially, I was hesitant to date him given that he is white. I grew up in Soweto and have never dated a white person before.
“However, as I got to know him, I realised that he is not only kind and loving, he is also a true South African who does not identify himself in terms of race,” she said.
Mdluli, whose son was three when she met Niehaus, said she was initially concerned that Niehaus would not embrace her child.
“I thought he was just interested in me because I’m a model. However, I was surprised at the manner in which he embraced my son.
“He told me that my child was now his too. He said we are now family. After our first meeting in 2020, our love just grew in leaps and bounds,” she said.
While Mdluli said Niehaus’ political life was completely separate from their family life, there have been times when the two intermingled.
“Like when he was arrested when visiting Zuma at the Estcourt Prison in KwaZulu-Natal – it was a traumatic moment for all of us. I was concerned that he would go to jail.
“There were also moments when he would show signs of depression, and that had an impact on our relationship as we now had to spend time worrying about the case.
“Also, when he got arrested, we had plans to go on a vacation – something that would have strengthened our bond.
“But instead, we ended up on endless trips to Estcourt where he was attending his court case.”
He is a true South African who does not identify himself in terms of race
Two weeks ago, the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture released its report painting Zuma as an enabler of the corruption which happened during his tenure as president.
When asked whether she was concerned that Niehaus continues to defend the former president, Mdluli gave an impassioned response.
“It’s his life, he has his own political views. Why should I impose my political view on him?
“I have my views and he respects them. Why should I be so cruel to the point of trying to censor him?
“Does Julius Malema or [President Cyril] Ramaphosa seek the approval of their partners before making public statements?” she asked.
Last week, the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court dismissed the Covid violation charges against Niehaus. “The ruling is a big relief for us. We can now carry on with our daily lives,” Mdluli said.