Once celebrated as a young, independent boss lady inspiring Zambian girls to “work hard and stay focused,” Mwaka Halwindi is now at the centre of a scandal that has left social media buzzing across the country.
Mwaka, who is in her mid-20s and known for her lavish lifestyle, soft-spoken motivational videos, and sleek Instagram fashion, built a following by encouraging young women to avoid sugar daddies and “build their own tables.” She often posted motivational reels saying, “Ladies, work hard, you can make it without a man.” Many young women admired her hustle, believing she was making her money from her boutique and influencing deals.
However, her image took a shocking hit after a video leaked showing her with a married man in a compromising position, leading to the man’s arrest and him losing his job. Just as people were still processing the first video, more explicit videos leaked last night, showing Mwaka with different married men, leaving many Zambians in shock and disappointment.
Reports claim that at least three different men are identifiable in the videos, some allegedly known business figures in Lusaka, sparking discussions about how deep the scandal could go. Some sources allege that Mwaka was receiving significant financial gifts from these men, which funded her lifestyle, including her iPhone 15 Pro Max, constant travels to Livingstone, and designer clothes she showcased online.
Mwaka Halwindi is the Zambian Balthalzer
Social media streets are now calling her the “Zambian Balthalzer”, a reference to a popular scandal abroad, and many young women who once idolised her are expressing their heartbreak and embarrassment, feeling misled by the image she portrayed.
Instead of sympathy, the public sentiment has shifted, with many saying this is a wake-up call about the social media “soft life” often being funded by hidden deals. Some have also noted how quickly people can fall from grace, reminding young women to verify the lifestyles they admire online before taking them as blueprints for success.
As the story develops, many are waiting to see if Mwaka will address the videos and speak her side, or if this marks the end of her social media influence.
