For years he has been a public figure in music and television, and for Bonginkosi Dlamini - better known to television viewers and music fans as
Zola - the stress has taken its toll.
Recently lambasted in the Sunday papers with a variety of allegations from unnamed ex-girlfriends, Zola has finally spoken out at what he calls a "malicious smear campaign".
On Friday afternoon (20 November) TVSA received the following statement from Zola, delivered via one of our bloggers who forwarded it on to us:
Statement from Bonginkosi Dlamini of Guluva Entertainment/Zola 7 Media
Johannesburg
20th November 2009
"Recently I have been the subject of a malicious smear campaign wherein numerous allegations have been made about the manner in which I have treated my former girlfriends.
"These allegations are false, devoid of any truth, are immoral and unethical, and are aimed at causing harm to my children, my broader family and my good name and reputation.
"Apart from what has been stated in the media, a vicious e-mail campaign has also been launched against me by the same group of people, this time allegedly in the guise of my former girlfriends.
"These unnamed people, who do not have the courage to properly identify themselves, have clearly embarked on a carefully orchestrated campaign to malign me in the eyes of the public.
"I find the behaviour of these people abhorrent and believe that they do not deserve the courtesy of a reply.
"I wish, however, as a matter of record, to state categorically that I do not, and never have, countenanced the abuse of women and would urge all my male colleagues and fans to look at themselves and ensure that they treat their female partners with dignity, respect and with the care that they deserve."