Chiwenga’s Wife Turns A Year Older! Here Is Everything We Know About ‘Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi-Chiwenga’

Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi-Chiwenga, born in 1976 in either Nkayi or Filabusi, Matabeleland South Province, is a distinguished Zimbabwean military officer and businesswoman who became the fourth wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga in 2022.

Her journey from a humble upbringing in Matabeleland to a prominent public figure is marked by significant achievements in both her military career and personal pursuits.

Education and Military Career

Baloyi’s educational journey began at Ekusileni Mission in Filabusi and continued at JZ Moyo High School. After completing her secondary education, she joined the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) in 1996.

Driven by a desire for self-improvement, Baloyi pursued higher education while serving in the military. From 2005 to 2009, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chinese, majoring in Mandarin, from the China University of Foreign Languages.

She furthered her education with a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Zimbabwe between 2016 and 2018, and later completed a Doctorate in Business Leadership from Midlands State University from 2019 to 2022.

Baloyi’s military career saw a rapid ascent, with her promotion to the rank of Colonel in 2019.

Although her rise was reportedly assisted by her relationship with Chiwenga, who led the military coup that ousted President Robert Mugabe in 2017, she continued to distinguish herself through her educational and professional pursuits.

Marriage to Constantino Chiwenga

Baloyi’s relationship with Constantino Chiwenga, Zimbabwe’s Vice President and former commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, culminated in marriage in 2022.

The union was officially announced by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda, on June 15, 2022, after the couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony on June 12.

Their marriage was later solemnized on December 23, 2023, at St Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church in Borrowdale, Harare, followed by a reception at the Venue Umwinzii.

The high-profile event was attended by key figures, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, former First Lady Grace Mugabe, and other senior government officials, military leaders from Zimbabwe and neighboring countries, and members of the diplomatic community.

Professional Endeavors and Personal Achievements

In addition to her military career, Baloyi is a successful entrepreneur who runs Kolamminnie Pvt Ltd, trading as Style By Minnie, a high-end boutique chain in Harare.

Her boutiques have dressed notable personalities, including footballer Marvelous Nakamba, model Faith Candy, and top business executives.

Baloyi is fluent in six languages, including Mandarin, French, and Zulu, reflecting her commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity. Her linguistic skills and academic background in international relations have equipped her to navigate complex political and social landscapes both locally and internationally.

In 2019, during a challenging period when Chiwenga was hospitalized in China, Baloyi was among the few permitted to visit him, underscoring her close and trusted relationship with the Vice President.

Legacy and Public Perception

Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi-Chiwenga’s life is a testament to resilience, ambition, and adaptability.

Her rapid rise in the military and successful business ventures, combined with her marriage to one of Zimbabwe’s most powerful political figures, have positioned her as a notable public figure.

However, her career has not been without scrutiny, as some have questioned the role of her personal connections in her professional advancement.

Nevertheless, Baloyi continues to carve her own path, balancing her roles as a military officer, entrepreneur, and influential figure within Zimbabwe’s elite circles.

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