The Zimbabwe social media landscape is erupting following shocking allegations that Joy Nyati, the woman many credit for building the Nyati brand, has been forced out of the home she constructed with her husband, Gilbert Nyati. In a twist that has sparked widespread public condemnation, the couple is reportedly living in a single-room shack behind their own store—a business now allegedly controlled by Gilbert’s mother.
From Luxury to a One-Room Shack
The dispute centers on a modern home originally built for the couple with the assistance of Barnabas (Barmlo Construction), who handed over the project to the Nyati family in late 2024. However, emerging reports and viral discussions on platforms like TikTok suggest that the house has been taken over, leaving Joy and Gilbert sidelined.
Critics and fans have pointed out the stark contrast in the couple's living conditions:
The Store: The store the couple built together is now allegedly being run by Gilbert’s mother, who has claimed ownership of the enterprise.
The Shack: Instead of the modern house intended for them, Joy and Gilbert are reportedly relegated to a 1-room shack behind the store premises.
The Mother-in-Law’s Grip: "Mukasandirerera"
The most chilling aspect of the controversy involves Gilbert’s mother, a well-known practitioner of traditional medicine (Mushonga). She has reportedly issued a stern warning to the couple, allegedly saying, "I will fix you, mukasandirerera" (meaning "if you don't take care of me" or referencing child-rearing obligations), asserting total dominance over their lives and assets.
Social media users have expressed outrage at Gilbert’s perceived lack of power in the situation. Many argue that Joy is the backbone of his success, with comments such as "without Joy, Nyathi is nothing" and "simudzira murume (uplifting a man) at your own risk" flooding viral threads.
A Crisis of Economic Abuse?
As of late 2025, the situation has escalated into what advocates are calling a case of economic abuse. While the Nyati family recently celebrated Joy's pregnancy, fans are furious that the mother-to-be is facing such instability despite her efforts to build the family’s wealth.
The Nyati family’s "fall from grace"—from a celebrated wedding in December 2024 to a marriage crisis in mid-2025—continues to captivate the Zimbabwean public as they watch to see if Gilbert will finally stand up for his wife.
