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Since the demise of her ex-husband Ivan ‘Don’ Ssemwanga in 2017, South African-based Ugandan businesswoman Zari Hassan has had to constantly fight off critics claiming she is flaunting her late husband’s wealth.
The attacks became even more profound after the mother of five was supposedly disinherited by her late ex- husband’s relatives that saw Pinto Ntale, her firstborn son with Ivan named the official heir of his multi-million estate.
Zari has, however, come out to set the record straight and address claims that she is riding on Ivan’s wealth. Taking to her Instagram, the self-declared boss lady posted a throwback picture of her and Ivan, insisting she played a role in creating the wealth.
"When they call it inheritance, I say we started from the bottom. You all know us after 2020 and not before. Get your facts right. We hustled all the way up. Go get yourself some inheritance too. It should be easy, right?" she wrote.
Being a househelp
In a recent post dubbed ‘life lessons’, Zari narrated her struggles, encouraging her followers to strive for what they want in life.
“From studying my cosmetology course in the UK ( which hasn’t helped me) while doing house girl work to pay my accommodation (yes I’ve been a maid before)to running through buses to get to my next stop wood green where I worked as a cashier and sometimes as an isle packer in Sainsbury.
“But the inner voice in me wanted better. My dad had left; my mom was doing tailor jobs day and night I couldn’t stand seeing her struggle.
“I couldn't stand her pain. I was living with my aunt in the UK who treated me like a stepchild. Gosh! Been through boutiques, long economy flights to China in between building a school and having babies. My music and TV career is a story for another day. Phew. All I'm saying, consistency is key. Doesn’t matter where you are or what you do. Just do it.”
Pinto named heir
During a clan meeting was held in Kayunga District where Ivan was buried, Pinto was named the official heir. Due to visa issues, he was not able to attend the ceremony but was represented by his mother Zari and his two brothers.
Confirming the news to media outlets, Pinto’s uncle explained that the entire clan acknowledged him as his father’s heir.
"As all people who have come here today see us make Pinto the official heir of Ivan Ssemwanga, I would like to request Dido to carry the picture of his elder brother Pinto as the entire clan acknowledges him as the true heir of his father," he said.
