A Landmark Legal Victory and Personal Journey

Actress and businesswoman Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa has officially finalised her divorce from internationally acclaimed DJ Black Coffee (Nkosinathi Maphumulo) after a long and challenging legal battle. Their separation was first announced in 2019, following a traditional wedding ceremony in 2011 and a white wedding in 2017. The High Court recently declared their customary marriage valid and in community of property, invalidating an antenuptial contract signed in 2017, which was deemed unfair and signed without adequate legal advice. This means that Black Coffee was ordered to pay spousal maintenance to Enhle Mbali as part of the divorce settlement.

Enhle Mbali expressed profound gratitude amid this "ugly journey," highlighting the many lessons learnt and the strength rediscovered along the way. She praised her legal team, particularly attorney Jerry Nkeli, who she described as a paternal figure during the proceedings. Enhle emphasised the importance of fighting not only for her children but also for the rights of women in South Africa, celebrating this legal victory as a significant milestone that protects women’s rights in customary marriages.

In public reflections, Enhle also revealed the reasons behind the marriage breakdown. She stated she remained faithful throughout the marriage and decided to leave only when her well-being was severely threatened. The deal breaker came when Black Coffee fathered children with two other women during the marriage, which she described as a sign that he no longer loved her and that the situation was damaging to her mental and emotional health.

Both parties have since moved on with their personal lives. Black Coffee is reportedly in a relationship with Venezuelan model Victoria Gonzalez, while Enhle Mbali has indicated she keeps her romantic life private unless necessary.

The divorce case has generated widespread discussion on social media about respect, dignity, and women’s rights in relationships, highlighting the importance of legal protections for women within customary marriages in South Africa. Enhle Mbali’s victory is seen as a landmark that will influence future cases and encourage women to assert their rights.

The divorce between Enhle Mbali and Black Coffee was a complex, emotive process culminating in a court ruling that reinforced customary marriage laws and women’s rights, with Enhle Mbali standing as a strong advocate for dignity and justice.