Jub Jub vs Kelly Khumalo: What South African Law Says About Parental Access

“I just want my child.” That was rapper and TV presenter Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye’s plea in an Instagram video on Sunday, 3 November 2025, addressed to Kelly Khumalo, the mother of his teenage son. 

Co-Parenting Conflict: What’s Really Going On Between Jub Jub and Kelly?

Jub Jub’s video was sparked by Kelly Khumalo’s comments in October this year on the L-Tido Podcast, where she described the fathers of her children as “useless” and said she receives no child support. During the interview, the mother of three excluded the late Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa from this criticism, describing him as a doting dad, but made no such concession for the Ndikhokhele hitmaker.

In his viral video, Jub Jub thanks Kelly for raising their son while he was imprisoned for culpable homicide between 2012 and 2017, but asks her to stop portraying him as a “deadbeat dad” and to allow him access. He says he’s been trying to be present in their son’s life since his release from prison in January 2017.

A few days later, Zandie Khumalo-Gumede, Kelly’s sister, defended Jub Jub. In her interview with Sunday World, she revealed that she and their mother had tried to mediate between the two parents. “He keeps getting rejected,” she said, adding that Jub Jub had made repeated efforts to be part of his son’s life.

Zandie, who is also a singer, wrote a public message addressed directly to her nephew, expressing sorrow for the emotional burden he’s caught in. “I am so sorry you have to go through this,” she wrote. “I hope one day you will understand that your father tried.” This letter reflects the emotional toll that parental conflict can have on children, which may include confusion and quiet grief.

These moments raise a broader question: What are your rights as a parent when access to your child is denied?

Parental Access is a Legal Right

South African law affirms that both parents have the right and responsibility to maintain a relationship with their child. The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 prioritises the child’s best interests, but it also recognises that meaningful contact with both parents is usually part of that.

Various sections of the Act, including Section 18, define parental responsibilities and rights, including care, contact, guardianship and maintenance. Sections 33 to 35 outline how parenting plans can be developed and made legally binding.  While Sections 36 to 38 explain how courts can intervene when disputes arise, including issuing contact orders.

If one parent blocks access without a court order, the other can apply for a parenting plan or contact order through the Children’s Court. Mediation is often encouraged first, but if that fails, legal intervention is an option.

Importantly, having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify a parent from access, unless there’s evidence that contact would harm the child. Jub Jub’s past, including his conviction for culpable homicide, complicates public perception, but legally, it doesn’t erase his parental rights.

The Emotional Cost of Court Battles

In his video, Jub Jub  (who hosts the popular anti-cheating reality TV show, Uyajola 9/9) says, “I don’t want to go to court fighting over this. You know how many times I’ve tried to get hold of you to reach my son?”

This is a reality many parents face. Legal battles can be long, expensive, and emotionally draining. This also affects the children, as it can be confusing and painful for them. That’s why some parents (especially those trying to rebuild after incarceration, addiction, or estrangement ) prefer to seek reconciliation outside the courtroom. However, when that fails, the law is there to protect their rights.

Although this is the case, the law can’t force emotional healing. It also can’t rewrite history or soften the edges of trauma, and it certainly can’t guarantee that a child will feel safe or ready to reconnect.

A Precedent: When Courts Enforce Access

In a 2024 ruling, the North Gauteng High Court sentenced a mother to 12 months in prison for contempt of court after she repeatedly refused to allow the father access to their child, despite two prior court orders granting him contact rights.

Judge PD Phahlane emphasised that the mother’s actions violated the father’s legal rights and undermined the child’s best interests. The court found that her refusal was deliberate and persistent, adding that it caused emotional harm to both the father and the child.

This case, reported by IOL, affirms that parental access is a legal right, not a favour. It shows that courts will enforce contact orders, even with imprisonment, when one parent defies them. It also highlights the importance of documenting efforts and following legal channels when access is denied.

What Are Your Options If You’re Being Denied Access?

If you’re in Jub Jub’s position (or know someone who is), here are some practical steps:

• Document your efforts. Keep records of messages, calls and other attempts to connect. Courts look for consistency.
• Seek mediation. Many non-profit organisations (NGOs) and family law clinics offer free or low-cost mediation. It’s often faster and less combative than court.
• Apply for a contact order. If mediation fails, the Children’s Court can formalise your access rights.
• Avoid public conflict. While Jub Jub’s video may have raised awareness, it also risks escalating tension. Private, respectful engagement is often more effective. The Department of Social Development even cautioned against naming children in distress, following media coverage of Jub Jub and Kelly’s son’s alleged school expulsion in 2022.
• Consider the child’s voice. Depending on age and maturity, children may be consulted in access decisions. Their emotional safety matters.

Final Thoughts

Jub Jub’s plea is more than a celebrity moment; it reflects the pain, complexity and urgency of parental access in South Africa. It also reminds us that every child deserves the chance to know both parents, not just the one who holds the gate.

If you’re navigating this terrain, know this: your rights matter, your child matters, and there are paths forward, even when the road feels blocked.