TV presenter and actress Denise Zimba has responded to reports claiming she lost custody of her daughters to her ex-husband, Jakob Schlichtig. The news has sparked a major reaction from the public, with many South Africans expressing their support for the media personality during this difficult time.
Zimba’s Emotional Reaction
Denise Zimba took to her X (formerly Twitter) account to express her emotions following the media reports. She shared a photo of a woman holding a baby, with the caption: “I made you”, accompanied by a crying emoji and a broken heart emoji.
— Denise Zimba (@MissDeniseZimba) March 8, 2025
Her post came shortly after Women For Change, an advocacy group, reported on Friday, 7 March, that the Johannesburg High Court had ruled in favour of Schlichtig, allowing him to take their daughters back to Germany.
The organisation further claimed that court documents highlighted the emotional distress the children would face without their father, which influenced the judge’s decision.
Denise Zimba’s Separation from Schlichtig
Denise Zimba and Jakob Schlichtig tied the knot in April 2022 and later moved to Germany with their first daughter. However, their marriage faced difficulties, and after giving birth to their second child, Zimba returned to South Africa with the children due to their marital disputes.
In January 2025, Zimba shocked her followers when she publicly accused her childhood friend, Mpumi Mdluli, of having an affair with her husband.
“Nothing worse than finding out your best friend since you were 14 years old has been having an affair with your husband,” she wrote on X.
She further explained how Mdluli had distanced herself from Zimba during significant moments in her life, such as her baby showers, bridal shower, and birthdays.
By March 2024, Zimba had already announced her separation from Schlichtig via Instagram, confirming that she was now a single mother.
Public Outrage and Support for Zimba
The custody battle and court ruling have triggered widespread reactions, with many social media users expressing their sympathy for Zimba and offering words of encouragement.
Here are some reactions from South Africans on social media:
- @MazikodeThah: “Sending you all the love in the world. Please find strength in Joshua 1:9.”
- @amsimplymandla: “So sorry. Maybe try to also move to Germany while you guys are still healing from this divorce. Maybe once you both have healed, you will be able to conduct a healthy co-parenting relationship.”
- @Bonzz04: “Let them win the battle because the war is yours. This reminds me of @korraobidi’s story and now she is so happy with her angels. The man upstairs is watching.”
- @Me_ThatoYaone: “Oh man, I don’t know what’s left at your disposal to carry on fighting, but use whatever it takes to fight for your girls, Denise… Know that if you don’t, they will in future hate you, thinking that you did not fight enough… Unfortunately.”
- @cindzo: “Those who are saying it’s their father too, I am wondering if you guys grew up without your mothers. This is beyond cruel. Denise is supposed to raise her kids!”
What’s Next for Denise Zimba?
At this point, Zimba has not shared any details about her next steps regarding the custody ruling. Some fans have suggested that she consider moving back to Germany to be closer to her children, while others have encouraged her to keep fighting legally for custody.
Despite the heartbreak, Zimba remains determined and vocal about her situation. As she navigates this difficult period, her fans continue to rally behind her, offering support and motivation.
A Tough Battle Ahead
Child custody disputes can be incredibly complex, especially when they involve international legal systems. While the Johannesburg High Court has ruled in favour of Schlichtig, Zimba may still have legal options to challenge the decision in the future.
For now, she has indicated that she will share updates in due course, as she processes the reality of the situation.
South Africans will undoubtedly be following this case closely, hoping for the best possible outcome for Zimba and her daughters.
