JOHANNESBURG – South African singer and reality star Kelly Khumalo has once again stirred controversy after publicly criticising two of her former partners — musician Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye and former footballer Mthokozisi Yende — accusing them of neglecting their parental duties and failing to provide child support for years.
The outspoken songstress, who is known for her fearless attitude and no-holds-barred personality, made the explosive remarks during an interview on L-Tido’s podcast, where she openly discussed her experiences with the fathers of her three children.
Khumalo, 39, said she had never received any form of financial or emotional support from her exes, describing them bluntly as “useless.” The only man she exempted from that harsh label was her late lover and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, who was tragically gunned down in 2014 at her mother’s home in Vosloorus, Johannesburg.
“I have never received any support, even financially,” Khumalo told L-Tido. “They’re all useless, all of them — well, except for one, Senzo Meyiwa.”
Kelly Khumalo is the mother of three children from three different relationships. Her first child, a son named Christian, was fathered by Jub Jub, a rapper and television presenter who rose to fame in the early 2000s but later served time in prison for culpable homicide.
Kelly Khumalo Blasts Jub Jub and Yende, Praises Late Senzo Meyiwa as Only Responsible Father
Her second child, daughter Thingo, is with the late Senzo Meyiwa, the former Orlando Pirates captain and national team goalkeeper. Meyiwa’s death remains one of South Africa’s most high-profile murder cases, with multiple court proceedings and public controversy still surrounding it more than a decade later.
Her youngest daughter, Luna, was fathered by former Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Stars midfielder Mthokozisi Yende.
During the podcast, Khumalo did not hold back as she reflected on her tumultuous relationships with Jub Jub and Yende, calling them irresponsible and absent fathers.
“I’ve been doing everything alone — from school fees to clothing to raising them emotionally,” Khumalo said. “I don’t get calls, I don’t get visits, and I don’t get money. I’m both mother and father.”
Despite their tragic history and the controversies that have surrounded Meyiwa’s murder, Khumalo spoke fondly of him, describing him as the only man among her former partners who demonstrated genuine love and responsibility.
“Senzo was a very hands-on father,” she said with emotion. “He did everything he could to be there for his children. Not just for our daughter, but even for the others — he had a big heart. If Senzo were alive today, he would have been an amazing father.”
Meyiwa had two other daughters from previous relationships — one with his widow, Mandisa Mkhize, and another with a woman who has remained out of the public eye. Yet, according to Khumalo, he made every effort to be present for all his children before his untimely death.
Khumalo’s comments about Jub Jub reignited public debate about their bitter history. The rapper, whose real name is Molemo Maarohanye, was once one of South Africa’s most popular entertainers before his career was derailed by tragedy.
In 2010, Jub Jub and a friend were involved in a drag-racing accident in Soweto that killed four schoolchildren and left another permanently paralysed. He was convicted of murder, later reduced to culpable homicide, and served several years in prison before being released in 2017.
Since his release, Jub Jub has made multiple attempts to rebuild his life and music career. He has also publicly accused Kelly Khumalo of denying him access to their son, Christian — a claim she has repeatedly dismissed, maintaining that she has always acted in her child’s best interests.
In past interviews, Khumalo has hinted that she believes Jub Jub’s past behaviour and lack of consistency disqualify him from being a stable father figure. “I’m not going to expose my child to toxic energy,” she once said in response to his allegations.
Khumalo’s comments about Mthokozisi Yende also drew attention, as little is known about their relationship. The former footballer, once regarded as a promising talent at Kaizer Chiefs, has largely disappeared from the public eye since leaving professional football.
According to Kelly Khumalo, Yende has similarly failed to support their daughter, Luna. “He doesn’t call, he doesn’t ask, he doesn’t help. I’ve made peace with it — I know I’m on my own,” she said.
The singer’s frank remarks have sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans applauding her for speaking her truth and others accusing her of airing private issues in public. However, Kelly Khumalo remains unfazed by criticism, insisting that her main focus is raising her children with love, strength, and stability.
Kelly Khumalo has built a reputation for resilience in the face of public scrutiny. From her high-profile relationships and music controversies to her reality TV series Life with Kelly Khumalo, she has never shied away from telling her side of the story.
As she continues to dominate headlines, Khumalo’s message remains clear: she is a mother first, and her children’s well-being comes before everything else.
“They can say whatever they want,” she said on the podcast. “At the end of the day, I’m the one raising these children — and they’re thriving. I don’t need anyone’s approval to do what’s right for them.”
For Kelly Khumalo, her scars are proof of survival — and her strength, the legacy she intends to pass on to her children.
