Okay, wow. So, the internet is buzzing, and the news is… well, it’s just plain heartbreaking. It seems like our girl Denise Zimba, the actress and TV personality we all know and love from shows like Generations: The Legacy, is going through a seriously tough time. The reports are saying that she’s lost custody of her two daughters to her ex-husband, Jakob Schlichtig, and the details are just… gut-wrenching.
For those who haven’t been following the drama, let’s rewind a bit. Denise and Jakob tied the knot back in April 2022. After their first daughter was born, they made the move to Germany. However, things apparently went south pretty quickly. Denise eventually moved back to South Africa after the birth of their second child, citing marital issues.
Then came the bombshell in January 2025. Denise took to social media to reveal that her ex-husband had been having an affair. And to make matters infinitely worse? The affair was allegedly with her childhood best friend, Mpumi Mdluli. I mean, seriously? Talk about a double whammy of betrayal. She wrote about the betrayal on X, saying that there is nothing worse than that.
She later shared that she was separated and navigating single motherhood. It already sounded like a complete nightmare, right?
Now, fast forward to this past week. According to reports, a Johannesburg High Court ruling has granted Jakob custody of their daughters, allowing him to take them back to Germany. Women For Change, an organization that fights for women’s rights, brought the ruling to light, claiming the court documents stated the girls would be distressed without their father.
You can only imagine the pain Denise must be feeling. She posted a photo of a woman holding a baby on X with the caption “I made you” accompanied by crying and broken heart emojis. It’s raw, it’s vulnerable, and it’s a stark reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, there are real people dealing with incredibly difficult personal struggles.
Look, I’m not a lawyer, and I don’t know all the ins and outs of this legal battle. But as a fellow human being, my heart absolutely aches for Denise. I can’t even begin to imagine the devastation of being separated from your children, especially under such circumstances.
And the internet, bless its sometimes-chaotic heart, has rallied around her. Her social media has been flooded with messages of support and encouragement. It’s honestly heartwarming to see people reaching out and offering their condolences and advice.
We’ve got people like @MazikodeThah sending love and strength, quoting Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Pretty powerful words, especially when facing such a daunting situation.
Then there’s @amsimplymandla suggesting she consider moving to Germany, at least temporarily, to maintain a close relationship with her daughters and work towards a healthier co-parenting dynamic. It’s a practical suggestion, but moving countries is no small feat!
@Bonzz04 encourages her to see this as a battle, not the war, and reminds her of Korra Obidi’s story (another public figure who went through a messy custody battle). It’s a good reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always hope for a brighter future.
But perhaps the most heartbreaking message comes from @Me_ThatoYaone, who urges Denise to fight for her daughters with everything she has, warning that they might resent her in the future if they feel she didn’t do enough. That’s a tough one, because it puts immense pressure on a woman who’s already clearly struggling.
What I think we can all agree on is that Denise needs our support right now. Whether it’s a simple message of encouragement, a prayer, or just a listening ear, let’s show her that she’s not alone. Losing custody of your children has to be one of the worst experiences a parent can go through.
What does the future hold for Denise and her daughters? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: she’s a strong woman, and she’s got a whole army of people rooting for her.So, sending all my love and positive vibes to #DeniseZimba. We’re with you, girl! Stay strong! We are all wishing you only the best.
