South African television personality and musician Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye has made headlines once again. This time, it’s not for his controversial show Uyajola 9/9, but for a heartfelt plea to Kelly Khumalo, the mother of his son. In a video released on 3 November 2025, Jub Jub denied being a deadbeat dad and begged for access to his 15-year-old son.
His emotional video quickly went viral, reigniting public interest in the long-standing tension between the two celebrities. The dispute touches on issues of fatherhood, co-parenting, traditional obligations, and healing from past trauma.
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Jub Jub Speaks Out: “I Want My Child”
In the widely shared video, Jub Jub directly addressed Kelly Khumalo, pleading with her to let him see their son.
“Stop making me look like a deadbeat father. I’m alive, I’m kicking… I want my child.”
He insisted that he is not seeking full custody, only the right to be present in the boy’s life. Jub Jub revealed that he had sent gifts to his son every birthday and festive season, even while serving time in prison.
“From the time I was locked up, I’ve been sending gifts every Christmas, every December and every birthday to Vosloorus.”
He added that he had attempted to fulfil his traditional duties by offering to pay damages and perform cleansing rituals but claimed Khumalo blocked him at every turn.
“So many times I’ve wanted to pay damages… cleanse the house… do the right things traditionally. You’ve been locking me out.”
Kelly Khumalo Remains Silent on Latest Plea
While Jub Jub’s video attracted wide attention, Kelly Khumalo has not issued an official response. However, she has previously voiced frustration over being painted as the parent withholding access. In June 2025, during a Father’s Day video, Khumalo indirectly addressed absent fathers.
“It’s Father’s Day. We’re celebrating real dads. Not social media dads who claim they are being kept away.”
Khumalo suggested that if fathers truly wanted to be involved, they would pursue legal remedies.
“Take me to court or stay a deadbeat.”
Her words emphasise a belief that parental involvement must be formalised and legally secured, not simply requested on social media.
Parenting Through Trauma: Kelly’s Emotional Testimony
Earlier in 2025, Kelly Khumalo opened up about the emotional difficulty of raising a child who resembles a former partner who caused her harm. Without mentioning Jub Jub by name, the implication was clear.
“There’s one thing we probably never talk about as single moms — raising a child of a man who physically abused you, even more so when that child looks exactly like that person.”
Khumalo said it takes deep emotional healing to parent that child with love and without transferring past trauma.
“You choose to be a better parent. You choose to heal for your child’s sake.”
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A History of Legal and Personal Controversy
Jub Jub’s plea comes more than a decade after he was convicted of culpable homicide in the 2010 drag racing incident that killed four schoolchildren. He served four years of an eight-year sentence before his release in 2017.
Since then, his career has seen a remarkable rebound with shows like Uyajola 9/9 on Moja Love, where he exposes cheating partners. However, his personal life remains in turmoil.
This public appeal is not the first time the issue of his relationship with his son has surfaced. In past interviews, Maarohanye has hinted at barriers to reconnecting with his child, while Khumalo has accused him of emotional and physical abuse.
Jub Jub and Fatherhood in South Africa
The tension between Jub Jub and Kelly Khumalo reflects broader social issues in South Africa. Over 62% of children in the country live without daily contact with their biological fathers.
A 2023 study published in the South African Journal of Psychology noted:
“Parental non-involvement, especially by fathers, is most damaging when children are aware of the parent’s existence but receive no emotional or structural support.”
In this context, Jub Jub’s public request raises critical questions. Should access be fought for in court, or granted through mutual understanding? Can past abuse be separated from the desire to co-parent?
Is Healing Possible for Jub Jub and Kelly Khumalo?
Despite years of animosity, both parties appear deeply affected by the situation. Maarohanye’s tone has shifted from defiant to conciliatory, while Khumalo continues to speak about emotional healing.
Whether the two can find common ground remains uncertain. But what is clear is that their son, now entering adulthood, deserves stability and love from both parents.
More Than Just Celebrity Gossip
The ongoing dispute between Jub Jub and Kelly Khumalo is more than tabloid fodder. It reflects real struggles faced by many South Africans: broken relationships, father absence, trauma recovery, and co-parenting challenges.
Their story is a reminder that being a parent is not just about biology or visibility. It’s about consistency, responsibility, and showing up legally, emotionally, and spiritually.
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As South Africa continues to grapple with high rates of father absenteeism, their case offers a public opportunity to reflect on what fatherhood really means.
