JOHANNESBURG – Former Kaizer Chiefs star Jabu Mahlangu, affectionately known as Jabu Pule, has brought his 21-year marriage to Nomxolisi Priscilla Songame to an end, signalling a final whistle in their long-term relationship.
Sources close to the couple have exclusively revealed to Sunday World that Mahlangu has decided to proceed with a divorce, marking the end of a union that produced two daughters. The decision comes after a trying period for the couple, who have reportedly been living separate lives under the same roof for the past four years.
According to insiders, Mahlangu lost hope in salvaging the marriage last month, leading him to instruct his lawyers to initiate divorce proceedings. This decision, while difficult, is said to be final, despite the disappointment of his children and wife.
The couple had been sleeping in separate bedrooms of their Brakpan home since 2020, in the hope that they would be able to resolve their matrimonial issues, rekindle their love, and ultimately save their relationship. However, despite their efforts, the marriage continued to flounder, leading Mahlangu to the conclusion that divorce was the only viable option.
The news of the separation comes a year after the couple faced financial difficulties, with a bank threatening to attach and sell their marital home due to Mahlangu's failure to keep up with his monthly instalments. While they managed to avert the sale of their home, the financial strain undoubtedly added pressure to their already strained relationship.
"Jabu has informed his wife, their family, and their two children that he has instructed his lawyers to file for divorce as soon as possible. He will be flying solo," a close associate revealed.
Mahlangu has reportedly expressed that he has lost affection for his wife, stating that their marriage has broken down irretrievably, leaving little chance of reconciliation.
Associates had hoped that the couple would be able to resolve their issues and get back together, but their hopes were dashed when Songame received calls and letters from Mahlangu's lawyers informing her of his decision to end the marriage.
"She did not divulge details and the rationale behind their fallout. But she confirmed that they are no longer living together as husband and wife," a source close to Songame said.
Another source revealed that Mahlangu stated that although he was heartbroken about the failure of their marriage, he would not attempt to rekindle the spark because they no longer have feelings for each other.
The cracks in the marriage became apparent when Mahlangu and Songame began sleeping in separate bedrooms.
"Like any other lovers who go through challenges, we thought they would go for counselling sessions and try to save their marriage, but we were wrong," an associate said. "It's so heartbreaking because all along we have been crossing our fingers that they will eventually find each other and get back together for the sake of their two beautiful daughters. But our hopes were dashed when he told us he wanted to end things and move on with his life."
Despite the breakdown of their marriage, Mahlangu has reportedly undertaken to pay maintenance to his unemployed wife. The couple has also agreed to share their movable assets and sell their house, dividing the proceeds equally.
At the time of going to press, Mahlangu had not responded to requests for comment.
Follow Us on Twitter
