Actress and entrepreneur Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa has emerged victorious — and significantly wealthier — after the Johannesburg High Court ruled that her customary marriage to international music icon Nkosinathi “Black Coffee” Maphumulo was valid, rendering their subsequent civil marriage and antenuptial contract null and void.
The ruling not only ends years of legal battles between the former couple but also entitles Mlotshwa to half of their multimillion-rand estate accumulated during more than a decade of marriage.
Delivered last week, the judgment confirmed that the pair entered into a valid Zulu customary marriage in May 2011, years before their 2017 civil ceremony.
“The marriage enjoys full legal recognition and is in community of property in accordance with section 7(2) of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act,” the judgment stated.
This means Mlotshwa now has a 50% stake in all assets acquired during their marriage — including luxury homes, cars, and international investments.
The court found that lobolo was fully paid, gifts were exchanged, and both families were involved — the key hallmarks of a legitimate customary marriage.
Antenuptial Contract Declared Invalid
One of the most crucial findings was the invalidation of the antenuptial contract (ANC) signed in December 2016 — five years after their traditional union.
“An antenuptial contract executed subsequent to a valid customary marriage cannot have any legal force unless the high court authorises such a change,” the court ruled.
As a result, the couple’s 2017 civil marriage was also declared invalid.
Massive Financial Obligations for Black Coffee
The court ordered Black Coffee to make substantial financial contributions to Mlotshwa and their two children, including:
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R25,000 per child per month in maintenance
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Full payment of education, medical, and extra-mural expenses
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R67,167 monthly spousal maintenance to Mlotshwa — until her death or remarriage
This means the global DJ will pay nearly R1.1 million a year in maintenance alone, excluding additional educational and medical costs.
“The defendant has a legal and moral obligation to maintain not only his children but also his former spouse, who contributed to the welfare and stability of the household during the subsistence of the marriage,” the judge noted.
Division of Assets Underway
Since the court declared their union to be in community of property, a Receiver and Liquidator will now be appointed to identify, value, and divide the couple’s joint estate.
This includes local and international properties, luxury vehicles, and music royalties from Black Coffee’s global career.
Adding to his financial setbacks, Black Coffee has also been ordered to pay Mlotshwa’s legal costs, including her interim Rule 43 application and half of the cost of her heads of argument.
“The plaintiff has endured a protracted and emotionally taxing litigation process. In the interests of justice and equity, the defendant shall bear the costs occasioned by these proceedings,” the court concluded.
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