Marriage is often spoken about as a beautiful union, but for many, it is also a journey filled with complex emotions, difficult choices and painful lessons. When couples are unable or unwilling to resolve their differences, the cracks can slowly widen until the relationship eventually falls apart. This reality is one that veteran actor Sello Maake Ka Ncube’s former wife, Pearl Mbewe, has come to understand in a deeply personal way.
At the height of their marriage, Pearl and Sello appeared inseparable. Their relationship played out in the public eye, with matching outfits, affectionate posts on social media and moments that made them the envy of many. To outsiders, their union seemed aspirational, the kind of love story many wished for themselves. But behind the carefully curated images, trouble was brewing, and before long, their marriage became a regular topic of headlines and public debate.
In a candid conversation with Drum, Pearl opened up about the emotional toll the divorce took on her, the pain she endured and the inner strength it took to rebuild her life. She did not shy away from describing just how dark that period became.
“There was a time when I didn’t leave my bed for three weeks, except getting up to eat and bathe. Don’t let anyone lie to you, divorce is bad and difficult,” she says, “but you can also turn it into a season of rebuilding and rediscovery.”
For Pearl, the pain was overwhelming, but staying stuck was never an option. As a mother of two boys who depend on her, she knew she had to find a way forward, no matter how heavy the burden felt at the time. Even when the task seemed enormous, she chose to show up for her children and herself.
“I focused on my children and my businesses. Right now, my priority is purpose and stability. I believe love will come at the right time with peace, respect and shared values. When I love, I love, so I don’t give my love to anyone,” she explains.
Throughout the process, Pearl credits her mother as one of her biggest pillars of support, offering guidance that helped her remain grounded when emotions threatened to overwhelm her.
“She told me that when fighting for truth, you don’t lose, it’s the situation that loses.”
Despite the public nature of their separation and the intense scrutiny that followed, Pearl insists there is no bitterness between her and Sello. She speaks with a sense of calm and clarity that suggests she has made peace with the past.
“I have healed in many ways, emotionally, spiritually, and professionally. While the experience was painful and public, it redefined me. I am stronger, clearer, and more grounded than before. I don’t have a record of leaving bitter exes behind my trail, same goes for my current ex, who is my only ex-husband. There’s no animosity between us, I mean, he’s the only that have me the longest crazy surname,” she chuckles.
Her words reflect a woman who has chosen growth over resentment, and healing over holding onto pain. Rather than allowing the divorce to define her, Pearl has channelled her energy into building a future that aligns with her values and ambitions.
Entrepreneurship, she says, has always been part of who she is. Long before her marriage made headlines, Pearl had a vision for herself beyond being known as someone’s wife. Having navigated one of the most challenging periods of her life, she is now stepping confidently into the business world, determined to leave a legacy of her own.
Recently, she launched her own wine brand, MbW, a project that carries deep personal meaning and symbolism.
“Entrepreneurship has always been a part of how I am. I’ve always been solution-driven and visionary. Pearl MbW is inspired by identity, renewal, and legacy. It is rooted in my family story and the belief that wine – like life – improves with patience, faith and intention. Each bottle represents resilience, celebration and new beginnings for African women in particular, who are reclaiming their stories and building generational wealth.”
For Pearl, the wine brand is not just a business venture, but a reflection of her journey. It represents starting over, choosing purpose, and embracing the idea that life, much like wine, can mature into something richer and more meaningful with time.
Her story is a reminder that while marriage can bring joy and fulfilment, its end does not have to signal failure. Instead, it can mark the beginning of self-discovery, healing and renewed strength. Through pain, perseverance and purpose, Pearl Mbewe is forging a new chapter on her own terms, proving that even after heartbreak, it is possible to rise, rebuild and redefine oneself.
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