The beloved South African actress shares her profound pain and longing, revealing the ongoing emotional toll of her custody battle and separation from her children.
Johannesburg, South Africa – Mother’s Day, a time typically filled with joy and celebration, took a poignant and heartbreaking turn for acclaimed South African actress Denise Zimba this year. In an emotional and candid social media post, Zimba laid bare her profound pain and longing, revealing the ongoing emotional toll of her custody battle and the wrenching separation from her two young daughters, Leah and Mila. Her raw honesty has resonated deeply with fans and mothers across the nation, sparking a wave of sympathy and highlighting the often-unseen struggles behind public figures' lives.
Zimba’s heartbreaking Instagram reel captured the essence of her sorrow, featuring a montage of cherished memories with her daughters, including pictures and videos from their early years and even the day she gave birth. The visual journey was accompanied by a voiceover that articulated her deep maternal love and the agony of their absence. Her post was captioned with a stark, yet powerful statement: "Heal out loud, without shame. Didn’t even get a call… but it’s ok. GOD." This simple phrase encapsulated the depth of her disappointment and the quiet resilience she is striving to maintain amidst her personal turmoil.
The actress revealed that it has been over a year since she last saw Leah and Mila, who currently reside in Germany with their father, Jakob Schlichting. This prolonged separation is a direct consequence of a challenging legal battle over custody, which saw Zimba’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) dismissed in 2025. The SCA’s decision upheld a Johannesburg High Court ruling that favoured her estranged husband’s petition to keep the children in Germany, a ruling that has left Zimba grappling with immense heartache.
In her emotional voiceover, Zimba articulated her unwavering commitment to her children, despite the physical distance. "I am, and always will be, proud of you two girls. Just know that God’s will and order should never be questioned. I fight for you every day just by staying alive. I pray for your covering and your tiny little hearts that have hurt so much," she shared. These words paint a vivid picture of a mother’s enduring love and her daily struggle to cope with a situation beyond her immediate control, offering a powerful message of hope and perseverance to those facing similar challenges.
Last year, in May 2025, Zimba had publicly appealed for help on X, pouring her heart out in an attempt to reunite with her children. Her post at the time highlighted the perceived injustice of the legal system: "SA courts handed my SA citizen babies 2 Germany without their mother after I endured abuse. 2 months in without being 2getha … Can the organisation my estranged husband works 4 kindly assist, since u support such injustice, especially towards mothers & children, Africans at that!" This earlier plea underscored her desperation and the profound sense of helplessness she experienced as a mother fighting for her children.
View this post on Instagram
Her recent Mother’s Day post elicited an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, many of whom expressed their solidarity and offered words of comfort. Comments such as "Holding you in love and strength. I’m so sorry, Z!!!" from @lalla_hirayama, and "No mother deserves to be separated from her kids. God will restore this beautiful bond," from @afrodee_26, flooded her feed. Another user, @wendymahwib, even suggested a collective effort: "Can’t we as a country donate towards a great lawyer overseas to help fight this case on your behalf, Dee? Love and light to you, mama. You are strong, and I know your beautiful babies love and miss you lots." This collective empathy underscores the deep connection Zimba shares with her audience and the universal understanding of a mother’s pain.
Denise Zimba’s candid sharing of her Mother’s Day heartbreak serves as a powerful reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of celebrity lies a human being grappling with profound personal struggles. Her story not only sheds light on the complexities of international custody battles but also fosters a sense of community and shared understanding among those who have experienced similar forms of loss and separation. Her resilience in the face of adversity continues to inspire, making her a relatable figure for many South Africans navigating their own challenges.
