Businessman Hangwani Maumela Battles Baby Mama in Court Over Child’s Travel to Disney World Paris
Prominent businessman Hangwani Morgan Maumela has approached the Johannesburg High Court to obtain an order compelling his former partner to allow their child to travel overseas with him and his other children to Disney World in Paris.
Maumela and the child had originally planned to leave South Africa last month, but were unable to do so after the woman, whose identity is being withheld to protect the minor, refused to grant consent. The refusal comes amid ongoing legal disputes between the two over their relationship and estate.
In court papers seen by Sunday World, Maumela outlined the background of their relationship, stating that he and the woman were romantically involved from 2015 to 2022. The businessman said the relationship ended after she allegedly betrayed his trust, prompting him to vacate their shared home and move to North West.
Following the breakup, Maumela said the woman obstructed his contact with their child. On 3 March 2023, she filed a divorce application in the Johannesburg High Court, claiming half of his estate, asserting that they were married in a customary union, and seeking custody of the child.
“That I make monthly maintenance payments in respect of [name withheld] and the respondent, including an annual holiday allowance for [name withheld] of R50 000 and an annual holiday allowance for the respondent of R100 000, as well as a replacement vehicle for the respondent every five years,” Maumela stated in his affidavit.
Maumela, who had assets worth over R300-million attached by the Asset Forfeiture Unit for allegedly irregular tenders at Tembisa Hospital, denies that he was married in community of property and is opposing the divorce application.
He added that in late 2024, the woman telephoned him to say she planned to relocate with their child to the Eastern Cape, though she provided no further details. “On or about 16 May 2025, I requested consent from the respondent for me to travel abroad with [name withheld] to take him to Disney World Paris during July 2025,” he stated.
The businessman said that the woman responded via WhatsApp, stating that she would not reply and advised him to have his lawyers approach the court. Since her relocation, Maumela claimed to have obtained information suggesting that she was abusing alcohol and engaged in an erratic romantic relationship, which he said could affect their child.
He added that last month, the woman agreed that the child could spend time with him. “Given that my other children are also on holiday for the August month, I thought it a perfect opportunity to take [name withheld] and his siblings to Disney World, Paris,” he said.
Maumela emphasised the unpredictability of the mother, noting her history of changing arrangements and making last-minute demands. “I took steps to enquire as to whether it would be possible for a visa to be attained for [name withheld] so that he can travel with my family and me to Disney World Paris for a few days during his holiday. I could only take definite steps to apply for his visa once there was certainty that [name withheld] would indeed be in my care – the respondent has a history and pattern of changing arrangements and/or making further demands at the eleventh hour,” he stated.
On 5 August, Maumela said he informed the woman telephonically that he was applying for the child’s visa. He said he received confirmation on 11 August that the visa had been granted and provided her with all relevant details, including dates, method of travel, itinerary, and arrangements for virtual or telephonic contact with the child while abroad.
Despite these efforts, the woman refused to provide her consent. “There is absolutely no basis to argue that [name withheld] travelling with me, his siblings, and other family members to Disney World Paris would be to his detriment, or that there exist any grounds to oppose the same,” Maumela said in his court papers.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between Maumela and his former partner, with disputes spanning custody, estate division, and the legal recognition of their relationship. With international travel plans now in legal limbo, Maumela has turned to the courts to secure what he views as a rightful opportunity for his child to enjoy a family holiday.
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