Court declares marriage “in community of property”
The Johannesburg High Court ruled that the couple’s customary marriage was valid and in community of property, effectively rejecting the antenuptial contract (ANC) Black Coffee attempted to enforce after paying lobola.
“The court ruled in favor of Enhle Mbali, granting her the reliefs sought,” confirmed her attorney Jerry Nkeli.
“The customary marriage was declared valid, the ANC invalidated, and Nkosinathi Maphumulo was ordered to pay spousal maintenance.”
The ruling means everything acquired during the marriage — homes, cars, royalties, and businesses — must be divided equally.
From Glamour to Courtroom Drama
The couple’s love story began in 2011 with a lavish traditional wedding but unravelled by 2019 amid cheating allegations and public feuds.
Following the ruling, Enhle took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message:
“I’m so grateful for this ugly journey that gave me so many lessons. I fought for my children, and for the rights of women in South Africa.”
She has since reverted to her maiden name, Mbali Mlotshwa, marking both legal and emotional closure.
How much could she get?
While the court ordered R15,000 monthly spousal maintenance and R50,000 child support, the bigger story lies in the community of property declaration — which gives her legal entitlement to half of Black Coffee’s wealth.
With the Grammy-winning DJ’s net worth estimated at R1.1 billion and global performance fees between $400,000 and $1 million per show, Mbali’s share could be worth around R550 million.
Read more about Black Coffee’s global empire here.
Lobola meets the law
Under the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, a customary marriage is automatically in community of property unless a valid antenuptial contract is signed before the ceremony.
Legal expert Nthabiseng Molefe says the ruling “reaffirms that lobola and traditional rites carry full legal standing” and “strengthens the rights of women in customary unions.”
Public Reaction Divided
Social media has been buzzing since the news broke.
“When Rachel Kolisi got R17 million, people celebrated. Now that Mbali’s winning big, it’s suddenly a problem,”
— @Ziyanda_mbuyisa
Others praised her resilience:
“Black Coffee thought she needed his money more than her dignity — but she proved otherwise.”
— @bongwe_ncube
More than money
For Mbali, this case was about principle, not luxury.
“This was about being respected and treated fairly under the law,” she said.
Now, with R550 million potentially at stake, her victory may redefine how South Africa views lobola, love, and legal equality in modern marriage.
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