Black Coffee’s Cry for Privacy: ‘My Children Are Not Public Property’

Just days after finalising his divorce from actress Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, South African DJ and producer Black Coffee has publicly pleaded for the privacy of his children.

The Grammy-winning artist, born Nkosinathi Maphumulo, took to social media to urge followers and media outlets to stop sharing images of his sons, Anesu and Asante, as public scrutiny around his personal life continues to intensify.

He stated that while people are free to believe what they read, his priority as a father is to protect his children from unnecessary exposure.

“I understand that you people believe everything you read, and that is fine.

“As a father, I have one request. Please stop posting my children on your socials,” he wrote.

The plea follows the conclusion of a high-profile separation that began in 2019.

Mlotshwa, who filed for divorce, shared her reflections online, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the support she received throughout the legal process.

She said the journey had been emotionally taxing but spiritually transformative, and she was thankful for the strength she gained through it.

“Today, with great emotion, I write this. I am officially Miss Mlotshwa. I am so grateful for this ugly journey that gave me so many lessons.

“Today God has laid a table for me,” she posted.

Mlotshwa also praised her legal team for their dedication, saying they reminded her of her inner strength and the importance of fighting for her children and for the rights of women in South Africa.

She expressed heartfelt appreciation to her family, noting that her mother carried the emotional weight of the journey, and her sisters stood by her through every challenge — even in court, despite personal health struggles.

“Thank you, Mom, my sister Mskutty Molete, who, even after her operation, was in court with me, holding my hand when I was holding back tears, and my elder sister, always ready to fight for me and ask questions later.

“I love you, and I thank Dad that he brought you into this world. Your soul is beautiful, and thank you for sharing.”

She also thanked her daughters and close friends for their emotional and spiritual support, saying they kept her strong behind the scenes with late-night calls and prayer gatherings.

“Nothing of my intimate life has ever spilled out onto the media, and I am grateful to have true friends whom I know I can trust with my life.

“Thank you all. But most importantly, thank you, God, thank you, Jesus, for making me strong.”

The issue of children’s exposure on social media has sparked mixed reactions online.

While many supported Black Coffee’s appeal, citing safety and privacy concerns, others questioned the timing and consistency of his message.

One user likened his request to a protective act, saying it was not about secrecy but safeguarding what matters most.

“When a man builds a fence around his home, it is not hatred but protection. A father asking for his children’s privacy is like a lion guarding its cubs from the open field.

“What is shown to the world cannot be taken back, so wisdom lies in keeping some treasures unseen,” wrote @anasuachara.

Others were more critical, suggesting that privacy should be practiced consistently, not selectively.

@Nwayitel0 commented, “Fair enough, and as much as you want your privacy respected, maybe start by keeping your children’s lives off the internet too. You cannot pick and choose when the spotlight suits you.”

@Kei2Rampoporo added, “That is something you should have thought about before you went on and ‘did what you did’, Grootman.

“Unfortunately, the internet and social media community do not operate the way you want, so either you accept that or take accountability.”

Still, some echoed Black Coffee’s concerns about safety, especially in light of rising crime and child kidnappings in South Africa.

@FreedomZen17612 wrote, “Can we protect the kids? Too much publicity may invite criminals into their lives. Yes, we love X and may be spiteful while making fun of everything, but South Africa is no longer safe with the kidnappings happening every day.

“l think let us grant Grootman his request, for the sake of the kids.”

As reported by IOL, the divorce and subsequent public statements have reignited debate around digital boundaries, parental responsibility, and child protection in the age of social media.

With South Africa facing rising concerns over online exposure and child safety, Black Coffee’s appeal adds urgency to a conversation that continues to evolve.