Cape Town – South African actress Sonia Mbele has found herself at the centre of a heated social media storm after remarks about her children’s upbringing triggered sharp criticism online.
The controversy erupted after the Blood & Water star appeared on DJ Ollah 7 Podcast, where she opened up about balancing motherhood with the demands of her acting career.
During the interview, Mbele spoke warmly about Jennifer, her long-time house manager from Zimbabwe, crediting her with playing a central role in her children’s early lives.
“My first house manager Jennifer… was from Zimbabwe. She was with me for years. Jennifer raised my children,” she said.
The actress explained that her demanding schedule, which often saw her working 12-hour days on set, meant she relied heavily on Jennifer’s presence and support.
“Literally, Aunty Jennifer raised my children… I needed somebody I could trust, and I needed somebody that I knew could cook for my kids,” she said.
Mbele also shared that she invested in Jennifer’s development, enrolling her in cooking school and supporting her training in household management.
“She was a house manager, her own supervisor, she was a chef… she did it all,” she said.
While many social media users viewed her comments as an honest reflection of a working mother navigating a demanding career, others were less sympathetic.
Among the most vocal critics was music executive and controversial X personality Nota Baloyi.
Raise gour children because you’re an irresponsible mother… I would never say my maid raised me, she did her jib & took instructions from the woman raising me! pic.twitter.com/wgvniJB6YB
— MORAL Authority (@lavidaNOTA) April 29, 2026
Baloyi took to the platform to express his disapproval, writing: “Raise your children because you’re an irresponsible mother… I would never say my maid raised me, she did her job and took instructions from the woman raising me!”
His remarks intensified the online debate, with users divided between defending Mbele’s openness and questioning her choice of words.
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Picture: Instagram/ Sonia Mbele
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
