Black Coffee urges followers to keep his children off social media amid divorce drama

Not everyone wants their children to appear on social media. For some, posting images of family may feel harmless, but for others, it crosses a boundary of privacy and safety.

In today’s digital age, where content spreads instantly and endlessly, parents often find themselves battling for control over how their children are represented online.

DJ and producer Black Coffee, born Nkosinathi Maphumulo, recently made a heartfelt public appeal, asking people to stop sharing images of his children.

“I understand that you people believe everything you read, and that’s fine. As a father, I have one request. Please stop posting my children on your socials,” he said.

The appeal follows the finalisation of his divorce from actress Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, which drew significant media attention.

Coffee and Mlotshwa share two children, Anesu and Asante Maphumulo. 

Mlotshwa, who filed for divorce in 2019, later shared her reflections online.

“Today, with great emotion, I write this. I am officially Miss Mlotshwa. I’m so grateful for this ugly journey that gave me so many lessons. Today God has laid a table for me,” she wrote.

“I am thankful to the people you see in this image. These lawyers, advocates and senior attorneys have pushed me and reminded me of the greatness I had in me, reminded me how important it was to fight, and most importantly, for my children and more so for the rights of women in South Africa.”

Mlotshwa also expressed gratitude to her family for their unwavering support.

“I would like to thank my mother, who took this journey on her shoulders as if it were her own; she felt every emotion I felt more intensely, as I refused to sink myself back into depression. She held space."

"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 acknowledged her daughters.

“Thank you for keeping me strong behind the scenes with all the late-night calls and prayer nights at my house with the preacher. Nothing of my intimate life has ever spilled out onto the media, and I’m 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. Thank you to my angels and ancestors.”

The conversation about protecting children on social media has drawn mixed reactions online. Some people support Coffee’s request, citing safety and privacy concerns, while others were critical.

Below are a few of the comments:

@anasuachara wrote: “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.”

@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 can’t 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 don't operate the way you want, so either you accept that or take accountability. Hade, but it is the way it is.”

@FreedomZen17612 said: “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 SA is no longer safe with the kidnappings happening every day. I think let's grant Grootman his request, for the sake of the kids.”