On February 19, 2025, Palesa Madisa made headlines with a candid and emotional interview on the *Hell and Back* podcast hosted by Boldly Oami.

In this revealing conversation, Palesa opened up about the numerous challenges she has faced co-parenting with South African celebrity Somizi Mhlongo, shedding light on a private and complicated family dynamic that has long been the subject of speculation.

The interview exposed raw truths about their past, the struggles surrounding their daughter Bahumi, and the reasons behind the strained relationship between Palesa and Somizi.

This article unpacks the key revelations from the interview, the history of their relationship, and the public reaction to this explosive disclosure.

 

To understand the current tensions between Somizi and Palesa, it is essential to look back to their beginnings in the early 1990s.

At that time, Palesa Madisa and Somizi entered into a romantic relationship.

However, this period coincided with Somizi grappling with his sexual identity—a deeply personal and challenging journey for the rising star in South Africa’s entertainment scene.

 

Palesa’s pregnancy during this tumultuous time added complexity to their relationship.

Born in 1995, their daughter Bahumi’s arrival was met with denial from Somizi, who allegedly refused to accept paternity and insisted on a DNA test to confirm if Bahumi was his child.

This denial was a significant emotional blow to Palesa, who had to come to terms not only with the challenges of young motherhood but also with the rejection from Somizi.

Palesa revealed in the interview that Somizi urged her to terminate the pregnancy upon learning about it, a request she declined.

Somizi’s denial of paternity and demand for a DNA test created a painful rift between them.

After the test confirmed his fatherhood, the relationship between Somizi and Palesa remained strained, with limited communication and support.

 

Financial difficulties soon followed.

Palesa recounted having to take Somizi to maintenance court to secure child support, an experience she described as humiliating, especially as a young woman trying to establish herself in the entertainment industry.

The legal battles and financial instability added layers of hardship to Palesa’s journey as a single mother.

 

Fast-forward to 2025, and the situation remains complicated.

Palesa disclosed that Bahumi, now 30 years old, is not financially stable.

Despite being the daughter of a wealthy and famous father, Bahumi reportedly does not own a car or a home and often relies on Uber rides to attend auditions.

She currently lives with Palesa, who supports her as she hustles to build her career.

 

This revelation sparked a heated debate on social media.

Many criticized Somizi for allegedly neglecting his daughter’s financial needs, accusing him of failing to provide adequate support.

Comments ranged from frustration over Bahumi’s financial dependence to discussions about personal responsibility and entitlement.

 

Some social media voices argued that at 30, Bahumi should be independent, owning her own car and home without relying on her father’s wealth.

Others questioned her career progress, noting that while Palesa has a successful acting career, Bahumi has not yet established herself similarly.

These mixed reactions highlight the complexity of public opinion on family dynamics, especially involving celebrities.

Despite the backlash and public scrutiny following Palesa’s interview, Somizi has yet to make a detailed public response addressing the allegations.

Known for his charismatic personality and high-profile presence, his silence on this matter has left many wondering about his side of the story.

 

However, some reports and social media commentary suggest that the father-daughter relationship remains intact on a personal level.

Although Somizi and Palesa may not see eye to eye on many issues, Bahumi reportedly loves her father and understands the challenges he faces.

This nuanced reality contrasts with the public perception of neglect and animosity.

 

Palesa’s interview also revealed the emotional toll that this strained relationship has taken on her.

She spoke candidly about the pain of raising Bahumi without consistent support from Somizi, the embarrassment of legal battles, and the burden of financial responsibility.

The interview painted a picture of a mother who has fought hard to provide for her child amid difficult circumstances.

The interview also touched on Somizi’s own struggles during the early years of Bahumi’s life.

Palesa suggested that Somizi was young, confused, and perhaps not ready to embrace fatherhood fully at the time.

This context helps explain some of the challenges they faced but does not excuse the alleged neglect.

 

The story of Somizi, Palesa, and Bahumi is emblematic of the complicated intersections between celebrity, fame, and family life.

Public figures often face intense scrutiny, and their private lives become fodder for public consumption.

This dynamic can exacerbate existing tensions and make reconciliation more difficult.

 

Moreover, the pressures of maintaining a public image can sometimes lead celebrities to distance themselves from difficult personal matters.

In Somizi’s case, his rise to stardom and struggles with identity may have contributed to the fractured family relationships.

The public’s response to Palesa’s interview has been mixed.

Some sympathize with her plight, recognizing the challenges of co-parenting with a famous and complicated figure like Somizi.

They applaud her courage for speaking out and raising awareness about the realities behind the glamorous façade.

 

Others, however, criticize both Palesa and Bahumi, suggesting that Bahumi should take more responsibility for her financial independence.

Some argue that Somizi’s public generosity and lifestyle should not obligate him to provide for adult children indefinitely.

 

This division reflects broader societal debates about family responsibility, independence, and the expectations placed on public figures.

 

Despite the messy history and public drama, one thing remains clear: the bond between Somizi and Bahumi endures.

Both father and daughter reportedly share love and respect, even if their relationship is complicated.

For Palesa and Somizi, the hope is that they can find a way to co-parent effectively and support Bahumi’s growth and independence.

Open communication and mutual understanding will be essential to healing old wounds and moving forward.

 

The explosive revelations from Palesa Madisa’s 2025 interview have brought to light the complex and painful history between her and Somizi Mhlongo, as well as the struggles faced by their daughter Bahumi.

From denial of paternity and financial battles to public scrutiny and personal pain, their story is a poignant reminder of the challenges behind celebrity families.

 

While the public debates rage on, it is important to remember the human side of this story: a family navigating love, responsibility, and forgiveness amid the pressures of fame.

As they continue their journey, the hope remains that healing and reconciliation will eventually prevail, allowing them to support each other beyond the headlines and social media storms.

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