Their marriage, which produced two kids, only lasted about two years. This is after former Generations actress and TV presenter Dennis Zimba discovered that her estranged husband had allegedly been having extra-marital affairs with her friend of 14 years. At the time of the separation, Denise said she didn't regret leaving him after he cheated. The Johannesburg High Court has since ruled in favour of Denise's estranged husband, Jakob Schlichtig, to take their daughters, aged five years and 19 months, back with him to Germany. 

BIRTH-RIGHT

Women For Change, an organisation against GVB that supports women's rights, has declared that they stand by Denise in getting her children back. "Denise Zimba has been relentlessly fighting to keep her two young daughters in South Africa, the only home they truly know," said the organisation in a statement, adding: "The court filed documents and claimed that the girls would be distressed without their father but failed to acknowledge the devastating trauma it would have on the children to tear them away from their mother and their home."

THE FIGHT

According to the organisation, in 2022, Denise, her husband, and their first daughter moved to Germany. "After giving birth to her second child, the family returned to South Africa. Still, amid ongoing marital disputes, Denise felt more supported by her family and friends and decided to stay in their Cape Town home with her daughters, the statement further stated. "Her husband initially agreed and returned to Germany, only to later file a Hague Convention case against her, claiming she had unlawfully retained the children. Since then, Denise has been fighting in court for the right to keep her children close and raise them in a safe and loving environment."

THE RULING

The organisation said the ruling is yet another example of the system failing mothers. "Fathers can claim parental rights while disregarding the immense emotional and physical labour mothers dedicated to raising their children. The trauma of taking children away from their mothers, their source of comfort, safety, and love, is immeasurable. How many more mothers must fight against a system that disregards their sacrifices, love, and children's best interests? How many more women must be labelled as criminals for simply trying to protect and nurture their children?" the statement added. The organisation emphasised that they stand with Denise and every mother who has had to fight, often alone, often unheard, and too frequently losing. Denise declined to comment on the matter, while her ex-husband could not be reached.