Penuel Mlotshwa Reacts to Kelly Khumalo’s LTido Podcast Interview — “No Parent Should Have to Fight Tooth and Nail to See Their Child”

Johannesburg – South African social media commentator and motivational speaker Penuel Mlotshwa, popularly known as GodPenuel, has weighed in on Kelly Khumalo’s recent appearance on the LTido Podcast, where the award-winning singer discussed her experiences with her children’s fathers.

In his latest social media reel, Penuel praised LTido for hosting the candid conversation but said parts of Kelly’s remarks “triggered” him, particularly her statements about absent fathers, child maintenance, and access rights.

“I want to give a big shout out to LTido and the LTido Podcast,” Penuel began. “I recently watched his latest offering sitting down with Kelly Khumalo. I want to address something that sort of triggered me because it affects my personal life and the personal lives of many other people.”

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“No Parent Should Have to Fight Tooth and Nail”

Reacting to Kelly Khumalo’s claim that men should fight tooth and nail to be in their children’s lives, Penuel disagreed strongly, arguing that access to one’s child should not come at an emotional or financial cost.

“I do not believe any man or woman should have to fight tooth and nail to see their child,” he said.
“When you fight tooth and nail, you end up spending tens of thousands of rands with lawyers and courts. It costs money, time, and your mental health. That’s why so many men end up depressed, and in tragic cases, some even take their lives.”

He went on to say that primary caregivers—often mothers or grandparents—should actively facilitate access between children and both parents, in line with the Children’s Act, which prioritizes the child’s best interests.

Maintenance Without Access? “That’s Abuse”

Addressing another key moment from the interview, Penuel took issue with Khumalo’s statement that men must continue to pay maintenance even if they are denied access to their children.

“You cannot, if you’re sane, expect someone to maintain a child they are denied access to,” Penuel stated firmly.
“That’s a form of abuse—emotional, financial, and psychological—on both the father and the child.”

He emphasized that fatherhood involves more than money, suggesting that men should be allowed to contribute through time, care, and physical involvement.

“Even if a man doesn’t have money, he should still be allowed to babysit, help with homework, or take the child to school. That’s a form of maintenance too—just not financial.”

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Accountability and Financial Transparency

In his video, Penuel also raised concerns about financial misuse of maintenance money, urging men to use electronic transfers (EFTs) instead of cash or e-wallets to ensure proof of payments.

“Some women lie about not receiving maintenance even when there’s proof,” he said. “Others misuse the money for personal expenses instead of the child. That’s why I tell men, don’t send e-wallets—use EFT so there’s a clear record.”

He added that fairness should work both ways, noting that if a child spends time at the father’s home, the mother is not expected to pay his rent or food costs, so the same principle should apply in reverse.

A Broader Conversation About Parenting

Penuel’s video has since sparked widespread debate online, with many users sharing their own experiences of parental alienation, maintenance disputes, and the challenges of co-parenting in South Africa.

His message, though controversial to some, highlights the complex realities of modern parenting, where emotional, legal, and financial pressures often collide.

“My suggestion is simple,” he concluded. “Don’t maintain a child you do not have access to. If the mother takes you to maintenance court, tell the magistrate you’ll happily support your child once access is granted. Both parents must act in the best interest of the child — not in bitterness.”

Closing Thoughts

The video marks yet another moment where Penuel Mlotshwa uses his platform to tackle social and relationship issues head-on. While some have praised his boldness, others have accused him of oversimplifying gender dynamics.

Nonetheless, his commentary underscores the growing importance of open dialogue around fatherhood, custody rights, and parental accountability — topics that continue to resonate deeply across South African society.