Women For Change (WFC), a South African non-profit organisation advocating for women’s and children’s rights, has expressed its unwavering support for actress Denise Zimba as she fights to keep her two young daughters in South Africa. The organisation made a statement on X, highlighting the emotional and legal struggles Denise has faced since the Johannesburg High Court ruled in favour of her estranged husband, allowing him to take their daughters, aged 19 months and 5 years, back to Germany—a country they barely know.
The court’s decision has sparked controversy, as it disregards the devastating impact of separating the children from their primary caregiver, Denise, who has raised them in South Africa. WFC has been vocal in condemning the ruling, which they believe fails to acknowledge the trauma the children would endure by being torn from their mother and their home.
In their statement, Women For Change wrote, “Women For Change stands with Denise Zimba, who has been relentlessly fighting to keep her two young daughters in South Africa, the only home they truly know.” They further criticised the court for prioritising the father’s rights over the emotional well-being of the children, 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 custody battle began after Denise, her husband, and their daughter moved to Germany in 2022. Following the birth of their second child, the family returned to South Africa. However, as marital disputes intensified, Denise felt more supported by her family and friends and decided to stay in Cape Town with her daughters. Her husband, who initially agreed to this arrangement, later filed a Hague Convention case against her, claiming she had unlawfully retained the children in South Africa.
Since then, Denise has been fighting in court for the right to keep her daughters close and provide them with a stable and loving home. WFC has strongly criticised the system for failing mothers, stating, “This ruling is yet another example of the system failing mothers. Fathers can claim parental rights while disregarding the immense emotional and physical labor mothers dedicate to raising their children.”
The organisation raised a broader issue, questioning how many more mothers must fight against a system that does not prioritise their sacrifices and their children’s best interests. “How many more women must be labeled as criminals for simply trying to protect and nurture their own children?” WFC asked.
The public response on X has been largely sympathetic to Denise’s plight. Many users have voiced their support, including @lAmShahieda, who wrote, “Sad, but we do not know the inner workings of these people’s lives and why the court would rule in the father’s favor.” Others, like @LeevhuLeaks and @Naledi_kgasago, have expressed their solidarity by stating, “I stand with Denise Zimba!” and “WE STAND WITH DENISE ZIMBA!”
Women For Change stands with Denise Zimba, who has been relentlessly fighting to keep her two young daughters in South Africa, the only home they truly know.
The Johannesburg High Court ruled in favor of Denise’s estranged husband, allowing him to take their daughters, aged 19… pic.twitter.com/hWDXISfwVu
— Women For Change (@womenforchange5) March 7, 2025
