Katlego Sekhu
South African media personality and television producer Minnie Dlamini has opened up about life after divorce in an exclusive interview on The Motherhood Network Podcast with Nandi Madida.
Minnie, who married Quinton Jones in 2017 and announced their divorce in 2022, spoke candidly about how the experience reshaped her understanding of herself and what it means to be truly fulfilled.
Raised in a home with both parents, Minnie says she was taught to be independent and self-sufficient from a young age.
“It was so important for me to be my own person,” she said.
In the face of public scrutiny and speculation, Minnie has remained firm in setting the record straight.
“It is so irresponsible to create narratives that are lies,” she said. “I want my son to know what it takes to protect women, and that being next to a strong, powerful woman doesn’t take away from him being a strong man.”
Reflecting on one of the most powerful lessons her mother shared with her, she said, “Two happy households are better than one miserable one.”
Minnie acknowledged that divorce, regardless of who initiates it, is never easy. But for her, it came with an unexpected silver lining: rediscovery.
“One thing about divorce is that, whether the decision is yours or not, it gives you an opportunity to find yourself again,” she said.
She admitted to having lost parts of herself during marriage.
“I felt I had to reduce myself. I couldn’t fully be me. And I didn’t like that, because I’ve always been celebrated for being strong, smart, independent, and successful.”
Now, she says, she is happier, more centred, and more committed than ever to being the best version of herself – not just for her own sake, but for her son.
“The version that is raising my son now is a much better version than I was when I was married.”
While she’s uncertain about getting married again, Minnie is clear that the door is not closed.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever get married again, but the opportunity is there. I was really young when I got married, and now I have a better sense of what I want.”
She also stressed the importance of asking the tough questions in relationships. The ones often overlooked in the early stages of love.
“How are we going to raise the kids? How will finances be handled? These are conversations we need to have. And because I’ve gone through it, I’m more deliberate now. I ask those questions and answer them truthfully.”
Her story is not just one of heartbreak, but of healing and hope.
“Divorce is not pretty,” she said. “But what is beautiful is that you get another shot – at love, at life, and at you again.”
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