Former Generations: The Legacy actor Letoya Makhene is at the center of a public custody dispute with her former partner, Johnson Masondo. Masondo has taken to podcasts to discuss their relationship and ongoing conflict, alleging that he has legal custody of their child and claiming that Makhene took their son without his knowledge or consent.
Speaking on the Engineer Your Life with Lungelo KM podcast, Masondo said Makhene left with their child, despite his having custody documents. He further claimed that authorities had been searching for the actor and that he had not seen his son for several months. Masondo also alleged that he was never paid for his appearances on The Makhenes, the family reality show that airs on Mzansi Magic.
Custody Dispute Escalates
The dispute between Makhene and Masondo escalated after he reportedly began communicating with Makhene’s ex-wife, Lebo Keswa. Keswa, who married Makhene in 2020 before their divorce four years later, has also made a series of allegations about the former couple’s relationship and her interactions with Masondo.
According to Keswa, Masondo contacted her, claiming he wanted to “come clean” about allegedly participating in rituals against her alongside Makhene. Masondo has since been reunited with his son at Makhene’s grandmother’s home in Soweto, but he still intends to pursue full custody.
Financial Constraints
Despite the reunion, Masondo said he still faces financial constraints that have complicated the custody process. He expressed his desire to provide a stable home for his son and to continue working as a healer to afford being a good parent. Masondo’s situation highlights the challenges faced by many parents in South Africa who struggle to balance their financial responsibilities with their desire to be involved in their children’s lives.
Some of the key issues in custody disputes include:
- Financial stability
- Emotional well-being
- Co-parenting relationships
- Legal representation
For more information on custody laws in South Africa, visit the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website.
