Namhla Tshisela
Namhla Tshisela
The Johannesburg family court yesterday granted Nhlamulo Shilowa's wish for his father, Premier Mbhazima Shilowa of Gauteng, to pay for his studies.
Shilowa, who appeared in camera before magistrate Daniel Thulare, was ordered to maintain his young son.
Nhlamulo, 20, is the premier's son from a previous customary marriage to Caroline RikhotNhlamuloso of Giyani, Limpopo.
Nhlamulo said after the hearing that Shilowa would pay for his tertiary education next year and provide pocket money.
He would not disclose the amount the court had settled on, but acknowledged that it was less than the R5000-a-month maintenance he had demanded.
"I am happy that at last I will be going to college, but I don't like the fact that a court of law had to force him to take care of me."
Nhlamulo's uncle Citizen Rikhotso said the two families needed to "iron out" other issues outside the court room.
Nhlamulo regretted that he met his father for the first time at court.
"I have realised he was not the person I thought he was. I always imagined he was a good guy. The fact that I had to take him to court proves that he is afraid of owning up to his responsibilities."
He said it was unlikely that he would have a normal relationship with his father.
"I don't think that it is going to happen because I would have forced him [into it]. Nothing is going to change and I am dealing with the fact."
Shilowa first denied paternity and asked for DNA tests but results proved he was the father.
Shilowa ordered to maintain son
Namhla Tshisela
Namhla Tshisela
The Johannesburg family court yesterday granted Nhlamulo Shilowa's wish for his father, Premier Mbhazima Shilowa of Gauteng, to pay for his studies.
Shilowa, who appeared in camera before magistrate Daniel Thulare, was ordered to maintain his young son.
Nhlamulo, 20, is the premier's son from a previous customary marriage to Caroline RikhotNhlamuloso of Giyani, Limpopo.
Nhlamulo said after the hearing that Shilowa would pay for his tertiary education next year and provide pocket money.
He would not disclose the amount the court had settled on, but acknowledged that it was less than the R5000-a-month maintenance he had demanded.
"I am happy that at last I will be going to college, but I don't like the fact that a court of law had to force him to take care of me."
Nhlamulo's uncle Citizen Rikhotso said the two families needed to "iron out" other issues outside the court room.
Nhlamulo regretted that he met his father for the first time at court.
"I have realised he was not the person I thought he was. I always imagined he was a good guy. The fact that I had to take him to court proves that he is afraid of owning up to his responsibilities."
He said it was unlikely that he would have a normal relationship with his father.
"I don't think that it is going to happen because I would have forced him [into it]. Nothing is going to change and I am dealing with the fact."
Shilowa first denied paternity and asked for DNA tests but results proved he was the father.