Veteran South African actress Linda Sokhulu has shared candid insights into her decision to live a child-free life, a choice that has sparked both admiration and criticism from the public. Speaking openly on The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast on 8 August 2025, the 48-year-old star revealed that motherhood was never part of her life’s plan.
Best known for her role as Cleo Khuzwayo in Generations (2004–2007) and more recently as Tumi Selepe in 7de Laan (2022), Sokhulu said she has always had a different perspective on parenting compared to those who dreamed of becoming parents from an early age.
“Unlike people who are parents and waited for it to happen their whole lives, it was never something that was pressing for me,” she explained. “Some people say, ‘I just want to be a mom.’ I guess I’ve always had a different interpretation of what being a parent is.”
When asked if she might consider motherhood in the future, Sokhulu was clear yet open-minded: “If I’m to be, then I shall be. It’s not a thing that I feel would leave a void in my life if it never happened. How can you have a void for something you don’t know?”
Her remarks come at a time when South Africa’s birth rate is steadily declining. According to Briefly News, the 2025 birth rate stands at 18.5 — a 1.32% drop from 2024. Statistics South Africa also reports that the country’s total fertility rate has decreased, with women expected to have an average of 2.21 children over their lifetime.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Sokhulu’s honesty about her life choices resonated strongly with many fans, who praised her for speaking openly about a topic often surrounded by societal pressure. Social media user Dlulane_BongaM commented, “We don’t all want to be parents, and that’s okay.” Another supporter, using the handle TvblogbyMLU, added, “And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”
Others shared how much they value seeing women like Sokhulu embrace their personal choices. User mamiza__m wrote, “Women like her are so important to me!” while Mmasekgoba added, “Not everyone is meant to be a parent. No need to force things just to appear normal to people you don’t even know!”
However, the actress also faced criticism from some quarters. Similar to fellow media personality Bonang Matheba, who has been subjected to questions about her “biological clock,” Sokhulu was targeted by trolls who argued that women should have children before it’s “too late.” Some online detractors used her age to suggest that she would regret her choice in the future.
Despite the backlash, Sokhulu remains grounded in her stance, stressing the importance of knowing oneself and living authentically.
Her comments have reignited debates about personal freedom, societal expectations, and the right of individuals — especially women — to decide whether or not to have children. For many supporters, her words are a reminder that fulfillment in life is not defined solely by parenthood, but by living in alignment with one’s own values and desires.
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