A South African female doctor has found herself stuck in a marriage after her Nigerian husband refused to divorce her until he secures South African citizenship. The shocking revelation surfaced in a video shared by content creator @PamiTee, where the doctor detailed the difficult situation she faces in her marriage.
Dr. Celiwe Dada, the South African doctor in question, shared that her husband blatantly admitted he “hasn’t gained anything from the marriage” because he has yet to obtain his South African citizenship. The man insisted that he would not agree to a divorce until he benefits from the marriage by becoming a citizen.
In the video, Dr. Dada explained how her husband’s response left her in disbelief. She recalled asking for a divorce, only for him to reply, “It’s too soon for a divorce because I haven’t gotten anything from this marriage.” When she pressed him for clarification, he boldly responded that he needed her to sign off on his citizenship first before any divorce could take place.
This isn’t the first time Dr. Dada has opened up about her troubled marriage. She previously revealed that her unemployed husband had manipulated her into purchasing a luxury vehicle — a R1.2 million Mercedes-Benz GLB — which left her battling monthly installments of R23,000. In addition to the financial strain, she also shared that she endured gender-based violence in the marriage and is now raising three children while struggling to manage these challenges.
The Legal Requirements for Citizenship
Under South African law, foreign nationals married to South African citizens can apply for citizenship through naturalization. However, there are strict conditions attached to this process. The applicant must have held permanent residency and lived in the country for at least two years after marrying a South African citizen. They must also demonstrate good character and meet other legal requirements before citizenship is granted.
Dr. Dada’s husband seems to be using this law to his advantage, attempting to delay the divorce until he qualifies for citizenship — a move that sparked outrage across social media.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The viral video drew mixed reactions from viewers. Some criticized Dr. Dada for marrying a foreigner, accusing her of putting the country at risk, while others offered support and practical advice.
One user, @Tokollo Hennie Lebea, blamed the doctor, commenting, “You sold out our country cheap.” Meanwhile, @Poultar Mangena advised, “You don’t ask for a divorce. You file for divorce and serve him with a summons. Ignore his demands.”
Others shared personal experiences, with @Hlubi Ndondo stating that citizenship through marriage is not automatic and takes a long time, reassuring Dr. Dada that divorcing him won’t automatically grant him citizenship.
Despite the heavy criticism and unsolicited advice, the situation sparked a broader conversation about citizenship, marriage, and the legal complexities surrounding both in South Africa.
Conclusion
Dr. Dada’s story is a cautionary tale about the risks involved in cross-border marriages, especially where citizenship and personal gain may influence a partner’s intentions. Her experience highlights the importance of understanding the legal implications of such unions and serves as a reminder to protect oneself legally and financially when entering marriage.