Dr. Celiwe explained that she used to pay R15,000 per month for a Mercedes GLC before it was written off following an accident her husband was involved in. At the time, she had shortfall cover, so the car was paid off. However, she disclosed that her husband’s accident happened after she had suffered gender-based violence (GBV) at his hands.
Despite their financial struggles, Dr. Celiwe suggested they downgrade to a more affordable car, but her husband refused. He insisted on getting another luxury vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz GLB priced at R1.2 million, because he didn’t want people to mock him for downgrading. Since he was unemployed, the financial burden fell entirely on Dr. Celiwe. She ended up paying R23,000 per month, including insurance, in a single-income household.
While her husband drove the expensive Mercedes, she had to settle for a much cheaper Kia Rio, which costs between R239,900 and R365,995. Reflecting on her decisions, she shared a candid moment in one of her videos:
“If I’m being honest, the worst decision I’ve ever taken in my life is not even marrying my husband. The worst decision I took was signing and taking that car for him. That is the worst decision I’ve ever done in my life.”
She continued to express regret, stating that taking on such a financial burden delayed her ability to buy a home for her children.
“Signing that car and taking that car for my husband, I did so much injustice to my kids that has delayed me in even buying a house for my children.”
As time went on, she struggled to keep up with the car payments, and despite all her sacrifices, her husband remained unsupportive. Eventually, when she refused to continue funding his lavish lifestyle, he chose to leave.
Her story has sparked a heated debate online, with many expressing disbelief over her ordeal. Some criticised her ex-husband for his entitlement, while others blamed her for making poor financial decisions.
Social media users had mixed reactions to Dr. Celiwe Dada’s story, with many criticising her ex-husband while others questioned her decisions. @Rathipa_Rampedi wondered if the man had contributed anything financially, asking, “Did the man even bring in any money to the home, even a cent?” Meanwhile, @Kane_GM9 was harsh in his criticism, stating, “Women with low self-esteem are an embarrassment. Not even a medical degree could save her, what a Xhosa jollofina.” @10_Amo16 emphasised the importance of financial independence, saying, “Bafazi (women), I didn’t say le tsene skolo (go to school) so that you can buy men cars. Ke rile (we said) so that you can be empowered and have your own things.” However, @WaMuvenda urged people to show compassion, commenting, “Y’all please be kind to Dr. Celiwe Dada. Calling her names & acting holier than thou when you yourselves have endured worse at the hands of multiple men is so last year!”
Despite the mixed reactions, Dr. Celiwe’s story has opened up important conversations about financial abuse, toxic relationships, and the importance of setting boundaries in partnerships. Many have praised her for sharing her experience and warning young women about the dangers of taking on financial burdens for men who do not contribute.
@dr..celiwe.dada I don't know if this will help someone.but I hope by the time I'm done my point will have come across#abusivemarriagesurvior #talkingthroughit #domesticabuseawareness #satiktok🇿🇦 #fyp #viral #girlmom #seperatedmomoftiktok☺ #seperatedmomoftiktok☺ #finacialmistake #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ Majesty – Deeper Soaking Worship
@dr..celiwe.dada yoh! this is going to be too long#fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #seperatedmomoftiktok☺ #viral #fyp #satiktok🇿🇦 #domesticabuseawareness #singleSeperatedMom ♬ original sound – Dr. Celiwe Dada
@dr..celiwe.dada #finacialmistake #singleSeperatedMom #viral #fypシ゚ #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #satiktok🇿🇦 #viralvideos #talkingthroughit #domesticabuseawareness ♬ original sound – Dr. Celiwe Dada
