South Africans discuss the reality of changes after divorce — TimesLIVE

In South Africa, social media users are discussing a phenomenon called the “post-divorce glow-up”: noticeable changes in appearance, lifestyle and sense of independence after a marriage ends. As TimesLIVE reports, participants in such stories stress that photographs and posts do not always reflect the difficult process of emotional recovery.

Freedom of decision-making and rebuilding oneself

Lungi Mbele said that after her divorce, she felt changes in emotional, physical, financial and spiritual areas. During her marriage, she said, she often needed her husband’s approval, including for spending, and also stopped attending church regularly. After the divorce, Mbele returned to church life, joined choirs and began wearing clothes in which she felt comfortable.

She also received half of the couple’s property, which gave her more opportunities to make financial decisions independently. At the same time, the early period after the divorce was difficult for her. Support groups for divorced women helped her, where participants could communicate with one another and with psychologists.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Emile Mothoa was left with three children, no job and almost no belongings. She later found employment and began managing her earnings independently. However, Mothoa said that even after these changes, she has days when she cries and asks herself questions about the consequences of the divorce for her children.

External changes do not mean rapid healing

After his divorce, Sipho Shongwe began exercising, monitoring his diet, changing his clothing style and travelling. Acquaintances noticed his physical transformation, but he himself stressed that he went through an emotionally difficult period during the first two years after the divorce.

Divorce lawyer Simon Dippenaar explained that noticeable changes may be linked to greater control over one’s time, money and daily decisions. At the same time, he said, a photograph does not show possible financial difficulties, grief or challenges related to raising children. A person may look happier after a divorce without becoming wealthier.