Penuel Mlotshwa
Podcaster Penuel has spoken out about being labelled a “deadbeat father,” using social media to share his side of a deeply personal co-parenting dispute that unfolded two years ago.
In a lengthy post on X, Penuel reflected on a period when he publicly announced that he was stepping away from two of his children after, according to him, their mother repeatedly denied him access to them.
He explained that the decision followed two failed mediations at the family court and an unsuccessful visitation attempt.
“Two years ago, I declared that I’m choosing to be a deadbeat for two of my kids coz their mom was infringing on my rights for access,” he wrote. “I stated that I’ll walk away & withhold maintenance, until I can see my kids.”
Penuel said he made the announcement publicly and even gave a media interview, which quickly went viral.
In the same posts, he noted that he praised the mothers of his other children with whom he said he co-parents peacefully.
However, he revealed that just three months later, the situation with the mother in question improved and they resumed healthy co-parenting, which continues to this day.
He said he also shared this update publicly, but it received little attention.
“That short period now still has me branded as a deadbeat when I’m not,” he said, adding that repeated explanations have done little to change public perception.
Penuel said his reason for revisiting the issue was to highlight what he believes are broader societal and systemic problems facing fathers.
He argued that toxic co-parenting dynamics, biased courts and harsh public judgment often work against men who are trying to be present in their children’s lives.
“Many men don’t get to see their kids coz of toxic moms. No one calls these mothers out,” he wrote. “When a man cries out… he gets attacked & branded forever.”
He also criticised how men who withhold maintenance due to lack of access to their children are often automatically vilified, while their grievances are dismissed.
Concluding his post, Penuel stressed that he loves his children, provides for them and remains as involved as possible.
He warned that careless online criticism has real consequences.
“Your uninformed words hurt… they hurt us & they hurt our children,” he said, urging the public to show more empathy and fairness when engaging with such sensitive issues.