Award-winning TV and radio sports presenter Robert Marawa has been accused of being an absent father.
In an open letter posted on her Facebook page, Marawa’s former girlfriend and mother of his son Awande, Zoe Mthiyane, lifts the lid on how she had to “suffer alone” with her son and how she relied on friends for accommodation.
The Australia-based actress and model said she had battled without success to get Marawa to be involved in their child’s life.
"Over the years I have suffered alone in South Africa prior to my taking a job in Australia, even relying on friends to accommodate our son and I.
My support structure in Australia have seen me manoeuvre a foreign country, with a baby without your participation, financial support or enquiry on how he was doing.
"I have attempted, on numerous occasions to involve you in your son’s life, before I left South Africa and during my stay in Australia.
“I have sent pictures, videos, called and e-mailed you, my son never heard from you.
“I have exhausted all avenues including communication to get your attention and establish your role and financial responsibility to your son.
Mthiyane concluded she would exhaust all legal avenues to ensure that Marawa took psychological, emotional and financial responsibility for their son's well being.
In his defense, Marawa told Sowetan: “All I’ve ever wanted is access to my child and not disgruntled attempts to discredit me. I can’t respond to a letter that’s directed at the media and not me.”