WHY I'M SUING MY MOM FOR MAINTENANCE
YOU South Africa|20 May 2021
Judge Gayaat Salie-Hlophe’s daughter claims her mom kicked her out and has turned to the courts to get her mother to support her at university
NASIFA SULAIMAN
WHY I'M SUING MY MOM FOR MAINTENANCE

HER mother is a judge who presided over one of the most high-profile murder trials in recent years and her stepfather is judge president of the Western Cape division of the high court.

But as far as Zara Samuels is concerned, that has nothing to do with anything – and she certainly isn’t about to back away from what she believes she deserves.

Zara (19) is suing her mother, Gayaat Salie-Hlophe – the judge in the Jason Rohde murder trial – for maintenance. She claims her mom kicked her out of the house when she was in matric and refuses to support her.

The teen is now a student at the University of Cape Town but her mother isn’t contributing a cent towards her tuition. Instead her dad, advocate Adrian Samuels, is having to cover it all.

Samuels, who sprang to prominence when he represented Ellen Pakkies in her 2008 murder trial after she killed her drug-addicted son, has been struggling lately as work has been slow as a result of the pandemic.

Zara says after finishing matric in 2019 at Springfield Convent Senior School in Cape Town, she took a gap year and it was only when she filled in varsity application forms last year that she decided to apply for maintenance.

She claims both her parents have a duty to care for her until she’s able to support herself. As a student, she needs financial help.

Zara’s first application, lodged in August last year, was for maintenance from her mom only.

“Then I found out that even though my dad had been supporting me, I still need to apply from him as well. That’s what the court says – when you’re filling in an application for maintenance, it has to go out to both parents.

This story is from the 20 May 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 20 May 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOU SOUTH AFRICAView All
HE'S GOT THE LOOK!
YOU South Africa

HE'S GOT THE LOOK!

His startled expression has turned Russian cat Fedya into an internet sensation

time-read
3 mins  |
28 March 2024
ROYALS AT WORK
YOU South Africa

ROYALS AT WORK

Here’s a look at the dwindling family members who make up Charles’ right-hand team

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR
YOU South Africa

IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR

The woman known as the Green Lady just can’t get enough of her favourite shade

time-read
3 mins  |
28 March 2024
IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE
YOU South Africa

IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE

After years of slogging in Hollywood, Colman Domingo is revelling in the glory his role in Rustin has brought him

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
IRON LUNG, IRON WILL
YOU South Africa

IRON LUNG, IRON WILL

HIS life changed forever one summer day in 1952. Paul Alexander was six years old and cooling off in light rain outside his family home when his head and neck began to hurt.

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?
YOU South Africa

WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?

A trusted figure in their community was found guilty of murdering their daughthers, but the two devastated families are still struggling to find closure

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024
HE HIJACKED MY LIFE
YOU South Africa

HE HIJACKED MY LIFE

Abby Furness’ world was turned upside down when a stranger began impersonating her online, sending explicit messages to colleagues and friends.

time-read
10+ mins  |
28 March 2024
5 MINUTE FIXES
YOU South Africa

5 MINUTE FIXES

Don’t have much time to exercise? No problem! These super-quick workouts mean you can improve your fitness, strength and posture in the time it takes to make a cup of tea

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
THE JOY OF SELENA
YOU South Africa

THE JOY OF SELENA

After years of illness and mental health problems the Disney darling is finally in a really good place COMPILED

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024
TAKE THAT CROCODILE!
YOU South Africa

TAKE THAT CROCODILE!

When Anthony was attacked in a dam on a weekend break, his fearless family and friends had no intention of losing him to the bloodthirsty beast

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024