Ratile Mabitsela Opens Up About Trauma After Painful Marriage “That Soul Caused Me So Much Harm”

Former The Mommy Club reality TV star Ratile Mabitsela has bravely opened up about the lasting trauma she carries from her past marriage — and her words have struck a powerful chord with many women, especially young widows navigating love, loss, and healing.

Now going by her maiden name, Ratile Boitumelo Mabotja, the businesswoman reflected on her painful journey while responding to an emotional post by Babes Wodumo, who was remembering her late husband Mampintsha, three years after his passing.

“I Hear the Hurt Behind It” — Ratile Reflects on Widowhood

In a video that sparked conversation, Babes Wodumo — the Wololo hitmaker — joked candidly about men and infidelity, saying:

“A man is a man. No man doesn’t cheat; every man does naughty things on the side.”

While some laughed it off, Ratile saw something deeper — pain masked as humour.

Responding with raw honesty, she shared how widowhood doesn’t look the same for everyone, especially when love was mixed with hurt.

“This is painful, but I hear the hurt behind it. As young widows, we’re shaped by experiences we never asked for.”

She went on to explain why certain phrases often used when remembering the deceased don’t always bring comfort.

“Remembrance Doesn’t Always Mean Reunion”

In one of the most chilling parts of her reflection, Ratile addressed the phrase “till we meet again” — and why it doesn’t sit well with her.

“For me, remembrance doesn’t always mean reunion… the ‘till we meet again’ gives me chills, maybe because I’m still traumatised. But I’d never want to meet again with a soul that caused me so much harm — now or ever.”

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Still, she closed her message with grace, acknowledging the complexity of grief:

“May his soul rest, and may you find light again, Momma.”

Ratile was previously married to the late businessman Lehlogonolo Mabitsela. Their divorce was highly publicised and extremely messy, making her journey as a young widow layered with unresolved pain.

 “To Us, Young Widows” — Social Media Responds With Love

Her vulnerability opened the floodgates for support, with many women saying her words gave voice to feelings they struggle to express.

@handbagskhween replied: “I hear you. You know you have my heart always.”

@tsaki_joy shared: “I fully understand.”

@takisom wrote: “The country’s love. Sorry, mama. I hope you heal, and live long for your little treasures.”

Others related on a broader level, connecting trauma to choices about love and family.

@slie_sibisi said: “Some people say we are lying when we say we do not want to get married or have kids because of what we’ve already seen outside of it.”

And @lebzee_hermajesty summed it up poignantly: “To us, young widows. Love and light. It never ends, but we move on.”

Her message is clear: not all love stories deserve a sequel, and choosing peace over nostalgia is valid.

Mzansi, what do you think? Is society too quick to expect widows to grieve a certain way?

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