A Judge has rejected Uyanda Mbuli’s court application for R86000 in spousal maintenance, and lambasted her for living beyond her means.

The socialite and businesswoman had applied for a jaw-dropping total of R119000 a month, of which the R86000 would go towards maintaining her lavish lifestyle . This despite the fact that her estranged husband, IDC marketing head Sisa Mbuli, only earns R1,2m annually and forks out R55000 a month on expenses of his own.

Upon hearing the amounts requested, presiding Judge Fayeeza Kathree- Setiloane was clearly not amused. She told off Mbuli for leading a lifestyle far beyond her means, and pointed out that the application was entirely unrealistic.

“Please be realistic. How on earth is the respondent expected to pay all of this from a nett salary of R45000 a month?” said the judge.

When Kathree- Setiloane heard that Mbuli had asked for R10000 a month for her son, she asked: ”What is this, the queen of England’s son?”

But the judge showed little sympathy for Mbuli’s husband either, refusing to admit additional evidence that he hoped would bolster his case.

Of the R119000 Mbuli was demanding, 86000 was for spousal maintenance, R23000 for monthly expenses and the other R10000 for the child. In the end, the judge would award her a far more modest amount.

The award-winning style icon and founder of Diamond Face Couture first tied the knot with Sisa ten years ago. Despite their estrangement, they still live under the same roof to this day, a  double-storey Estate home in Kyalami .

The court was told, however, that their living arrangements are not a reflection of mutual interests. The couple have been living separate lives for the past two years, as they await the conclusion of divorce hearings and the division of their extensive estate.

The monthly expense figure of R23 000 mentioned above is in fact for their joint expenses, and covers the domestic budget and staff salaries for the domestic worker and gardener.

Since separating, both Uyanda and Sisa have sought protection orders against each other. Uyanda even spent a night behind bars after violating her own court order against her husband.

Speaking on behalf of Uyanda, the wonderfully named advocate Jones Willcock argued that she lacked a source of income, and had been forced to lean heavily on her friends and family while she awaited the outcome of the divorce proceedings. Uyanda has apparently racked up a significant amount of debt.

Willcock pointed out that Sisa owns shares in MTN, property in the Eastern Cape, a flat in Cape Town and interests in other businesses, and was thus well placed to foot Uyanda’s bills.

“And your client too has an exorbitant standard of living,” replied the judge.

But Willcock said that being a celebrity meant Uyanda had to maintain a lavish lifestyle in the public eye.

When the judge asked the advocate to reduce the amount to a more reasonable figure, Willcock suggested “R35000 or R40000″ instead of the original R86000.

Sisa complained that his wife never contributed to the cost of groceries and refused to pay the phone bills. He said she also failed to pay the staff their salaries, instead leaving it up to him.

“Virtually, the applicant is having a free ride, living under my roof and eating my groceries. I should be the one asking for maintenance from her,” he said.

“She took a decision to buy those cars. I’m still driving a 2005 BMW. I’m not in a position to afford that,” he said.

“I’m not prepared to pay for anything regarding the upkeep of the complainant.

“She’s frivolous in her claims, she has a fashion business and can afford this.”

Willcock presented evidence in support of her assertion that due to a protracted smear campaign, orchestrated by Sisa against his estranged wife, Uyanda had lost out on several lucrative contracts with major sponsors.

Sisa replied by saying that although his wife was highly qualified, she stubbornly refused to look for a job. He repeated that it was left to him to provide for them both.

“But I do not see the reason why I should now support an extravagant lifestyle.”

Judge Kathree-Setiloane said her ruling was unlikely to please both parties in the case.

“This is what happens when parties are not honest and frank with this court. You will both have to deal with the consequences of the decision that I will make, even if it does not make you both happy.”

The case was postponed to Friday, at which point Sisa tried to present a new application

The judge rejected the application and an overwrought Sisa promptly broke down and cried.

After allowing Sisa a chance to compose himself, the judge ordered that he cough up  R7500 a month for his estranged wife’s expenses, with the first instalment due August 20. She also ordered that he pay for all his son’s costs, including medical aid, school fees, and expenses related to extra mural activities.

“If the minor child takes an excess of two extra mural activities, consent of the respondent should first be heard before such further expenses are incurred,” she said.

“The respondent is ordered to further make payments on the monthly bond instalments for their matrimonial home, as well as payment of salaries for the domestic worker and the gardener.”

Sisa will also be required to pay for groceries and cleaning materials, rates and taxes for their home, phone bills and TV subscriptions, medical aid fees for Uyanda, and monthly instalments of R5573 on her Saab.

To add insult to injury, he was also ordered to fork out R5000 towards  the costs of the court application.

When asked for a comment by the Sunday World, Sisa would only say : ”My lips are sealed.”

Uyanda was not in court when the judgement was handed down.