Jub Jub’s Mother Scammed Mandela, Clinton, Oprah and Global Icons in Early 2000s

BREAKING: Jub Jub’s Mother, 'Mama Jackie', Exposed in International Fraud Scandal Involving Mandela, Clinton, and Oprah

In the early 2000s, Jacqueline Maarohanye, widely known as 'Mama Jackie' and mother of South African musician Jub Jub, captivated the world with her purported mission to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and abused children in Soweto. Her organization, the Ithuteng Trust, attracted substantial donations from global figures, including Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, and former U.S. President Bill Clinton. However, investigations later revealed a web of deceit and exploitation at the heart of her operations.

The Rise of the 'Angel of Soweto'

Established in 1997, the Ithuteng Trust was presented as a sanctuary for children affected by political violence, abuse, and poverty. Mama Jackie's compelling narrative and the harrowing stories of her students garnered international attention. Oprah Winfrey donated over $1 million to the cause, and the organization was featured in a documentary that aired on HBO. In 2001, a group of students even traveled to the United States, where they met with President Clinton and spoke at the United Nations, sharing their traumatic experiences. Briefly

Unraveling the Deception

The facade began to crumble in 2006 when South African investigative program Carte Blanche aired a report exposing fraudulent activities within the Ithuteng Trust. Former students revealed they had been coached to fabricate stories of extreme hardship to elicit sympathy and donations. Investigations found that many of the children who claimed to be orphans were, in fact, living with their parents, and the funds raised were not being used as promised.

Legal Consequences and Convictions

Following the exposé, Mama Jackie faced multiple legal challenges. In 2008, she was convicted of kidnapping and assault after forcibly detaining and abusing a student who attempted to expose her. She received a sentence of four years or a fine of R8,000.

In 2015, she was convicted of child trafficking for selling two children to a couple under the guise of adoption, receiving R30,000 in the process. She was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with five years suspended, and was prohibited from working with children for five years after her release.

Public Outcry and Reflection

The revelations about Mama Jackie's actions shocked both South Africa and the international community. Many felt betrayed by someone who had been celebrated as a humanitarian hero. The scandal also prompted discussions about the importance of due diligence in charitable giving and the potential for exploitation within nonprofit organizations.

As Mama Jackie serves her sentence, the legacy of her deception serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Jub Jub's Prison Experience and Alleged Maternal Influence

Molemo "Jub Jub" Maarohanye, Mama Jackie's son, was convicted in 2012 for a tragic car accident that resulted in the deaths of four schoolchildren. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison, later reduced to 10 years, and was released on parole after serving four years. 

During his incarceration, reports emerged suggesting that Jub Jub received preferential treatment. According to a 2013 Daily Sun article, a woman close to Jub Jub allegedly formed a relationship with the head of Johannesburg Prison's Medium C Centre to ensure his safety and comfort. Inmates and staff claimed that Jub Jub had access to a cellphone, received longer visitation times, and was shielded from standard disciplinary actions.