From Early Loss to Enduring Love: The Romantic Journey of Thuli Madonsela and Dick Foxton

Prof Thuli Madonsela, a revered figure in South Africa known for her unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law, has largely maintained a private stance regarding her personal life. While her professional career as Public Protector and a distinguished law professor has been under constant public scrutiny, her romantic journey has unfolded with quiet dignity, marked by early loss and a later-life partnership that brought profound companionship.

Madonsela's early adult life saw her embrace marriage and motherhood. She was married and had two children, a son named Musawabantu Fidel and a daughter, Wenzile Una. Tragically, her husband passed away when their children were very young, leaving her to navigate the complexities of single parenthood. This period of her life shaped her immensely, as she raised her children while forging a remarkable career dedicated to public service. She often speaks of the challenges and joys of being a single mother, a role she embraced with strength and dedication.

For many years, Madonsela was known publicly as a single woman, deeply immersed in her demanding career. Her focus remained on her children and her groundbreaking work, which saw her rise to national and international prominence. Despite her high profile, she successfully shielded her personal sphere from the intense media glare, choosing to share only what she deemed necessary about her family life.

In July 2018, news emerged that Madonsela had found love again and was engaged to Dick Foxton, a respected public relations consultant. The engagement was revealed during an interview on SABC3's Real Talk, where she confirmed her happiness but expressed a desire to keep the details of her relationship private. She stated that she and Foxton wished for their engagement and subsequent wedding to remain "off the radar," a sentiment that reflected her consistent approach to personal matters.

While specific wedding details were never publicly disclosed, multiple reputable sources, particularly obituaries following Foxton's passing in June 2025, consistently referred to him as Madonsela's "spouse" or "husband." This confirms that the couple did indeed marry after their 2018 engagement, choosing to celebrate their union away from the public eye. Their decision to maintain privacy around their marriage was in keeping with Madonsela's long-standing practice of separating her public persona from her private life.

Their partnership was characterized by mutual respect, love, and shared integrity. Foxton, a veteran in his field, was described as a steadfast companion and a source of private support and counsel for Madonsela. He was affectionately known as her "rock." Their relationship was a testament to finding deep connection later in life, built on shared values and a quiet understanding. Foxton was also a founding patron of the Thuli Madonsela Foundation, indicating a shared commitment to her ongoing work in social justice.

Dick Foxton's passing at the age of 82 left an irreplaceable void, but his influence and their bond were widely acknowledged. Madonsela herself, in a foreword to Foxton's autobiography, expressed profound gratitude for his presence in her and her children’s lives, stating, > "As his partner, I thank God every day for bringing this amazing man into mine and my children’s lives." This sentiment underscores the depth and significance of their connection.

Thuli Madonsela's romantic history, though not extensively publicized, reflects a journey of resilience, dedication to family, and the eventual discovery of a profound partnership. From the early loss that necessitated her strength as a single mother to her later-life marriage that brought companionship and shared purpose, her approach to love has been marked by privacy, dignity, and an unwavering focus on what truly matters to her. As she continues her work as a public intellectual and advocate, her personal life remains a private testament to enduring love and commitment.