Categories: News

The Journey of Elton Jantjies and Iva Ristic Towards Healing

Healing and moving forward can be a difficult process, particularly when the issue concerns an alleged affair that made national headlines. South African rugby player Elton Jantjies and his wife, Iva Ristic, have been on a journey of reconciliation, healing, and growth since the scandal involving Jantjies and team dietician Zeenat Simjee in late 2020.

Iva Ristic’s Initial Plan to Divorce

Towards the end of 2021, Iva Ristic announced her intention to divorce Jantjies. However, recent social media posts featuring the couple and their family have raised questions about whether they are reconciling. Meanwhile, Jantjies faces the risk of being left out of the Springboks Rugby World Cup squad, while Simjee, who denied the affair allegations, has been selected for the month-long event.

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

Couple’s Appearance on Social Media

While it remains uncertain whether Jantjies and Ristic are back together or just co-parenting, the couple has been seen together in several Instagram posts. These posts showcase their family of five, as well as moments shared between the two of them. Married in 2019 and blessed with three sons, Jantjies and Ristic have shared glimpses of their travels together. Currently, Ristic, a model and DJ, resides in Alanya, Turkey, while Jantjies lives in France, where he plays for team Agen.

Iva Ristic’s Perspective on Divorce

In December, Ristic told The South African that the couple planned to finalize their divorce after the festive season. Despite their marital struggles being public knowledge, Ristic stated that she and Jantjies remained on “great terms” as friends and co-parents. She added that she was proud of them for managing to keep their friendship going.

Prioritizing Family’s Well-being

Throughout this uncertain period, Jantjies and Ristic have prioritized their family’s well-being. As time passed, their bond appears to have strengthened, showing resilience, understanding, and growth.

The alleged affair between Jantjies and Simjee undoubtedly left a mark on the couple, but their united front on social media and commitment to co-parenting demonstrate their determination to move forward. As Jantjies and Ristic continue on their journey of healing, it is important to remember that everyone’s healing process is unique and personal.

Isabella Schmidt

Isabella Schmidt is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food culture, from Bo-Kaap spice merchants to Khayelitsha microbreweries. Raised hiking the trails that link Table Mountain to the Cape Flats, she brings the flavours and voices of her hometown to global readers with equal parts rigour and heart.

Recent Posts

Newlands Roars Again: A Colosseum Ready to Crown or Crush

Newlands Stadium is a super tough place for visiting teams in the SA20. The home…

3 hours ago

South Africa’s Lost Generation: When Despair Becomes the Norm

South Africa is facing a huge problem where many young people can't find work. Over…

5 hours ago

Trolley Chronicles – How 11 million South Africans turned the Friday grocery run into a national savings ritual in 2025

In 2025, South Africans turned grocery shopping into a thrilling national savings game! Millions flocked…

6 hours ago

Dawn Mayday: The Moment a Harbour Became a Battlefield for One Cold, Tired Dog

In the chilly dawn, a cold, tired dog named Jet found himself trapped in the…

12 hours ago

A Township Christmas Tail: When Tinsel Meets Tails in Khayelitsha

In Khayelitsha, Christmas shines bright for pets and their people! Volunteers, dressed in festive gear,…

18 hours ago

Trouble at De Hollandsche Molen: When a Dream Holiday Became a Hashtag

De Hollandsche Molen, a beautiful South African resort, turned into a nightmare when a fight…

1 day ago