A Cape Town woman has decided to end an 18-year-old marriage because her partner refuses to be vaccinated.

Charnelle and Graham Spies of Bothasig, in Cape Town, have been married for 18 years. They say ending things has been a “very hard and difficult decision”.

Charnelle said “Graham contracted Covid-19 last year and watching him deteriorate in front of me is something I don’t wish on any human.”

“The virus attacked his lungs. He is also asthmatic, which made his breathing even more difficult. Seeing him leave the hospital last year, after he had recovered, was like witnessing a real-life miracle.

“I won’t compromise on my health – it is non-negotiable. I told Graham since last year that if he refuses to get the jab, I don’t see how I can continue to live with someone that won’t protect himself and the people around him.”

Graham on his part insist that not getting the vaccine was his personal decision: “I believe in science, to a certain extent. I don’t want to be used as a guinea pig for vaccinations. There is no 100% guarantee it works.”

He also said that he was “quite disappointed” that after all the disagreements they have had over the past two decades, the vaccine would be the reason for their divorce. 

“This is not how I envisioned my marriage would end. Yes, we had our differences. We are not perfect. But, at the end of the day, we have to do what’s right for our mental health.”

Charnelle however insist that under no circumstances will she be putting my unborn kids’ lives in danger. We spoke about this numerous times. I said I will not bear his kids if he does not get vaccinated. It blows my mind that the man I’ve known my entire life is willing to throw all our future plans away just because he chooses to not get the vaccine. It’s madness.

The couple will be signing their annulment papers on 22 September.