The Untold Truth of Somizi Mhlongo: His Journey to Embracing His Sexuality, Meeting Mohale, and the End of His Marriage to Palesa

Somizi Mhlongo, one of South Africa’s most celebrated and influential public figures, is no stranger to controversy, drama, and media scrutiny.

Known for his larger-than-life personality, Somizi is not just a talented entertainer, but also a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community.

However, his life hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The journey to becoming the man we know today has been filled with struggles, revelations, and personal transformations.

From coming to terms with his sexuality, to falling in love with Mohale, and experiencing the end of his marriage to Palesa, Somizi’s life has been nothing short of eventful.

In this article, we delve into the untold truths about Somizi’s life, exploring his path to embracing his identity, his relationship with Mohale, and the painful breakup with his first wife, Palesa.

Somizi’s Early Life and the Struggles with His Sexuality

Somizi Mhlongo was born on December 23, 1972, in Soweto, South Africa. He is the son of legendary South African actress Mary Twala and actor Ndaba Mhlongo, so it’s no surprise that Somizi was destined for the spotlight.

Growing up in a family steeped in the arts, Somizi was exposed to the entertainment world from a young age. His early years were marked by a passion for dance, performance, and the arts, but his personal journey was overshadowed by his struggles with his sexuality.

Somizi, like many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, faced the challenges of self-acceptance in a society that wasn’t always welcoming of non-heteronormative identities.

In a country where traditional values and societal norms often clashed with his true self, coming to terms with his sexual orientation was a difficult process.

For years, Somizi struggled with his inner conflict, hiding his true identity from the public while navigating the pressures of being part of a family and community that didn’t fully understand him.

It wasn’t until his late 20s that Somizi fully embraced his sexuality and began to publicly live as an openly gay man. This was a pivotal moment in his life—one that would eventually lead him to become one of South Africa’s most prominent LGBTQ+ icons.

Meeting Mohale: A New Chapter in Somizi’s Life

In 2017, Somizi’s life took a major turn when he met Mohale Motaung, a young model and actor who would later become the love of his life.

Somizi often recalls the moment he first saw Mohale—describing him as a “beautiful, young soul” who caught his eye and captivated his heart.

The two met at an event, and what followed was a whirlwind romance that would become one of South Africa’s most talked-about celebrity relationships.

Their love story played out in the public eye, with Somizi sharing every intimate detail of their relationship on his reality show Somizi & Mohale: The Union, which chronicled their engagement, wedding planning, and the eventual ceremony.

The couple became an inspiration for many, particularly LGBTQ+ South Africans, as they were among the few high-profile same-sex couples in the country to publicly celebrate their love and commitment.

Their engagement was a beautiful and emotional moment, with Somizi proposing to Mohale during a romantic getaway.

The lavish wedding that followed was one of the most high-profile events in South African celebrity culture, and it seemed like Somizi and Mohale were living the fairytale romance.

However, what seemed like a dream relationship quickly became a source of tension, and the couple’s challenges would soon take center stage in the media.

Somizi’s Marriage to Palesa: A Chapter That Ended in Heartbreak

Before Somizi met Mohale, he was married to Palesa—a relationship that, for many, was a chapter of his life that few knew about. Palesa, who had been Somizi’s first wife, was someone he loved deeply.

Their marriage, however, was short-lived, and the reasons behind their breakup have been shrouded in mystery for years. For a long time, Somizi kept the details of his first marriage private, but in interviews and on social media, he’s opened up about his experiences.

Somizi and Palesa’s marriage was filled with love, but there were deep-seated issues that eventually caused their split. One of the most significant reasons for their divorce, as Somizi has stated, was the inability to fully connect on a deeper emotional level.

At the time, Somizi was still struggling with his identity, and being married to a woman felt more like a societal expectation than an authentic expression of his true self.

In an interview, Somizi confessed that while he loved Palesa, he wasn’t truly happy in the marriage because he wasn’t being true to himself.

He also hinted at the difficulties of living in a heterosexual marriage while privately acknowledging his same-sex attraction. His honesty about his struggles resonated with many people, especially those in similar situations.

The pressure of trying to live a life that wasn’t in alignment with his true identity eventually led Somizi to call it quits.

Palesa, for her part, was supportive of Somizi’s decision, acknowledging that she knew their marriage couldn’t last because of the internal conflict Somizi was facing.

Though the marriage ended in divorce, the two remained on amicable terms and continued to support each other. For Somizi, this experience was a crucial step toward fully understanding and accepting his true self.

Somizi’s Personal Growth: The Journey to Self-Discovery

The end of his marriage to Palesa marked a turning point in Somizi’s life. It allowed him to move forward and embrace his true self, and it was during this time that he began his journey of self-discovery.

The shift in his personal life gave him the freedom to express himself more openly—both in his relationships and his career.

Somizi’s rise to fame as a television personality, choreographer, and influencer came after he fully accepted his sexuality.

He became one of the most influential LGBTQ+ figures in South Africa, using his platform to advocate for equal rights and celebrate love in all its forms.

His work on Idols South Africa and his own reality show brought him into the homes of millions of viewers, and he became a symbol of resilience and authenticity.

Somizi’s public persona as a bold, unapologetic man who proudly embraces his sexuality has inspired countless people, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community who struggle with their own identities.

His journey toward self-acceptance was not easy, but it was one that has helped many others feel empowered to live their truths.

The Drama with Mohale: A Love Story That Turned Sour

Despite the romance and glamour surrounding Somizi’s relationship with Mohale, things started to unravel in 2020. Rumors began to swirl about tensions in their marriage, and the couple eventually confirmed that they were experiencing significant challenges.

In 2021, the couple publicly announced their separation, and the divorce proceedings were soon set in motion.

In an explosive interview, Mohale alleged that Somizi had been emotionally and physically abusive during their marriage. The claims were shocking to many, as they contradicted the public image of their fairy-tale love story.

Somizi, in turn, vehemently denied the accusations and stated that he had always treated Mohale with love and respect.

As the legal battle continued, Somizi faced a wave of support and backlash, with many fans divided over who was at fault.

The divorce has been painful for both parties, but it’s clear that their relationship was no longer sustainable due to underlying issues that were never fully addressed. Somizi, while hurt, has since moved forward, using his platform to focus on his career and personal growth.

Conclusion: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Self-Acceptance

Somizi’s life has been a series of transformations—from his struggles with his sexuality to the highs and lows of his love life.

His marriage to Palesa, while brief, was an important part of his journey toward understanding his true self, while his relationship with Mohale, though short-lived, brought him immense joy and love.

Somizi’s story is one of resilience, and his ability to overcome personal challenges has made him a role model for many.

Today, Somizi stands as a proud and powerful figure in the entertainment industry and the LGBTQ+ community. His story serves as a reminder that self-acceptance is a lifelong journey, and while love may not always follow the path we expect, it is always a part of our growth.

As he continues to navigate life’s challenges, Somizi remains an iconic and inspirational figure, embracing both the highs and lows with grace and courage.