Not everyone chooses parenthood, and for some, the journey to having children is far from simple.

 

Each story is personal, emotional, and often misunderstood.

 

 

These 16 South African celebrities have opened up about why they don’t have children—and their reasons might surprise you.

 

Let’s dive into their emotional journeys, career choices, and deeply personal revelations.

 

1. Sizwe Dhlomo

 

The successful and charismatic media personality Sizwe Dhlomo has made it clear—no kids until marriage.

 

Despite being 41, he insists that fatherhood must come with the right timing.

 

 

Some fans question how much longer he’ll wait.

 

But Sizwe says if God’s plan is that he never marries, then he accepts that he may never be a father.

 

2. Thando Thabethe

 

This award-winning presenter has experienced the pain of multiple miscarriages—five in total.

 

 

Though she longs to be a mother, she believes in God’s timing and continues to hold onto hope.

 

Her journey has inspired many who face similar struggles.

 

3. Bonang Matheba

 

Bonang has made it clear: her focus is money, not motherhood.

 

In 2021, she was in a relationship and seemed open to love.

 

But without the right partner, she won’t have a child just for the sake of it.

 

4. Celeste Ntuli

 

Celeste has faced pressure from friends and family to settle down.

 

At 45, she’s still single and childfree—but she’s not ruling out motherhood entirely.

 

 

If it happens, great. If not, she’s perfectly content.

 

5. Tando Thabethe (Again)

 

She reiterates she wants kids—but only with a man who will love her forever.

 

In the meantime, she’s building her empire.

 

6. Minnie Dlamini

 

Minnie only considered motherhood seriously in her late 30s.

 

 

She had dedicated years to her career before feeling ready.

 

But now at 42, conceiving has been a struggle.

 

7. Zizo Tshwete

 

The handsome actor Zizo is in his 40s with no children.

 

 

He hasn’t dated in a while and describes himself as a “quintessential bachelor.”

 

Yet he hasn’t given up on love—or the possibility of fatherhood.

 

8. Clementine Mosimane

 

Clementine’s career has soared, but her personal life has had its hardships.

 

She was married for 19 years and tried to have children, but it wasn’t meant to be.

 

 

Today, she’s childless but still thriving.

 

9. Twasa (Seipati Seoke)

 

 

Radio star Twasa always wanted kids, but life didn’t allow it.

 

 

Single for over 20 years, she remains hopeful—even if motherhood doesn’t come naturally.

 

10. Toil Mthembu

 

Married for 15 years, Toil still doesn’t have biological children.

 

Her husband has tried to bridge the gap by letting her raise one of his kids.

 

She remains optimistic about becoming a mom, one way or another.

 

11. Lira

 

Singer Lira was married for nine years, but had no children with her husband.

 

 

Now divorced and 45, she says she’s content with where her life is.

 

12. Dineo Moeketsi

 

Married for 18 years, Dineo and her spouse made a joint decision not to have kids.

 

 

She believes it’s unfair to bring a child into such a complex world.

 

13. ChiChi Letswalo

 

ChiChi has boldly rejected societal expectations.

 

 

She doesn’t want to get married, have children, or live with a man.

 

At 43, she says she’s happier than ever.

 

14. Nthati Moshesh

 

Best known for her role on Scandal, Nthati is 55 and has never married or had kids.

 

 

She comes from a large family but is the only sibling without children.

 

15. Gugu Gumede

 

At 60, Gugu has no regrets about not having children.

 

 

She’s faced constant pressure—but insists society won’t be the one raising her children.

 

So she chose freedom over expectation.

 

16. Shaleen Surtie-Richards

 

Shaleen’s story is perhaps the most controversial.

 

 

She adopted two boys but raised them as girls.

 

One was just two years old when she made the decision to change their gender identity.

 

Her actions sparked outrage, especially among those who feel she made life-altering decisions on behalf of children too young to understand.

 

Her story continues to stir debates around parenting, identity, and ethics.