Top 10 South African Celebrities Who Went Broke in 2024 | Mzansi Celebs Who Ruined Their Career

The world of South African celebrity is often seen as glamorous, filled with success, fortune, and an enviable lifestyle.

However, beneath the glitzy veneer of fame, many celebrities have faced financial ruin, career setbacks, and personal struggles.

While some make a spectacular comeback, others are left to deal with the consequences of their actions, poor financial decisions, or unfortunate circumstances.

In 2024, several well-known South African celebrities have faced financial turmoil, and their stories have sparked debates on the pressure of living up to the public’s expectations and maintaining their wealth and status.

Here are the top 10 South African celebrities who went broke in 2024, and how they ended up in the tough spot they’re in.

1. Somizi Mhlongo

Somizi Mhlongo, one of South Africa’s most flamboyant and well-known TV personalities, has often been in the limelight for his extravagant lifestyle, luxury homes, and pricey vacations.

However, despite his successful career in entertainment, it appears that Somizi’s lavish lifestyle and poor financial management have taken a toll.

In 2024, the star reportedly faced significant financial difficulties after a string of bad investments and costly lifestyle habits.

While Somizi has continued to work in television and build his brand, the pandemic and various controversies (including his public divorce) took a significant hit on his financial standing.

Rumors of mounting debts and failed business ventures have been circulating, and fans are now wondering if Somizi can recover from these challenges.

2. Cassper Nyovest

Cassper Nyovest, one of the biggest names in South African hip hop, has built a massive following and amassed great wealth through his music career.

However, in 2024, the rapper made headlines for all the wrong reasons after revealing his struggle to maintain his wealth.

After an expensive series of business ventures, including launching a music streaming platform and investments in various luxury projects, Cassper has reportedly found himself in financial distress.

The rapper’s lavish lifestyle, extravagant car collection, and high-profile events have also been scrutinized, leading many to question his financial stability.

While Nyovest continues to be active in the music scene, he’s been vocal about his difficulties in managing his finances amidst growing debts and financial challenges.

3. Zodwa Wabantu

Zodwa Wabantu, known for her bold personality and risqué performances, became one of the most controversial figures in South Africa’s entertainment scene.

Despite her popularity and financial success in the early part of her career, 2024 saw Zodwa facing a significant downfall.

Zodwa’s spending habits, which included an affinity for high-end fashion and luxury cars, have caused her to lose much of her wealth.

In addition to this, her businesses have faced significant struggles, and she has been involved in several legal battles.

The diva who once ruled the nightclub and entertainment scenes in Mzansi has been struggling to maintain her status and is reportedly dealing with a string of failed ventures.

4. Khanyi Mbau

Khanyi Mbau, a media personality, actress, and socialite known for her expensive tastes and glamorous life, shocked many in 2024 when it was revealed that she had faced a major financial setback.

Despite her extensive career in acting and television, Mbau’s lavish lifestyle has reportedly led to significant financial troubles.

Known for living beyond her means, Khanyi has been scrutinized for her high-profile spending on cars, jewelry, and other luxuries.

In 2024, it was disclosed that she had lost several lucrative brand endorsements and was facing difficulties with managing her finances.

As a result, Khanyi has been working hard to rebuild her career and restore her reputation, but the damage to her financial standing has been significant.

5. DJ Zinhle

DJ Zinhle, once hailed as one of the most successful and highest-paid DJs in South Africa, also faced financial challenges in 2024.

Known for her massive music career, her trendy jewelry line, and her lifestyle, Zinhle’s downfall is attributed to several failed business investments and a decline in her music sales.

Reports indicate that her attempt to expand her empire with a number of ventures, including a cosmetics line and fashion brand, did not meet expectations.

Combined with increased competition in the entertainment industry and a shrinking income from her music career, DJ Zinhle faced significant financial difficulties.

Despite this, Zinhle remains a major name in South African entertainment, though she is working hard to rebuild her brand and recover from the financial setbacks.

6. Bonang Matheba

Bonang Matheba, one of South Africa’s most successful media personalities, faced financial ruin in 2024.

Matheba’s brand, once considered a symbol of success, has taken a hit after a series of failed business deals and lawsuits.

Bonang had invested heavily in various business ventures, including her brand of champagne and luxury products, which didn’t yield the returns she had hoped for.

While she remains active in the media industry, hosting events and working with brands, 2024 revealed that Bonang has struggled to maintain her once-glamorous lifestyle.

The socialite has been vocal about her financial challenges and has taken on multiple projects to rebuild her wealth and financial stability.

7. Musa Mseleku

Musa Mseleku, a reality TV star and businessman known for his polygamous lifestyle, became a popular figure on South African television.

However, 2024 saw Mseleku in financial distress, after his business ventures faced heavy losses.

Known for his numerous wives and large family, Mseleku’s financial downfall has been attributed to his expanding family and the rising costs of maintaining his brand.

While Mseleku continues to have a strong presence on television, he has faced multiple allegations of financial mismanagement, including disputes over property and investments.

His personal and business challenges have led to a serious decline in his financial status, forcing him to adjust his lifestyle and business practices.

8. Shauwn Mkhize

Shauwn Mkhize, a wealthy South African businesswoman and reality TV star, was once one of the richest personalities in South Africa.

However, in 2024, Mkhize’s empire began to crumble after multiple lawsuits and accusations of financial mismanagement.

The businesswoman had been embroiled in a series of controversies, including issues with her property investments, which led to major financial losses.

Although she continues to maintain her social media presence and appear in reality television, Mkhize has struggled to regain her former wealth and status.

Her fall from grace has been widely discussed in the media, and many have questioned her financial future.

9. Ntando Duma

Ntando Duma, a popular actress, television presenter, and social media influencer, was once considered one of South Africa’s rising stars.

However, reports in 2024 suggested that Duma was facing a significant financial crisis. Despite her high profile, her business ventures and acting career have not been as lucrative as expected.

Duma’s luxury lifestyle, including her love for expensive fashion and flashy cars, has reportedly drained her finances.

Additionally, she has faced a decline in her media appearances and sponsorship deals, contributing to her current financial struggles.

10. Jackie Phamotse

Jackie Phamotse, an author and entrepreneur, was once seen as an influential figure in the entertainment industry.

However, in 2024, it was revealed that Phamotse’s business empire had taken a massive hit.

Despite her success in writing and launching various business projects, her investments failed to generate the expected returns, leaving her in financial difficulty.

Phamotse’s situation was worsened by controversies surrounding her book and public image, which caused a drop in sponsorships and business opportunities.

While she has remained active in the media, the financial strain is evident, and she is now working to salvage her reputation and financial stability.

Conclusion

South African celebrities may seem to live a life of luxury and excess, but many face the harsh realities of mismanaging wealth and failing to maintain their status in a highly competitive and often fickle industry.

These 10 celebrities who went broke in 2024 serve as a reminder that fame and fortune can be fleeting, and without proper financial planning, even the wealthiest and most successful can face financial ruin.

While some of these celebrities may make a comeback in the future, others may find it more challenging to regain their former glory.

Regardless of their path forward, their stories highlight the importance of financial responsibility, planning, and the pressures that come with being in the public eye.