10 South African Celebrities Who Were Married And Divorced Before 30
In the fast-paced and ever-watchful world of South African entertainment, the journey of celebrity life is often marked by both the glitz and the challenges that come with fame.
Among the hurdles faced by some celebrities, marriage and divorce at a young age are notable experiences that have garnered public attention. Here are 10 South African celebrities who found themselves married and divorced before they even hit the age of 30.
1. Faith Nketsi
Faith Nketsi, widely known as a reality TV star, model, and influencer, experienced the complexities of marriage and divorce early in her life. The star married businessman Nzuzo Njilo in April 2022, a union that seemed to promise a fairytale ending.
However, just a year and a half later, the couple announced their separation in November 2023, making Faith one of the most notable South African celebrities to go through a divorce before 30.
In an emotional post, Nketsi admitted she never thought she would be a divorcee at such a young age, highlighting the challenges that come with relationships under the public eye.
2. Shashi Naidoo
Shashi Naidoo, an actress, model, and television presenter, married entrepreneur Mark Sandler in 2009. However, their marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced in 2011.
Shashi has since gone on to have a successful career in the entertainment industry, but her brief marriage and subsequent divorce before the age of 30 are a reminder of the pressures that can accompany relationships in the public eye.
3. Anneline Kriel
Anneline Kriel, a former Miss World, actress, and television presenter, had her fair share of high-profile marriages. In 1980, she married hotel magnate Sol Kerzner, but the marriage ended in divorce just five years later.
In 1989, Kriel married Philip Tucker, with whom she had two daughters, but this second marriage also ended in divorce in 1994.
By the time she was 30, Kriel had already experienced the complexities of love, fame, and divorce, showcasing how the pressures of a celebrity lifestyle can affect personal relationships.
4. Lebo Gunguluza
Lebo Gunguluza, an entrepreneur and media personality, has had a tumultuous love life. He married and divorced twice before hitting the age of 30.
His first marriage lasted for eight years, ending in 2008, and his second marriage was to television personality Lebo Jojo Mokoena, which ended in 2021.
His experiences highlight the personal challenges that come with balancing a high-profile career and relationships.
5. Rachel Kolisi
Rachel Kolisi, the wife of South African rugby star Siya Kolisi, has been part of a public relationship from a young age.
While they remained married for several years and have two children together, in 2024, the couple announced their separation.
They emphasized that the divorce was amicable and mutual, but Rachel’s journey through marriage and divorce before turning 30 is yet another example of how celebrities are not immune to personal struggles, despite the public admiration and respect they receive.
6. Vusi Thembekwayo
Vusi Thembekwayo is a renowned entrepreneur and motivational speaker who has been married and divorced. His first marriage, which took place while he was still quite young, ended in divorce.
Thembekwayo has since remarried and built a successful career as one of South Africa’s most influential business figures. His story is a testament to personal growth and resilience, even after the breakdown of a marriage early in life.
7. Bonang Matheba
Bonang Matheba, one of South Africa’s most influential media personalities and businesswomen, has been in several public relationships, most notably with rapper AKA.
Though Bonang has never been married, her highly publicized breakup with the rapper sparked much media coverage.
This relationship and its eventual demise before the age of 30 highlighted the difficulties of balancing personal and professional lives when under constant media scrutiny.
8. Minnie Dlamini
Minnie Dlamini, an actress and television presenter, married sports presenter Quinton Jones in 2017. Their marriage, which was celebrated as a fairytale wedding, took a turn when they announced their divorce in 2022.
The couple’s split shocked many, as it came just a few years into their marriage. Minnie Dlamini’s experience reminds us that despite fame, relationships can be difficult and subject to the same struggles faced by many people.
9. Khanyi Mbau
Khanyi Mbau, a television host, actress, and socialite, married Mandla Mthembu at a young age.
Their marriage ended in a highly publicized divorce.
Khanyi has since been vocal about the lessons she learned from her first marriage and how it shaped her into the successful, independent woman she is today.
Her journey through marriage and divorce has been a rollercoaster, yet it has also played a key role in her public persona.
10. Zodwa Wabantu
Known for her bold personality and dance performances, Zodwa Wabantu was in a relationship with Vusi Buthelezi, which was widely publicized. While not married, their relationship and eventual breakup were discussed extensively in the media.
Zodwa’s relationship challenges have been part of her public narrative, and her ability to navigate these changes has made her a unique and controversial figure in South African entertainment.
