17 South African Celebrities You Didn’t Know Are Related: Family Ties in the Spotlight
South Africa is home to a vibrant and diverse entertainment industry, with a rich history of talent spanning across film, music, television, and sports.
While many of the country’s biggest stars are known for their individual talents, what most fans don’t realize is that several of these celebrities are actually related.
From siblings following in each other’s footsteps to cousins making their mark in different fields, South African celebrity families often hide in plain sight. In this article, we uncover 17 famous South African celebrities you probably didn’t know were related.
1. Thando Thabethe and Zizo Tshwete
Thando Thabethe, a popular actress, radio personality, and businesswoman, is often seen on television and in films. What many people don’t know is that she is the cousin of Zizo Tshwete, a well-known television presenter.
Zizo, who has built a successful career as a TV host and public figure, and Thando share a close bond, which they’ve occasionally shared on social media, much to the delight of their fans.
2. DJ Zinhle and AKA
One of the most well-known celebrity couples in South Africa, DJ Zinhle (a successful DJ and businesswoman) and rapper AKA (Kiernan Jarryd Forbes) were in a relationship for several years and have a daughter together, Kairo.
While they have been public figures in their own right, their relationship also made headlines. However, what many might not know is that DJ Zinhle and AKA have distant family ties through their extended families, adding a layer of familial connection to their already high-profile relationship.
3. Sindi Dlathu and Nambitha Mpumlwana
The two actresses are often seen on TV playing powerful and influential roles, and their family bond has remained relatively low-key despite their public success.
4. Pearl Thusi and Tumisho Masha
Pearl Thusi, the multi-talented actress and TV presenter known for her role in Quantico, has a much lesser-known connection to fellow actor Tumisho Masha.
The two are related by marriage, with Tumisho being Pearl’s uncle-in-law.
Despite their connection, Pearl and Tumisho have both carved out their own distinct careers in the entertainment industry and rarely discuss their family ties in public.
5. The Mseleku Family: Musa Mseleku and Mpumelelo Mseleku
Musa Mseleku, a famous South African polygamist and star of Uthando Nes’thembu, is not only known for his complex marital life but also for his dynamic family.
His son, Mpumelelo Mseleku, is an up-and-coming media personality and businessman.
The Mseleku family is a staple in South African pop culture, and while Musa’s marriages and family life often make headlines, his son Mpumelelo is becoming known for his own ventures and influence in the public eye.
6. Kgomotso Christopher and Ayanda Tsimbi
Actress Kgomotso Christopher, known for her roles in Isidingo and Scandal!, and Ayanda Tsimbi, an actress known for her role in Generations, are cousins.
Despite their impressive careers in television and film, the two actresses prefer to keep their family ties out of the spotlight, but their shared passion for acting is something they both credit as a source of inspiration.
7. Vusi Nova and Zonke Dikana
Vusi Nova and Zonke Dikana, both highly successful South African musicians, are cousins. Vusi Nova, known for his smooth Afro-soul hits, and Zonke, whose voice has captured the hearts of millions, have often been praised for their musical talents.
The two have occasionally referenced their familial bond during interviews, but it’s often overshadowed by their individual achievements in the music industry.
8. Lesley-Ann Brandt and Sean Brandt
Lesley-Ann Brandt, the talented actress known for her roles in Spartacus and Lucifer, has a brother named Sean Brandt, who is a former professional rugby player. Though Lesley-Ann is internationally recognized, her brother Sean’s career in rugby put the Brandt family in the spotlight within South Africa.
The two have remained close over the years, supporting each other’s careers from different corners of the entertainment and sports worlds.
9. Nomzamo Mbatha and Ntando Duma
Nomzamo Mbatha, a rising actress and television personality, is related to actress and media personality Ntando Duma. They are cousins, and although they have both made a name for themselves individually, the two women share a strong family bond.
Nomzamo and Ntando have expressed admiration for each other’s careers, often celebrating each other’s accomplishments on social media.
10. Jessica Nkosi and Shauwn Mkhize
Jessica Nkosi, a prominent actress known for her roles in Isibaya and The Queen, is connected to business mogul Shauwn Mkhize, who is often referred to as “MaMkhize” by her fans. Although not direct relatives, the two women share an extended family bond. Their relationship has been a subject of interest due to Shauwn’s influence in both the entertainment and business sectors.
11. The Dlamini Family: Somizi Mhlongo and his Mom
Somizi Mhlongo, one of South Africa’s biggest media personalities, and his mother, Mary Twala, were a powerhouse duo in South African entertainment.
Somizi, known for his charismatic presence on Idols SA, and his late mother, who was a renowned actress and veteran of the South African film industry, were both incredibly influential figures.
Their bond and Mary’s legacy in the industry are widely recognized, and Somizi has always spoken fondly of his mother’s influence on his career.
12. Lungelo and Linda Mtoba
Lungelo and Linda Mtoba are a power couple in the South African entertainment industry. Lungelo, known for his work in the business and sports world, is married to actress Linda Mtoba, famed for her role in The River. Their relationship has always been admired for its strength and commitment, and both continue to make strides in their respective careers.
13. Minnie Dlamini and Khanyi Mbau
Minnie Dlamini, a TV personality and actress, is cousins with actress and socialite Khanyi Mbau. Despite their different career paths and media presence, both women have left significant marks on the entertainment scene in South Africa. Their family bond has been a topic of conversation, especially considering how both have achieved major success in the public eye.
14. DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small
Two of South Africa’s biggest music stars in the Amapiano genre, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small are not only musical collaborators but also family. Both have worked together to shape the Amapiano movement, which has garnered global attention, but it may come as a surprise to many that the two are cousins. Their musical partnership continues to redefine the genre.
15. Lira and Thembi Seete
Lira, one of South Africa’s most successful and internationally recognized musicians, is related to actress and singer Thembi Seete. The two women are cousins and have been seen supporting each other in both their music and acting careers. While Lira has made waves in the music industry, Thembi continues to be a prominent figure in South African television and music.
16. Shona Ferguson and Connie Ferguson
Shona Ferguson, the late actor and producer, and his wife Connie Ferguson, a well-known actress and media mogul, were not only partners in life but also in business.
The couple ran Ferguson Films, which produced some of South Africa’s top soap operas and dramas.
Their bond was not just that of husband and wife but also of colleagues in the entertainment industry, where they built a formidable empire.
17. The Zulu Brothers: Nhlanhla and Ringo Madlingozi
Nhlanhla and Ringo Madlingozi are famous South African musicians known for their Afro-pop and traditional music.
The brothers have enjoyed long-lasting careers and have become legends in the South African music scene.
Their connection and familial bond go beyond their shared musical talent, with both brothers continuing to inspire a new generation of musicians.
South Africa’s entertainment industry is brimming with familial talent, and these 17 celebrity connections prove that greatness often runs in the family.
From the iconic Mseleku family to the powerful Dlamini-Mbau duo, these celebrities have made their mark while navigating the challenges of fame and family ties.
Whether they are siblings, cousins, or in-laws, these celebrity families have provided South Africa with some of the most remarkable talents, and their stories continue to inspire and captivate audiences across the country.
