10 Top South African Celebs You Did Not Know Have HIV. Number 8 Will Leave You In Shock.
In a world where fame often comes with intense scrutiny, the personal lives of celebrities are frequently thrust into the spotlight. South Africa, with its vibrant entertainment industry, has seen its share of stars facing health challenges that go beyond the glitz and glamour.
HIV, a virus that has affected millions globally, including in Mzansi, remains a topic shrouded in stigma despite advances in treatment and awareness. While some celebrities have bravely come forward to share their stories, inspiring others and breaking down barriers, others have been the subject of persistent rumors and speculation.
This article dives deep into 10 top South African celebrities whose connections to HIV—whether confirmed, rumored, or publicly disclosed—have shocked fans and sparked conversations. From actors and musicians to activists and media personalities, these stories highlight resilience, the fight against misinformation, and the human side of stardom.
Prepare for revelations that might change how you view your favorite stars, and remember: health is private, but public discourse can save lives. Number 8, in particular, involves a beloved soapie character whose real-life actor’s rumors hit close to home for Scandal! viewers.
1. Criselda Kananda: The Motivational Speaker Turning Pain into Purpose
Criselda Kananda, a renowned radio DJ and motivational speaker, has been one of the most vocal advocates for HIV awareness in South Africa. Diagnosed over 13 years ago while seven months pregnant, she has transformed her experience into a platform for education and empowerment.
As a mother of three, Kananda’s journey exemplifies living positively with HIV. She has shared her story through various media outlets, emphasizing the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and destigmatizing the virus. Her work with organizations like UNAIDS has made her a beacon of hope for many.
Fans were initially shocked by her disclosure, but her resilience has turned her into an icon of strength in the fight against HIV. Beyond her activism, Kananda’s career spans broadcasting, where she hosted shows on Metro FM and Kaya FM, discussing topics from health to women’s empowerment. Her book, Living Positively, details her battles with depression post-diagnosis and how faith and family pulled her through. In interviews, she often recounts the moment she learned of her status: a routine prenatal check that changed everything.
Today, at over 50, she continues to tour schools and communities, educating youth on prevention. Her story isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving, proving that HIV doesn’t define a person. This revelation encouraged many to get tested, contributing to South Africa’s declining infection rates.
2. Musa ‘Queen’ Njoko: The Gospel Singer Who Sang Through the Storm
Gospel sensation Musa Njoko, affectionately known as ‘Queen,’ has been living with HIV for over two decades. Diagnosed at just 22, when treatment options were limited, she faced immense challenges but chose transparency over silence. Njoko’s music career, marked by hits like Abanye Bayombona, took a pivotal turn when she became an advocate.
She founded the Musa Njoko Ministries, focusing on HIV support groups and counseling. Her public disclosure shocked the gospel community, where stigma runs high, but it also opened doors for dialogue in churches across Mzansi. Njoko’s journey includes overcoming opportunistic infections and societal judgment, all while raising her children.
In a detailed memoir, she describes the isolation she felt initially, but how music became her therapy. Tours in the US and Europe spread her message globally, and collaborations with artists like Rebecca Malope amplified her voice. At 50+, Njoko remains active, releasing albums and speaking at World AIDS Day events.
Her story underscores the power of faith and community in managing HIV, inspiring countless fans to embrace their truths.
3. Phindile Sithole-Spong: The TV Presenter Rising Above the Diagnosis
Phindile Sithole-Spong, the dynamic presenter of SABC1’s Rise, discovered she had full-blown AIDS at 19 after a sudden illness. Now a prominent figure in media, her story of contracting HIV 32 years ago has made her one of South Africa’s longest-living public figures with the virus. Sithole-Spong’s advocacy work includes campaigns with the Department of Health, where she promotes testing and adherence to medication.
Her revelation stunned viewers who knew her as the bubbly host, but it humanized her, showing vulnerability behind the screen. Growing up in KwaZulu-Natal, she faced family rejection post-diagnosis but rebuilt her life through education and media. Her TEDx talk on “Living Beyond Labels” has millions of views, detailing daily routines like pill regimens and mental health check-ins.
Married with children, she balances family life with activism, often sharing recipes for healthy living on social media. Sithole-Spong’s influence extends to policy, lobbying for better access to PrEP. Her enduring career, including stints on Selimathunzi, proves that HIV isn’t a death sentence but a manageable condition.
4. Koyo Bala: The Late Star Who Fought Stigma Until the End
The late Koyo Bala, a member of the popular group 3Sum, publicly disclosed his HIV status before his passing in 2014 from AIDS-related complications. His bravery in coming out as both gαy and HIV-positive shocked the music industry, where such topics were taboo.
Bala’s advocacy through the “Positive Living” campaign encouraged testing among youth. Though gone, his legacy lives on in tributes and foundations named after him. Bala’s rise from township roots to fame included hits like Bump the Cheese Up, but his health struggles were private until he chose to speak.
Interviews reveal his battles with denial and then acceptance, using fashion and performance as outlets. Posthumously, friends like Somizi Mhlongo have honored him at awards shows. Bala’s story highlights the intersection of HIV and LGBTQ+ rights in South Africa, pushing for inclusive healthcare.
5. Lesego Motsepe: The Actress Remembered for Her Courage
Beloved actress Lesego Motsepe, known for roles in Isidingo, disclosed her HIV status in 2011, shortly before her death in 2013 from AIDS-related issues. Her announcement on World AIDS Day shocked soapie fans, who admired her as the fierce Letti. Motsepe used her platform to urge testing, becoming a symbol of late-stage disclosure’s risks.
From her early days in theater to TV stardom, Motsepe’s career was marked by awards and acclaim. Her memoir excerpts detail the shame she felt initially, but how acting provided escape. Family tributes post-death emphasize her humor and strength.
legacy includes scholarships for aspiring actors living with HIV, ensuring her impact endures.
6. Sindi Dlathu: The Queen of Drama Facing Rumors Head-On
Sindi Dlathu, the iconic actress from Muvhango and The River, has been at the center of HIV rumors since portraying an HIV-positive character in Soul City.
Sources claim she has publicly spoken about her status to raise awareness, defying odds in her career. Dlathu’s talent shines in roles that tackle social issues, but her private life sparks speculation.
Twins with her sister, she’s a family woman who rarely addresses gossip. Her awards, including SAFTAs, highlight her prowess. Rumors intensified after a viral video “revealing” her status, but she focuses on work, inspiring through resilience. Detailed accounts suggest her journey motivates others, blending fiction and reality in advocacy.
7. Sophie Ndaba: The Generations Star Battling Misinformation
Sophie Ndaba, famous for Generations and her business ventures, has faced relentless HIV rumors amid health struggles. Some reports claim she opened up about her “AIDS journey,” but she attributes weight loss to diabetes.
Ndaba recalls trolls accusing her of dying from AIDS, prompting her to advocate for testing. Her career spans acting and event planning, with comebacks after personal lows like divorce. In podcasts, she shares recovery stories, emphasizing mental health. Ndaba’s transformation photos go viral, shutting down haters and inspiring fans.
8. Mathews Rantsoma (Nhlamulo from Scandal!): The Soapie Heartthrob’s Shocking Rumors
Prepare to be stunned: Mathews Rantsoma, who portrayed the fan-favorite Nhlamulo on Scandal!, has been dogged by HIV rumors alongside TB and cancer speculations after leaving the show. The actor addressed death rumors, including HIV claims tied to his appearance changes. Rantsoma’s exit from the soapie in 2024 shocked viewers, with his character’s storyline ending dramatically.
A SAFTA-nominated talent, his Instagram showcases his life post-Scandal!. Rumors peaked when he spoke about online scrutiny, revealing how TV weight perceptions fueled health gossip. His emotional interviews detail the toll on mental health, yet he continues acting in theater. This revelation leaves fans reeling, as Nhlamulo’s charm masked real-life battles.
9. Thabang Sefatsa: The Quiet Advocate from Soul City
Thabang Sefatsa, known for his role in Soul City, has lived positively with HIV, using his platform for subtle advocacy. His disclosure surprised fans of the educational drama series. Sefatsa’s career includes community theater and health campaigns. He shares stories of diagnosis in workshops, focusing on rural access to treatment. Family-oriented, he balances privacy with purpose.
10. Gibson Kente: The Legendary Playwright’s Untold Battle
The late Gibson Kente, father of township theater, lived with HIV before his 2004 death. His works like Sikalo influenced generations, and his status revelation posthumously shocked the arts world. Kente mentored stars like Mbongeni Ngema, embedding social commentary in plays. His legacy includes foundations aiding HIV-affected artists.
These stories remind us that HIV affects everyone, famous or not. While some are confirmed advocates, others stem from rumors—always verify and respect privacy. South Africa’s progress in HIV management is commendable, with free ART saving lives. If this article shocked you, let it inspire action: get tested, support loved ones, and fight stigma.
