In the world of South African celebrity culture, where the spotlight never dims and public figures’ lives are always under scrutiny, it’s not uncommon for high-profile marriages to hit a rough patch.
While some celebrities manage to weather the storm, others choose to leave their marriages for new relationships.
This can lead to public drama, media frenzy, and fans weighing in on personal matters.
Here’s a look at 10 Mzansi celebs who made headlines by leaving their marriages to be with their boyfriends or girlfriends—and the fallout that followed.
These stories have sparked conversations about love, infidelity, personal growth, and the complicated dynamics of celebrity relationships.
Somizi Mhlongo & Mohale Motaung
One of the most talked-about celebrity marriages in South Africa was between Somizi Mhlongo and Mohale Motaung.
The pair’s whirlwind romance captured the public’s imagination, and their extravagant wedding was televised for all to see.
However, things started to unravel in the following years, and the marriage ended in divorce.
Somizi and Mohale’s split dominated headlines, with rumors of infidelity, emotional abuse, and other personal issues surfacing.
Somizi later admitted that the marriage had become unhealthy, and both parties decided to go their separate ways.
Since then, Somizi has been linked to new love interests, and his personal journey has been a source of both support and controversy.
Why Did They Leave Their Marriage?
It seems that Somizi and Mohale eventually parted ways due to differences in values, infidelity, and the pressures of public life.
Their decision to leave each other for their own happiness became a key turning point for both.
Pearl Thusi & Walter Mokoena
Pearl Thusi, one of Mzansi’s most successful actresses and media personalities, had a public romance with Walter Mokoena, a former sports anchor.
The two were a power couple for years before they called it quits.
Despite having a child together, their relationship eventually ended.
Pearl later moved on with other partners and had highly publicized relationships, including her romance with Sithelo Shozi’s ex-boyfriend, who was also a prominent figure in the industry.
Pearl has always remained private about her love life but has openly shared the challenges of balancing her career and family.
Why Did They Leave Their Marriage?
The split between Pearl and Walter was attributed to compatibility issues and the toll that long-distance relationships and career demands took on their personal lives.
Kelly Khumalo & Senzo Meyiwa
The tragic death of Senzo Meyiwa, the late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, has been shrouded in mystery and controversy.
Kelly Khumalo, a popular singer, was in a relationship with Senzo at the time of his passing, and they had a child together.
However, before Senzo’s death, Kelly had left her previous marriage to Julius Malema’s cousin, a businessman who was known to have been involved in an abusive relationship with her.
After Senzo’s passing, Kelly moved on with several relationships, despite ongoing media scrutiny about her past and current life.
Her personal life has continued to be a topic of public discussion, especially around her relationships with men after Senzo’s tragic death.
Why Did They Leave Their Marriage?
Kelly’s marriage was marred by allegations of abuse, which led to her decision to walk away.
She later formed a relationship with Senzo, which ended in tragedy.
Zodwa Wabantu & Ntobeko Linda
Zodwa Wabantu, the controversial dancer and socialite, was in a highly publicized relationship with Ntobeko Linda, whom she was engaged to.
However, their engagement ended after several years, sparking rumors of infidelity and arguments in their relationship.
Zodwa, known for her unapologetic persona, later admitted to moving on with new relationships, including an affair with a younger man.
She has been open about her reasons for leaving the relationship, stating that she was looking for someone who could give her the respect and love she deserved.
Why Did They Leave Their Marriage?
Zodwa left the relationship due to personal differences and the realization that they weren’t compatible long-term.
Bonang Matheba & AKA
Bonang Matheba, South Africa’s queen of media, and rapper AKA had an on-again, off-again relationship that was often in the public eye.
After dating for several years, the two called it quits in 2017, with rumors of cheating and emotional issues plaguing their relationship.
Both Bonang and AKA have moved on to other relationships, but their breakup still remains a sensitive subject for many fans, who were devastated by their split.
Why Did They Leave Their Marriage?
The reasons behind their breakup were attributed to infidelity, public pressure, and differences in lifestyle.
Bonang later spoke openly about the toxic aspects of her relationship with AKA.
Terry Pheto & Thomas Gumede
Terry Pheto, the acclaimed actress, and Thomas Gumede, an actor and producer, had a widely publicized relationship that ended in a split.
Their breakup shocked many fans who had followed their relationship closely.
Terry later moved on with other high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry.
Her decision to leave her relationship with Thomas, and the reasons behind it, were never fully explained, but it’s believed that personal growth and the pressure of public life played a role.
Why Did They Leave Their Marriage?
The relationship ended after communication issues and the challenges of balancing a relationship in the spotlight.
Minnie Dlamini & Quinton Jones
Minnie Dlamini, one of South Africa’s most beloved TV personalities, divorced Quinton Jones in 2022, just a few years after their highly publicized wedding.
Their separation was a shock to many, especially considering that they had a child together.
Minnie has been candid about her struggles during the marriage, citing that their differences were too much to overcome.
Since their separation, Minnie has become more open about her journey to healing and personal growth.
Why Did They Leave Their Marriage?
The couple cited irreconcilable differences and struggles with maintaining a balance between their public and private lives.
Minnie has also openly discussed the emotional toll it took on her.
Khanyi Mbau & Mandla Mthembu
The high-profile marriage between Khanyi Mbau, a media personality and actress, and businessman Mandla Mthembu, was one of Mzansi’s most talked-about unions.
However, it ended in a public and messy divorce.
Khanyi later revealed that she left Mandla for a new relationship, in which she found the emotional support and maturity she was looking for.
Khanyi’s split from Mandla shocked many, as the couple had been known to showcase their lavish lifestyle and love on social media.
However, the cracks began to show when they became distant in the public eye.
Why Did They Leave Their Marriage?
The marriage ended due to emotional disconnect, communication issues, and differences in their aspirations.
Lerato Kganyago & Thami Ndlala
Lerato Kganyago, one of South Africa’s top media personalities, and businessman Thami Ndlala had a brief marriage that ended after a highly publicized wedding.
The couple’s split was attributed to trust issues and emotional problems that could not be resolved, despite their attempts to make the relationship work.
Lerato has been vocal about how she decided to leave the marriage to focus on her career and happiness, and she later moved on to other relationships.
Why Did They Leave Their Marriage?
Lerato left the relationship due to trust issues and the realization that her emotional needs weren’t being met.
Dineo Ranaka & Mashaba
Dineo Ranaka, the popular radio personality and TV host, had a marriage with Mashaba, which ended in divorce after a few years.
Dineo, known for her strong personality, admitted that she felt trapped in the marriage, which led her to seek freedom in her personal and professional life.
She later spoke out about how her decision to leave the marriage helped her find peace and focus on her career and mental well-being.
Why Did They Leave Their Marriage?
Dineo’s departure from the marriage was due to personal growth, mental well-being, and the need to escape a toxic relationship.
