The entertainment industry in South Africa is often seen through a glamorous lens, but behind the glitz and red carpets lie personal struggles and heartbreak. Many of our beloved celebrity couples have faced the challenges of marriage in the public eye, and sadly, several high-profile unions have recently ended in divorce. From the TV stars we grew up watching to the musicians we’ve danced to, these couples have all experienced the emotional toll of splitting up, proving that not even fame and fortune can shield you from life’s harsh realities.

Here’s a look at 5 South African celebrities whose marriages have ended recently, leaving behind broken hearts, tears, and sometimes even a ripple in the public’s perception. We take a closer look at the relationships of Minnie Dlamini & Quinton Jones, Reneiwe Letsholonyane & Mpho Maboi, Mapaseka Koetle & Nelson Nyokong, DJ Fresh & Thabiso Sikwale, and Lebo M & Angela Ngani-Casara—all of whom have faced tough breakups in the spotlight.

1. Minnie Dlamini & Quinton Jones

The End of a Fairytale: Love in the Spotlight

One of South Africa’s most beloved celebrity couples, Minnie Dlamini and Quinton Jones, shocked fans when they announced their split after four years of marriage. The couple, who had been together for more than a decade, first met while working together in the entertainment industry, and their wedding in 2017 was a media sensation. Minnie, a prominent TV presenter, actress, and businesswoman, and Quinton, a producer and businessman, seemed like the perfect match.

However, despite their public displays of love, their marriage ended in tears. In 2022, Minnie confirmed the split, saying that the two had grown apart. The public announcement was filled with sadness, as many had admired the couple’s journey from dating to marriage and even the birth of their son. Fans were devastated by the news, as it seemed to mark the end of a fairytale romance. Minnie and Quinton both expressed that they would remain amicable for the sake of their son, but the emotional pain of divorce was evident.

Their split highlighted how high-profile marriages are often fraught with personal and professional pressures that fans may never fully understand.

2. Reneilwe Letsholonyane & Mpho Maboi

Love, Soccer, and Heartbreak: A Star-Studded Divorce

Former Bafana Bafana star Reneilwe Letsholonyane and sports presenter Mpho Maboi’s relationship was one that many admired. The couple, known for their involvement in South African sports media and entertainment, were both media personalities who seemed inseparable. They were together for many years before getting married in a private ceremony that was only made public later.

However, in 2023, Reneilwe and Mpho announced that they had decided to part ways. The news of their divorce shocked fans, particularly those who had followed their love story from the beginning. Reneilwe, who has a successful career in football and media, and Mpho, known for her work in sports broadcasting, were often seen as a power couple. Despite their glamorous lives, the breakdown of their marriage was a reminder that even those who seem to have it all are not immune to marital struggles.

Sources close to the couple indicated that their busy careers and time apart contributed to their emotional distance, leading to an amicable but painful separation.

3. Mapaseka Koetle & Nelson Nyokong

The End of a Fairytale: Divorce After Years Together

Mapaseka Koetle, one of Mzansi’s favorite actresses known for her role in “Scandal!”, and Nelson Nyokong, a successful businessman, had been married for several years before news of their divorce broke. The couple’s relationship was always considered one of the most private in the entertainment world, with Mapaseka rarely speaking about her personal life in the media. However, their sudden split in 2023 left many of their fans heartbroken.

Mapaseka shared the news of her divorce with a statement on social media, expressing her sadness but emphasizing that they were parting ways on good terms. “Sometimes people grow apart, and it’s okay to let go,” she wrote. Despite the amicable split, the news came as a blow to fans who had admired their relationship for its quiet strength and privacy.

Their breakup reminded many that even those who seem to have everything—a successful career, a loving partner, and a beautiful family—are not immune to the complexities and challenges of marriage.

4. DJ Fresh & Thabiso Sikwale

From Marriage to Heartbreak: A Public Split

DJ Fresh (Thato Sikwane), one of South Africa’s most popular radio personalities, and his wife Thabiso Sikwale made headlines when they announced their divorce in 2023. The couple, who had been together for several years, seemed like the epitome of urban success, with DJ Fresh hosting popular radio shows and Thabiso managing her career in the media industry.

Their split, which came after years of speculation about their relationship, shocked many. Despite their love for each other and their strong public personas, it became clear that there were personal issues behind the scenes. The announcement was bittersweet, as DJ Fresh and Thabiso shared a joint statement expressing their decision to separate for the sake of their individual growth.

While the divorce was not as publicly explosive as some other celebrity breakups, it still had a significant emotional impact, especially given the mutual respect the couple had built over the years. Fans were left with questions, but both parties seemed to prioritize healing and growth.

5. Lebo M & Angela Ngani-Casara

Divorce After Years of Stormy Times: The End of an Era

Another heartbreaking divorce announcement came from Lebo M, the legendary South African musician and composer, best known for his work on the soundtrack of Disney’s The Lion King, and his wife Angela Ngani-Casara. The couple, who had been married for several years, confirmed their divorce in 2023, though it was clear that their relationship had been experiencing turbulence for some time.

Lebo M and Angela’s divorce was surrounded by public drama and media speculation. Their marriage had been in the spotlight for years, with Angela being known for her involvement in the arts and entertainment industry as well. Despite their public profiles, they had struggled with private challenges, and the breakdown of their marriage came as a result of long-standing issues.

In a statement released on social media, Lebo M and Angela shared their mutual desire to move forward with respect and peace. The divorce marked the end of a significant chapter in both of their lives, as they each looked to heal and find new paths.

Conclusion: The Heartbreak Behind the Headlines

While we often admire celebrity couples from afar, the reality is that many relationships end in heartbreak, even in the world of fame and fortune. These 5 South African celebrities—Minnie Dlamini & Quinton Jones, Reneilwe Letsholonyane & Mpho Maboi, Mapaseka Koetle & Nelson Nyokong, DJ Fresh & Thabiso Sikwale, and Lebo M & Angela Ngani-Casara—have shown us that marriage is not always as glamorous as it may seem, and the end of a marriage can be filled with emotional pain, no matter how much wealth, fame, or success one has.

The divorces of these high-profile couples remind us that, while the spotlight shines brightly on their lives, they too face the same struggles that many people do when it comes to love, loss, and starting over. Divorce is never easy, but it is sometimes a necessary step in finding peace and happiness.

For fans who have followed their journeys, these breakups offer a glimpse into the realities of celebrity marriages, reminding us that behind the glitz and glamour, there are real human emotions at play.