Heartbreak and breakups: Six South African celeb couples who won’t be entering 2025 together

Rachel and Siya Kolisi announced that they are heading their separate ways. (Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s a time for reflection on achievements and memorable moments. However, this year brought unexpected heartbreak and surprising splits for some beloved celebrity couples.

Let’s take a look at the year that was for some of South Africa’s famous couples.

Comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout also features on the list of 2024 separations, announcing his split from his wife, Mica McKechnie, after two years of marriage.

Schalk broke the news in an Instagram story to avoid unwelcome comments, thanking his followers for their ongoing support.

Rassie and Nicolene Erasmus

April brought a quieter parting between Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and his wife of 20 years, Nicolene.

Rumours of marital issues had been circulating, culminating in their decision to divorce. They share three daughters: Nikki, Carli, and Janie.

Lebo Keswa and Letoya Makhene 

In contrast, the separation between writer Lebo Keswa and actor Letoya Makhene was anything but quiet.

While Makhene chose silence, Keswa openly accused her ex in a candid News24 interview, alleging emotional abuse during their marriage.

“That’s why she could never even open a case against me because Letoya has been abusing me in my marriage. She’s been abusing me, and she’s been getting away with it. I was too embarrassed to come out because I’m the butch in the relationship,” Keswa told News24 earlier this year.

Rachel and Siya Kolisi 

One of the most talked-about breakups in South Africa was between rugby superstar Siya Kolisi and his long-time partner, Rachel Kolisi.

In October, the couple took to Instagram to share their heartfelt decision to part ways. Their message was clear: “This decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding.

“While our relationship as a couple is changing, we remain great friends and dedicated partners in co-parenting our children with love and care.”

They reassured fans that their joint work at the Kolisi Foundation would continue and expressed gratitude for supporters’ respect during this transition.

Their love story began in 2012 in Stellenbosch, leading to marriage in 2016. They are proud parents to Nicholas, 9, and Keziah, 7. They couple also adopted Siya’s siblings, Liyema and Liphelo.

Pearl Mbewe and Sello Maake KaNcube 

The contentious divorce saga between Pearl Mbewe and Sello Maake KaNcube left many stunned. Recent allegations and legal action has only intensified their public drama, keeping them in the headlines.

Last week, the couple was embroiled in another scandal after Mbewe accused Maake kaNcube of concealing his positive HIV status from her.

Anna and Bobby van Jaarsveld 

After 13 years of marriage, singer Bobby van Jaarsveld and his wife Annatjie announced their mutual decision to divorce.

Bobby shared in an Afrikaans statement on Instagram: “This has been the toughest decision of our lives, but after much thought, we believe it’s best for us now.”

The couple is devoted to their three children’s well-being and will continue to prioritise them during this time.