When couples vow “until death do us part,” the expectation is a lifetime together. However, life can take unexpected turns, leaving many to navigate the painful journey of loss. Here, we highlight eight South African celebrities who have faced this heart-wrenching reality.

1. Zolo Majawa
South African Celebs Who Are Widows and Widowers

 

 

 
Zolo Majawa, known for her role as Zodwa on the SABC2 soap opera “7de Laan,” married former radio presenter Chris Mashaba in December 2014. Tragically, Chris succumbed to cancer in February 2018 after a prolonged battle. Zolo has frequently shared memories of her late husband on social media, reflecting on the deep emotional scars left by his passing. In a poignant letter, she expressed how the pain of losing him still resonates deeply, and she cherishes the love they shared.

## 2. Siphiwe Mlambo

Actress Siphiwe Mlambo, celebrated for her role as Thuli on “7de Laan,” married actor Dumi Masilela in 2017. Sadly, just two months after their wedding, Dumi was killed during a car hijacking. At only 27, Siphiwe found herself a widow. In tribute, she released a heartfelt song dedicated to her late husband. Recently, she has embraced motherhood, welcoming a son in 2020, which sparked some controversy regarding the timing of the announcement.

## 3. Wiseman Mncube

Wiseman Mncube, renowned for his role in “Uzalo,” lost his wife in 2017, leaving him to raise their young daughter alone. Wiseman has committed himself to being a dedicated father, ensuring that their daughter feels loved and supported despite her mother’s absence. While he remains private about the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death, he expresses gratitude for the family support he receives in his parenting journey.

## 4. Lerato Sengadi

Lerato Sengadi gained recognition as a contestant on “Big Brother Africa” and was married to Motswako rapper HHP, who struggled with mental health issues before his passing in 2018. Following his death, Lerato faced challenges from HHP’s family regarding the legitimacy of their marriage. After a lengthy legal battle, the Supreme Court confirmed her status as his widow, allowing her to honor his memory with a tombstone, which she plans to erect post-lockdown.

## 5. Temsisa Ndlovu

Temsisa Ndlovu, an actress known for her roles in “The Queen” and “Rhythm City,” experienced a devastating loss when her husband drowned in 2019. She discovered his body after he had gone to the store. Despite the traumatic nature of his passing, Temsisa has found strength in her children, who have helped her navigate the grief.

## 6. Ayanda Gani

Ayanda Gani, recognized as the manager of late gospel star Sfiso Ncwane, married him in 2002. Sfiso’s death in 2016 due to kidney complications left Ayanda to care for their two children. Currently, she faces a legal battle from Sfiso’s children from a previous relationship, challenging her control over his estate.

## 7. Lize Joubert

Lize Joubert, an adventure enthusiast and former contestant on “Fear Factor South Africa,” lost her husband, motorsport star Gugu Zulu, during a charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2016. In his honor, Lize retrained to summit the mountain herself and penned a book titled “I Choose to Live: Life After Losing Gugu,” detailing her grief and resilience.

## 8. Keshni Rull

Keshni Rull, known for her work on “Our Perfect Wedding,” lost her husband Farai Sibanda in a tragic car accident in 2019, just months after their marriage. Since his passing, Keshni has found solace in their young son, often honoring her husband’s memory through social media posts

Kelly Khumalo sparks stir with snap of her alleged lover

Kelly Khumalo sets tongues wagging on Valentine’s Day after sharing a sweet snap of herself with a mystery man.

Speculation is rife that the man in the picture is her partner and the father of her third child.Captioning the post, she wrote: “Isazozalwa letsotsi ezozhlukanisa.”

 

 

 

 

 
Fans and followers flooded the comments with mixed reactions, with many expressing shock over the man’s resemblance to Arthur Mafokate.

“Is this the same guy that almost Cici??” one user questioned.

Another added, “I can’t wait for this HIT, sis Kelly! I’m still amazed and enjoying Akathintwa!”

However, the image also gives off music video vibes, leaving room for speculation.

Check out the full photo below and share your thoughts.

DJ Zinhle pens words of appreciation to her husband

On Valentine’s Day, DJ Zinhle publicly expressed her deep appreciation for her partner, Murdah Bongz.

The South African businesswoman shared a heartfelt message alongside a beautiful photo of the former Black Motion member, thanking him for his unwavering love and support.

 

 

 

 

 

“I just want to take a moment to thank you for the way you love me—so steady, so reassuring, so true. In a world that can sometimes feel uncertain, you are my safe place, my constant, my home,” she wrote.

She went on to praise Murdah’s strength and devotion, highlighting his role in supporting her dreams while always being her rock.

“It takes a brave man to love and support a woman the way you do—to stand by me, uplift me, and give me the space to chase my dreams while always making sure I have a soft place to land. Your strength, patience, and unwavering belief in me mean more than I can ever express.”

Closing her tribute, DJ Zinhle expressed her gratitude for their love and the life they are building together.

“Thank you for being the man that you are, for loving me in the way that you do, and for choosing us every single day. I am endlessly grateful for you, for us, and for this beautiful life we’re building together. I love you more than words can ever say.”

Her touching words melted hearts, further proving the deep bond the couple shares

Dr Malinga lavishes his wealth on whips as he’s secured a second car in less than 5 days.

Hours before Valentine’s Day, the South African music legend shared a video of how he surprised his wife with a Mercedes Benz.

 

 

 

 
He said the car was not just for Valentine’s celebration, but to mark their anniversary.

The video left social media abuzz as people worry about his finances.

Taking to Instagram this Friday, Dr Malinga shared a video of himself at a dealership where he bought a new Mercedes Benz worth R 4 million.

“Thank you Lord for rewriting my life,” he captioned post.

Followers, including celebs flooded the post with congratulatory comments; he was also celebrated for the wins.

DeVon Franklin, an American pastor and film producer, is engaged.

In an exclusive interview with People magazine, the 46-year-old pastor revealed his engagement to Maria Castillo, a 29-year-old celebrity trainer.On December 27, 2024, while on vacation, the pair got engaged during a romantic and private photo session outside The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.

 

 

 
According to PEOPLE, Castillo’s former business partner, trainer Mike Trusdale, introduced the couple approximately a year ago. Franklin’s friend Trusdale organized a brunch for the two because he believed they would be a perfect fit. They have reportedly been inseparable ever since they met.Franklin had been married to Megan Good for almost ten years prior to his involvement with Castillo. After getting married in June 2012, the ex-couple split up in August 2021.

Both parties reached a confidential settlement after Franklin filed for divorce in December 2021 and their separation was formalized in June 2022.

Congratulations to Blood & Water actor Dillon Windvogel and his partner, Ayesha on their wedding!

Ayesha first announced their engagement in July 2024, sharing the exciting news with the caption, “New chapter loading……”

Now, it seems that chapter has officially begun, as Dillon recently shared wedding photos with the caption, “Chapter 2: Vow.”

 

 

 

 

Dillon Windvogel’s Journey in the entertainment industry
Dillon Windvogel is a talented South African actor and dancer, best known for his role as Vernon Booysen in the kykNET & kie soapie Arendsvlei.

Born and raised in Cape Town, he attended Belhar High School and matriculated in 2017. That same year, he landed his first major acting role as Ashwin, a troubled teen, in the kykNET & kie dance drama danZ!.

His career quickly gained momentum, leading to a recurring role as Tackies in the kykNET drama Sara se Geheim (Sarah’s Secret) in 2018. He also starred in the short film Mr The Fastest, a comedy-drama about an ex-racer confronting his past while trying to guide his daughter away from making the same mistakes.

In October 2018, Dillon made his debut as Vernon Booysen in Arendsvlei, a role that solidified his presence in the local television industry. His film credits also include Bhai’s Café and Riding with Sugar.

Global recognition with Blood & Water
Dillon’s breakthrough on the international stage came in 2020 when he was cast as Wade Daniels in the Netflix original series Blood & Water. The coming-of-age mystery drama follows Puleng (played by Ama Qamata) as she investigates whether a star swimmer at an elite private school is her long-lost sister. Windvogel’s character, Wade, becomes Puleng’s trusted ally in her search for the truth.

Blood & Water premiered globally on 20 May 2020, reaching audiences in 190 countries and cementing Dillon’s reputation as one of South Africa’s rising stars.

South African media personality Bonang Matheba has taken to social media to showcase her latest acquisition: a brand-new set of wheels.

Matheba shared images on her Instagram stories, revealing the moment she received the keys to her customised Range Rover.

 

 

 

 

 

 
IG Stories: bonang_m
The star, who has largely stepped away from the limelight to focus on her business ventures, also made headlines in 2024 when she revealed she had found love with a mysterious man.

According to a report by TshisaLive, Bonang’s new partner is David Phume, a media and tech entrepreneur. The couple have reportedly been dating for a year, and Bonang has openly expressed her affection for him on her reality TV show, B’Dazzled by Bonang.

During the show, Bonang shared intimate details about her relationship journey, saying, “I was single for six years before this. I was very clear about what I wanted in a partner and the kind of man I was looking for. At the time, I was also deeply focused on my career, dealing with the BNG litigation, and I had moved to New York. Honestly, I wasn’t in the right headspace to accept love. I wasn’t happy within myself, so there was no way I could have been happy in a relationship.”

She continued, “When I returned home from New York, I felt stronger, more confident, and more beautiful than ever. I won my litigation case, found my rhythm, and was finally in a good place. It was then that I felt ready, and it seemed like God said, ‘Take this.’ Now, everything is falling into place. I’m truly happy, and things are going wonderfully.”

Congratulations to Miss South Africa 2018, Tamaryn Green, and her husband, Ze Nxumalo, on the birth of their first child together. The couple shared the joyous news on Valentine’s Day, marking the occasion with a heartfelt announcement.

“Our first Valentine’s Day as a family of three,” Green revealed.

The couple first announced their pregnancy in August 2024, coinciding with Tamaryn’s 30th birthday. At the time, she shared the exciting news on social media, expressing her gratitude in a touching post.

 

 

 

 
“Couldn’t have asked for a better gift on my 30th birthday. What a blessing we’ve been given,” she wrote.

Recently, Tamaryn celebrated her official baby shower, sharing heartwarming moments from the event with her followers. She expressed her appreciation to friends and loved ones who helped make the day unforgettable, writing, “I can’t wait for our baby girl to meet each and every one of you.”

This celebration followed another special surprise just a month earlier, when close friends and family organised a second baby shower for the expectant mother. Tamaryn, who had initially thought she was attending a casual lunch with friends, was overwhelmed by the thoughtful gesture.

Reflecting on the surprise, she shared, “What I thought was a lunch with the girls turned out to be a surprise baby shower thrown by my school friends. Some of us have been friends for 21 years, and now our circle is growing. Thank you for including the guys as well. I can’t wait for our baby to meet all the uncles and aunts.”

The couple’s journey into parenthood has been met with love and support from fans.

Read Next: Blood & Water’s Dillon Windvogel and his partner tie the knot

Tamaryn Green

Congratulations to Amapiano sensation Tyler ICU on the purchase of his first home. The hitmaker shared the exciting news on social media, posting a snap of his new abode alongside the Bible verse, Joshua 24:15:

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

In his heartfelt post, Tyler ICU expressed his gratitude to ‘God’ for playing a pivotal role in his life’s blessings.

 

 

 
He wrote, “I would like to thank the Lord God for being the key player in everything that’s in my life and for bringing such amazing people who want me to prosper. Thank you to my grandma and my parents for the man I am today. I pray I stay in their favour as well.”

He also took a moment to acknowledge his mentor, DJ Maphorisa, for his support and influence. “I would like to thank @djmaphorisa. God has brought you into this life to change lives. May your cup never run dry for what you do for the youth of this country. None of this would have been possible if God hadn’t brought you into my life.”

Lastly, Tyler thanked himself for his hard work and perseverance, recognising the effort it took to achieve this milestone.

Born Austin Khulani Baloyi in Kempton Park, Gauteng, Tyler ICU rose to fame following the release of his hit single Mnike. The track was certified platinum in South Africa and went viral on social media, catapulting him into the spotlight.

Actress and singer Itumeleng Bokaba has officially withdrawn the rape charges she previously filed against music executive Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi. The former Rhythm City star, known for playing Mampho, made the announcement via Instagram, explaining that she is stepping back from the case to focus on a significant career opportunity.

Bokaba clarified that her decision does not diminish her experience or the allegations but is based on the need to dedicate herself fully to this new chapter in her life. She also expressed her intention to revisit the case when she is in a better position to do so.

 

 
The accusations initially surfaced alongside claims that Baloyi had withheld royalties from Bokaba’s contribution to Kwesta’s hit song Mayibabo, for which she allegedly received only 59 cents. The dispute escalated into legal action, with Baloyi filing for a protection order in response, maintaining that their interactions were consensual.

For now, with the legal proceedings postponed, Bokaba has chosen to shift her focus to her professional growth, leaving the possibility open for future legal action.