Khanyi Mbau is 38 Years Old as of September 2023.
Khanyi Mbau was born on October 15, 1985, in Soweto, South Africa, and entered the entertainment industry with determination.
In 2004, she gained fame when she took over the role of Doobsie on SABC 2’s soap opera Muvhango, replacing actress Lindiwe Chibi.
This breakthrough catapulted her into the limelight, showcasing her acting talents to a wide audience.
However, her stint on the show was short-lived due to her excessive partying and frequent appearances in Sunday tabloids.
Undaunted by this setback, Mbau swiftly bounced back in 2006 by joining the cast of the hit drama series Mzansi as Mbali.
Here she captivated viewers and solidifying her status as a talented actress.
During this time, she also showcased her versatility in the SABC 1 mini-series “After 9.”
While establishing herself as an actress, Mbau also ventured into hosting.
In 2012, she became the host of “The Scoop,” an entertainment show on SABC 3.
Here she delved into the latest news and gossip.
Her engaging hosting style resonated with audiences, solidifying her position in the media landscape.
Mbau’s hosting prowess extended to BET Africa, where she hosted “The Big Secret,” a show exploring participants’ darkest secrets.
Mbau’s talent and popularity continued to rise, leading to numerous opportunities.
In 2014, she showcased her dancing skills on the seventh season of “Strictly Come Dancing”.
And participated in lip sync battles on MTV Africa, ultimately winning an award.
In addition to her TV and music ventures, Mbau made significant strides in the film industry.
Her debut feature film, “Happiness is a Four-letter Word,” premiered in 2016, solidifying her status as a talented actress.
She followed up with the thriller film “The Red Room.”
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Mbau displayed her entrepreneurial acumen by launching her own brand of gin, “I Am Khanyi – Millennial Shimmer Gin,” in 2018.
Mbau’s impact extended to social media, earning her a nomination for “Best Instagram Account” in the Channel24 Online Awards in 2015.
Her authenticity allowed her to become an influential figure in South African popular culture.
With her magnetic personality, undeniable talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, Khanyisile Mbau continues to captivate audiences.
Her journey in the entertainment industry is an inspiration to aspiring artists and a testament to the power of resilience and determination.
As she explores new creative avenues, Mbau remains a prominent figure in South African entertainment.
PHOTO Source | TrueLove
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Real name | Khanyi Mbau |
| Nickname | Khanyi |
| Date of birth | October 15, 1985 |
| Age (As of 2023) | 38 years old |
| Place of birth | South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Job | Actress, Television Character, Artist |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Hair color | Brown |
| Eye color | Dark brown |
| Net worth | 10 million USD |
Khanyi Mbau’s Early Life And Educaion
Khanyi, born in South Africa on October 15, 1985, turned 38 in 2023.
Her mother, Lynette Sisi Mbau, worked at Barclays Bank in the pension fund’s finance department.
While her father, Menzi Mcunu, wasn’t married to her mother at the time as they were still dating.
Even though Mcunu didn’t have a formal role in naming the child, he chose the name Khanyisile, which means “one who produces light.”
Mbau adopted her mother’s surname.
Lynette returned to work, leaving Khanyi in the care of her parents in Mofolo, Soweto, where her grandmother played a crucial role in her upbringing.
Khanyi’s grandparents had a more Western lifestyle compared to their fellow Soweto residents.
Her grandmother, Gladys, was a firm but caring disciplinarian, earning her the endearing nickname “Queen of England” from Khanyi.
Mr. Babes Mbau, her grandfather, was a talented saxophonist who introduced Khanyi to the world of music.
Her childhood must have been quite enjoyable.
Her educational history isn’t well-documented.
But it’s known that she attended a crèche called Flock on Eloff Street before enrolling at Bedfordview High School.
The public’s knowledge of her life begins in 2005 when she landed the role of Doobsie on the SABC2 soap opera, Muvhango.
Her family includes her brother, the YouTube sensation Lasizwe Dambuza, and her sister, Thandeka Mcunu.
Khanyi Mbau’s Height & Weight
Khanyi stands at 5 feet 2 inches and carries a weight of around 55kg.
Her physique is slender and nicely balanced.
Additionally, she possesses stunning features, including long brown hair and captivating black eyes.
Khanyi Mbau’s Career Including Her Tv Series And Shows
Khanyi Mbau’s journey in the entertainment industry began in 2004.
She took over the role of Doobsie on the popular TV soap opera Muvhango in this year.
Lindiwe Chibi, who had played Doobsie before, had tragically suffered a shooting by her boyfriend, Dan Mokoena.
However, she did not stay on the show for long, and she left after a year amid rumors of her excessive partying and appearances in Sunday tabloids.
Khanyi soon found another acting opportunity in 2006 when she joined the cast of the South African drama Mzansi.
Here she portrayed the character Mbali during the second season of the SABC1 drama series.
That same year, she also landed a role in the film After 9.
In the mini-series After 9, she took on the character Zee, showcasing her versatility and ability to tackle different roles.
Additionally, Khanyi served as a guest judge on season 2 of the South African show “Turn It Out” in 2012.
She continued to make strides in her career, appearing in the film “Ekasi: Our Stories” and the Vuzu film “I Am.”
Khanyi Mbau’s presence extended to the television series “Like Father, Like Son” and the Mzansi Magic mini-series, where she played Sindisiwe Sibeko.
Lesley Mofokeng authored Khanyi Mbau’s biography, which was published in 2014.
However, in 2013, she ventured into hosting her own talk show, “Katch It With Khanyi,” which aired on the OpenView HD channel eKasi+.
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In 2014, she participated in the seventh season of “Strictly Come Dancing.”
Unfortunately, she and her partner, Quintus Jansen, were disqualified in the seventh week due to insufficient votes to continue in the competition.
In April 2015, Khanyi Mbau played the supporting role of Pinky in E.tv’s drama series “Ashes to Ashes.”
She further expanded her acting portfolio in 2016 when she appeared in the popular television drama series “Umlilo,” portraying the character Palesa Simelane.
Her career also delved into radio hosting when she co-hosted “Whose Show Is It Anyway?” on Metro FM in 2016, alongside Somizi Mhlongo and Ntombi Ngcobo.
Unfortunately, the radio show ended after one year due to station restructuring.
Khanyi’s foray into the film industry included her debut feature film, “Happiness is a Four-letter Word,” released in 2016.
Here she played the role of Zaza, a trophy wife and mother.
The film achieved significant box office success, solidifying her reputation as a talented actress.
In addition to her acting and hosting endeavors, Khanyi Mbau expanded her entrepreneurial ventures.
In 2018, she proudly launched her own brand of gin called “I Am Khanyi – Millennial Shimmer Gin,”.
This showcased her business acumen and diversifying her portfolio beyond entertainment.
Khanyi Mbau’s impact extended beyond her professional accomplishments, garnering a substantial following on social media platforms.
Her influential online presence even earned her a nomination for “Best Instagram Account” in the Channel24 Online Awards in 2015.
With her multifaceted talents, undeniable charisma, and entrepreneurial spirit, Khanyi Mbau continued to captivate audiences across various mediums.
Her journey in the entertainment industry served as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a testament to the power of resilience and determination in pursuing one’s dreams.
As she continued to evolve and explore new creative avenues, Khanyi Mbau remained a prominent and influential figure in South African entertainment.
Khanyi Mbau Marriage, Husband And Relationship Status
In 2021, the media spotlight focused on the relationship between Khanyi Mbau, and her business partner from Zimbabwe, Kudzai Mushonga.
Their romantic involvement, which has spanned six months, garnered significant attention, though the exact commencement of their relationship remains undisclosed.
Before her current relationship with Kudzai, Khanyi had experienced various romantic journeys.
Her first notable connection was with Mandla Mthembu, a millionaire and former journalist, whom she encountered in 2005 when she was only 19 years old.
They swiftly married in 2006, but their union unraveled just nine months later, marked by accusations of financial motives from both sides.
Subsequently, Khanyi embarked on a relationship with Theunis Cronus, a 51-year-old married millionaire, in a brief liaison that concluded by January 2010.
Intriguingly, Khanyi later entered a decade-long relationship with Tebogo Lerole, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood’s beloved couples.
This connection endured for ten years before Khanyi announced their separation via her Instagram page in 2020.
Khanyi’s romantic journey also involved motherhood, as she shares a daughter named Khanukhani with her former husband Mandla Mthembu.
Presently, Khanyi Mbau finds herself in a new chapter of love alongside Kudzai Mushonga.
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Their relationship is relatively fresh, clocking in at six months.
It has captivated the interest of many observers, inviting curiosity about their future together.
Khanyi’s life has been marked by ups and downs in the realm of romance.
Her story serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of love and relationships.
As she embarks on this latest chapter with Kudzai Mushonga, the world watches with anticipation to see where their shared path will lead.
Khanyi Mbau’s Daughter
Khanukani Mbau, often referred to as Khanz, is the offspring of the well-known public figures Mandla Mthembu and Khanyi Mbau.
Born in 2006, she has ventured into content creation and become a social media influencer.
Notably, Khanz has amassed a substantial following on TikTok.
Despite her teenage status, Khanyi Mbau, Khanz’s mother, has made the decision to allow her to reside independently in her own apartment.
Her apartment is conveniently situated next door to her mother’s grand mansion residence.
This parenting choice sparked inquiries and discussions among Khanyi’s fellow cast members on the show Young Famous & African.
Rumors circulated suggesting that Khanz might be expecting a child, but Khanyi promptly refuted these speculations.
While some may express concerns about her youthfulness and the size of her living space, Khanyi stands by her decision to grant Khanz this level of independence.
Khanyi Mbau’s Skin Bleaching And Her Cancer Sickness
Khanyi has openly shared her journey of skin lightening, expressing her desire to transition from her dark complexion to a lighter one.
She’s been steadily working towards this transformation.
At one point, she likened her skin bleaching to the way people lighten their hair, don blonde wigs, enhance their eyelashes, or extend their naturally short African hair.
In a 2019 interview with eNCA, Khanyi acknowledged that 90% of her complexion is the result of cosmetic procedures.
She prefers this approach because it reduces her reliance on makeup and subsequently requires less “maintenance” when she’s in front of the camera.
Discussing the skin lightening process, she noted that advancements in technology have made it easier to maintain.
However, she did admit that the procedure comes with a hefty price tag, as she spends up to R10,000 each month to sustain her desired complexion.
Brand Endorsements And Award Recognitions
In 2019, Khanyi Mbau achieved recognition as the best actress at the South African International Film Academy Awards.
She has also served as the brand ambassador for various notable companies.
This includes Slimatone, a South African weight loss supplement manufacturer, as well as Samsung, Puma, and Absolute.
In addition to her ambassadorship roles, she has featured in numerous advertisements.
Throughout her career, Khanyi has earned several accolades.
In 2009, she was honored with the Drama Queen of the Year award.
She continued to shine in the entertainment industry, receiving recognition at the Feather Awards in 2015.
She also secured the title of Best Instagram Account at the Channel24 Online Awards.
One of her standout achievements was winning the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in “Happiness is a Four-Letter Word” at the African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards in 2017.
Furthermore, Khanyi was named a Media Personality awardee during the Oliver Empowerment ceremony.
In 2019, she received a nomination for her role in “Red Room” and emerged victorious as the Best Actress.
Khanyi Mbau has yet another nomination to look forward to.
She’s been nominated for the Drama Queen of the Year award at the upcoming Feather Awards, scheduled to take place on November 11th at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg.
Her accomplishments extend to the South African Film and Television Awards, where she clinched the Best Talk Show award for “Katch It With Khanyi” in 2015.
Khanyi Mbau’s Networth And Other Philanthropic Ventures
Khanyi Mbau, with an estimated net worth of around $10 million, introduced the I am Khanyi gin liquor brand in 2018.
The brand’s distinctive pink bottles adorned with elegant gold lettering are available nationwide.
While the exact amount she invested in her lavish mansion remains undisclosed, she possesses a range of luxury vehicles.
This includes a navy blue Porsche valued at approximately R800,00.
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Khanyi embarked on her luxury car journey at 18 with her first purchase and acquired a Lamborghini at the age of 21.
At the time Standard Bank sought legal intervention, Mbau had accumulated nearly three months of unpaid installments.
In November 2020, the Johannesburg High Court granted the bank authority to repossess both vehicles.
Court documents revealed the bank’s persistent attempts to recover the overdue payments and outstanding balance before resorting to legal action.
Khanyi Mbau’s car collection includes a Mercedez Benz G Class valued at R2.6 million, a Lamborghini Urus priced at R4.5 million, a Lamborghini Huracan at R8 million, and a Mercedez Benz AMG worth approximately R1.5 million.
Additionally, she briefly owned a 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, valued at around R1.5 million, which was repossessed by the bank due to loan payment defaults.
Nonetheless, her net worth is estimated to reach $10 million or R155,300,000, a testament to her accomplishments in acting, show hosting, and entrepreneurship.
Social Media Controversies
In August 2021, Khanyi Mbau’s boyfriend, Kudzai Terrence Mushonga, alleged that she had abandoned him in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Mushonga poured out his emotions in a 24-minute video on Instagram, posted on August 30, 2021.
Concerns arose when Mushonga mentioned that Khanyi had gone to a salon, and by 2 am, she hadn’t returned.
On August 31, 2021, Mushonga returned to Instagram to disclose that Khanyi had sent him a text, informing him that she had taken a flight back to South Africa without notifying him.
He claimed that he had relocated to Dubai with Khanyi to embark on a business venture and a new life together.
According to him, Khanyi didn’t inform him of her return to South Africa.
Additionally, Mushonga alleged that he had spent over R80,000 on Khanyi’s daughter’s boarding and school fees to ensure her safety as they moved abroad.
Khanyi Mbau is no stranger to controversy, and her life story reflects this.
During the Netflix original show “Young, Rich & Famous,” questions were raised about her parenting when she stated that she wasn’t strict with her teenage daughter.
She even indicated that her daughter had a lot of freedom, including in matters related to relationships.
Khanyi Mbau openly stated in 2021 that she didn’t care about the controversy surrounding her millionaire boyfriend.
Kudzai Mushonga, who was allegedly a fugitive wanted by Zimbabwean police.
She said that she often attracted attention because she was newsworthy and that she had a history of dating “bad boys.”
Khanyi has also been candid about her cosmetic procedures, including skin lightening and liposuction.
In 2017, there were reports that she had spent a substantial amount on cosmetic surgery.
Additionally, she stirred up some controversy by posting a nearly nude picture of herself on social media.
She clarified that this was part of a body appreciation campaign, alongside other influential personalities.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Khanyi Mbau
Who is Khanyi Mbau?
Khanyi Mbau is a well-known South African television personality, actress, businesswoman, and author.
What is Khanyi Mbau’s net worth?
Khanyi Mbau’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of September 2023.
Why did Standard Bank take legal action against Khanyi Mbau in the past?
Standard Bank pursued legal action against Khanyi Mbau due to her failure to adhere to the terms of an agreement related to the sale of two luxury vehicles—an issue that arose from her unpaid monthly installments on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG and a 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.
What are some of Khanyi Mbau’s notable achievements apart from her entertainment career?
In addition to her entertainment career, Khanyi Mbau has achieved success as an entrepreneur. She launched her own gin brand called ‘I Am Khanyi, Millennial Shimmer Gin’ in November 2018.
