Famous Zimbabwean Celebrities in South Africa: Top 20 List (with Images)
Famous Zimbabwean Celebrities in South Africa: Top 20 List (with Images)
Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:24 AM by Alice Wabwile – 6 min read
South Africa boasts thriving entertainment and economic industries, making it a prime destination for emerging and established talents. Among those drawn to its opportunities are numerous celebrities with Zimbabwean roots. This article highlights the top 20 Zimbabwean celebrities who have made significant strides in South Africa.
Photo: @mobilepunch/@kingmdevah on X, Oupa Bopape on Getty Images (modified by author)
Source: UGC
South Africa, fondly known as Mzansi, is home to hundreds of thousands of Zimbabwean emigrants seeking better lives. However, this growing population has also contributed to rising cases of xenophobia. Despite these challenges, many Zimbabwean celebrities have flourished in South Africa, spanning various fields including music, acting, and business. Here are the top 20 Zimbabwean celebrities making waves in Mzansi:
1. Nadia Nakai
Photo: Oupa Bopape – Source: Getty Images
Nadia Nakai, a prominent rapper and TV personality, was born to a Zimbabwean mother and a South African father. She grew up in Johannesburg and attended high school in Kenya. In July 2022, she celebrated a milestone by purchasing a home in Johannesburg’s leafy suburbs.
2. Kim Jayde
Photo: Oupa Bopape – Source: Getty Images
Kim Jayde, a renowned model, was born in Harare and raised in Bulawayo. She moved to South Africa at 19 to complete her education and launch her modeling career.
3. Sha Sha
Photo: @kingmdevah on X (modified by author) – Source: UGC
Sha Sha, born Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro in Mutare, made her singing debut at 17. Discovered by producer Audius Mtawarira, she moved to South Africa to work with top amapiano producers.
4. DJ Oskido
Photo: Oupa Bopape – Source: Getty Images
Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa, known as Oskido, is a legendary musician and producer. Born in South Africa’s North West Province to a Zimbabwean politician father and a South African mother, he grew up in Bulawayo before returning to South Africa to pursue music in the early 1990s.
5. Chiedza Mhende
Photo: @am_blujay, @blueitserver on X (modified by author) – Source: UGC
Chiedza Mhende, born Charlene Chiedza Kudzai Mhende in Harare, moved to Cape Town in 2006 for further education. She gained fame for her role as Wandile Radebe in the Generations drama series.
6. Leroy Gopal
Photo: @am_blujay, @paperbagafrica on X (modified by author) – Source: UGC
Leroy Gopal, a Harare-born actor and comedian, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Live Performance and Motion Picture from AFDA. He has been married to South African actress Keletso Moletso since 2017.
7. Tendai Mtawarira
Photo: Emma McIntyre – Source: Getty Images
Known as The Beast, Tendai Mtawarira is a retired rugby union player born in Harare. He began playing for South Africa in 2006 and later acquired Mzansi citizenship.
8. Peter Ndoro
Photo: @peterndoro on X (modified by author) – Source: UGC
Peter Ndoro, a prominent media personality, was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in the UK before his family returned to Harare. He has worked with several media outlets, including CNBC Africa, SABC, BBC, and M-Net.
9. Jerome Galiao
Photo: @10thingsza, @mobilepunch on X (modified by author) – Source: UGC
Jerome Galiao, born in Harare, is best known for his role as Dr. Nyasha Mugari in the Scandal drama series. He has also appeared in Gomora, The Queen, and Isithembiso.
10. Luthuli Dlamini
Photo: @constitution_94, @ontelle_ on X (modified by author) – Source: UGC
Luthuli Dlamini, born in Bulawayo, grew up in England before moving to South Africa to pursue acting. He gained fame for his role in Scandal as Stan Nyathi.
11. Bujy Bikwa
Photo: Oupa Bopape – Source: Getty Images
Sthembinkosi Junior Bikwa, known as Bujy Bikwa, was born in Zimbabwe. He moved to South Africa in 1992 and grew up in Orange Farm before relocating to Johannesburg to pursue a career in entertainment.
12. Tongayi Arnold Chirisa
Photo: Theo Wargo – Source: Getty Images
Tongayi Chirisa, born in Harare, moved to South Africa in 2006 to study acting. He has starred in notable films and TV shows, including Mr. Bones 2: Back from the Past and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
13. Mr Brown
Photo: @capricornfm, @mdnnewss on X (modified by author) – Source: UGC
Mr Brown, born Lynol Siwela in Gweru, moved to South Africa to pursue music. He has collaborated with several SA stars, including Sho Madjozi and Master KG.
14. Ernest Ndlovu
Photo: @joy_zelda, @tvblogbymlu on X (modified by author) – Source: UGC
Veteran actor Ernest Posa Ndlovu, born in Zimbabwe, has decades of experience in the South African acting industry. He is best known for his role in Generations as Vukani Khoza.
15. Gigi Lamayne
Photo: Oupa Bopape – Source: Getty Images
Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney, known as Gigi Lamayne, has Zimbabwean roots. Born and raised in South Africa, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wits University and has released hits like Ice Cream.
16. Barry Hilton
Photo: @skyezeda, @dowwedolla007 on X (modified by author) – Source: UGC
Comedian and actor Barry Hilton, born in Harare to a French Mauritian mother and an English father, moved to Cape Town at 13 before settling in South Africa permanently in 1990. He holds South African and British citizenship.
17. Trevor Ncube
Photo: Gianluigi Guercia – Source: Getty Images
Trevor Ncube, a South African-based Zimbabwean entrepreneur, was born in Bulawayo. He holds a BA (honours) from the University of Zimbabwe and publishes for both South Africa and Zimbabwe.
18. Sifiso Dabengwa
Photo: Martin Rhodes – Source: Getty Images
Former MTN Group CEO Sifiso Dabengwa was born in Zimbabwe and moved to South Africa in 1994. He has worked with several major corporations, including Eskom.
19. Paul Harris
Photo: Duif du Toit – Source: Getty Images
Paul Harris, a retired cricketer born in Harare, played for South Africa’s national team from 2007 to 2011. He now resides in Pretoria with his family.
20. Pearl ‘Motsi’ Kupe
Photo: @aw_what on X (modified by author) – Source: UGC
Pearl Motsi Kupe, a lawyer and international consultant, was born in Harare. She has held prominent positions, including general manager of communications at Transnet and public prosecutor for the Botswana attorney general.
Zimbabwean Population in South Africa
According to a 2022 report by the Zimbabwe National
Statistics Agency, South Africa is home to 773,246 Zimbabweans, representing 85% of Zimbabwean emigrants. Only 178,000 of these are permit holders. Botswana hosts the second-highest number at 5%, while the UK has the largest number of Zimbabweans outside Africa at 3%.
Reasons for Zimbabwean Emigration
Many Zimbabweans move to South Africa for better employment opportunities and living standards, as well as to escape political and economic instability. South Africa is often preferred over neighboring countries like Botswana and Mozambique due to cultural and linguistic similarities.
Top South African Celebrities
Elon Musk is the richest South African celebrity with a net worth exceeding $200 billion, followed by actress Charlize Theron with an estimated worth of $200 million. Retired cricketer AB de Villiers has the largest Instagram following among South African celebrities, with over 23 million followers as of October 2023.
Zimbabwean celebrities in South Africa continue to excel in their fields, contributing significantly to the country’s diverse talent pool.
