Many stars we celebrate in South Africa actually come from elsewhere. Some were born outside the country and later found fame in Mzansi. Others have rich heritages that fans rarely hear about.
In this article, we reveal big names you didn’t know weren’t truly South African. Stick around, and don’t forget to hit subscribe for more eye-opening stories about your favorite celebrities.
14. Ernst Phosa
Ernest Phosa Ndlovu was born in Tsholotsho, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, on February 20, 1954. Later, he moved to South Africa and built a successful acting career. As a result, many people assume he is South African.
He has starred in popular soap operas and dramas such as Generations, Inkaba, Isibaya, and House of Zwide. For example, his roles as Vukani Khoza in Generations and Zechariah in House of Zwide have made him a fan favorite. Consequently, audiences often forget his Zimbabwean roots.
Despite this, Ndlovu’s work has left a lasting mark on South African television. Therefore, he has become an integral part of the country’s entertainment scene. Ultimately, his story shows how talent can transcend borders and thus challenge assumptions about national identity in the arts.
13. Leroy Siyafa
For many viewers, Leroy Siyafa feels unmistakably South African. Indeed, his accent, mannerisms, and roles in Netflix’s Blood & Water, King Shaka, and Resident Evil have made him a familiar face. As a result, few realize his story begins far beyond South Africa.
Leroy Panashe Siyafa was born on July 10, 2000, in Harare, Zimbabwe. Later, he moved to South Africa in 2008 with his family. Settling in Cape Town, he continued his education at Riding Primary School and Bloubergrant High School. Eventually, he earned an academic scholarship to Elkanah House High School.
Before acting, Leroy spent two years modelling. This experience later helped him on screen. Today, his Zimbabwean roots remain an essential part of who he is, even as his career has become deeply tied to South African storytelling.
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12. Fikile Mthwalo
Fikile Mthwalo is well known for her role as Rajesh Kumar’s PA on Isidingo and as Hlengiwe on Gold Diggers. Consequently, many assume she is South African. However, she was born in Maseru, Lesotho, on April 13, 1989.
Fikile is of mixed origin. Her mother is Tanzanian, and her father is Sotho. Between 2005 and 2006, she moved to Bloemfontein to finish her matric at St. Michael’s School for Girls. Thereafter, she studied at the University of Cape Town and later earned a master’s degree in New York.
As of 2025, she holds both Sotho and South African citizenship. Fikile was married to Atandwa Kani from 2015 to 2019, with their divorce finalized in 2023. Since then, she has shared her sobriety journey on Instagram. Hopefully, we will see her on screen again soon.
11. Uncle Waffles
Many South Africans assume Uncle Waffles is local. The reason is simple: she produces Amapiano, a South African genre, and works in the country. However, she was born and raised in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).
Lungelihle Zwane, known as Uncle Waffles, was born on March 30, 2000. During her childhood, she was raised by her grandmother because her relationship with her mother was strained. Later, she reconciled with her mother as an adult.
After moving to South Africa for tertiary education, she discovered her passion for DJing. During COVID, she practiced over eight hours daily. Then, she signed with an agency and went viral playing Young Stunna’s Adiwele. Eventually, she began producing music, creating major Amapiano hits, performing at Coachella, and even getting sampled by Beyoncé. In doing so, Uncle Waffles has proudly carried the Eswatini flag to the world.
10. Macks Papo
Macks Papo is known as Marothi on Skeem Saam and Irvin Tshinawa on Rhythm City. Many assume he was born in Mamelodi near Pretoria. However, records from the University of Stellenbosch show he was born in Mozambique in 1965.
He moved to South Africa at an early age and grew up in Mamelodi. Although there is little information about his parents, one may be Mozambican. Papo is known for standing firm on his worth as an actor. In fact, he once said he would rather starve than work for peanuts.
Recently, he returned briefly to Skeem Saam and shared insights about his acting journey. Overall, his story shows the challenges and determination behind building a lasting career.
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8. Amanda Du Pont
Many people assume Amanda Du Pont is South African. However, she was born in Manzini, Eswatini, formerly Swaziland. Moreover, she is of royal blood. Her father, Henry Tum Du-Pont, is the son of Princess Ncabile, daughter of Prince Mshengu. Her mother also has a mixed heritage. Interestingly, the Du-Pont surname comes from a French ancestor on her father’s side.
Amanda’s father is mixed, while her mother, Antoinette, has a Chinese-Portuguese mother and a Black father. As a result, Amanda grew up with a diverse background. She was raised in Eswatini until finishing high school. Then, she moved to South Africa for tertiary education. After that, she started acting in South African films and series.
Her breakout role was Lelo on Skeem Saam. Later, she starred in Between Friends: Ithala (2014), 10 Days in Sun City (2017), and Little Big Mouth (2021). Despite her fame in South Africa, Du Pont remains proudly Swati. She holds royal blood from the Eswatini kingdom.
7. Bokang Phelane
Bokang Phelane is a Lesotho-born actress, director, and producer. She is best known for playing Pula on the SABC 2 telenovela Keeping the Score. Although she is now a South African celebrity, her journey began elsewhere.
She was born on April 26, 1990, in Maseru, Lesotho. She completed her primary and secondary school there. Then, she moved to South Africa to study psychology at Monash University. In 2013, she worked for an aviation company in Qatar. By 2015, she returned to pursue acting.
Her breakthrough came in 2016 with a role as Celia in Tempy Pushas. The following year, she played Pula in Keeping the Score and Detective Noxolo in Isidingo. In 2018, she worked with her now-husband Thabo Rametsi on Emoyeni. Eventually, they married in July 2024 in Maseru. Today, she is permanently South African, though she may have dual citizenship.
6. Chrispen Nyathi
Chrispen Nyathi is known for playing Pastor Charleston on DiepCity. He brought warmth and intensity to the role. In fact, he won the Viewer’s Choice Award for Best Actor at the 2021 Royalty Soapie Awards.
However, Chrispen is not South African. He was born on May 31, 1994, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He was raised by his mother and grandmother, both domestic workers.
Grade 5 sparked his passion for acting.
In 2019, he moved to South Africa to follow his dreams. Thereafter, he enrolled at Denver Secondary School. He quickly made a name in the local entertainment industry. His breakthrough came as Pastor Charleston in DiepCity. Beyond acting, Chrispen speaks IsiZulu, Shona, and Xhosa. This skill allows him to connect with diverse audiences.
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5. Gaosi Raditholo
Gaosi Raditholo is known for roles in The Queen, The River, Gomora, and Warrior. Many assume she is South African. However, she was born in Botswana and raised there until moving to South Africa at 13.
She studied at Wits University, earning a BA (Hons) in Dramatic Arts and a Master’s in Film. Her breakthrough came in 2017 with Keeping Score, followed by notable roles in local and international series. Despite her career in South Africa, she proudly honors her Botswanan heritage.
4. Nomsa Myth
Nomsa Myth is a Zimbabwean actress and choreographer known for her role as Memory on e.tv’s Scandal!. She has impressed audiences with dynamic performances across South African television.
In addition, Nomsa is a multi-disciplinary artist, skilled in dance, direction, and voice-over work. She is represented by Viclectic Artist Management, reflecting her professional standing. Despite working in South Africa, her Zimbabwean roots remain central to her identity.
3. Masechaba Khumalo
Masechaba Khumalo was born in Lusaka, Zambia, on September 10, 1983, to South African parents in exile. Although she is now a household name in South Africa, her early years were spent outside the country, including time in the United States.
She started her career at 20 with SABC Africa in 2003 and became known for Weekend Live, Into Africa, and Afro Showbiz. Her journey from exile to media prominence explains why many assume she is South African.
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2. Luthuli Dlamini
Luthuli Dlamini is celebrated for roles in Scandal!, Generations, Uzalo, and The Coconuts. His powerful presence and performances make him a fan favourite.
However, he was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, on March 13, 1966. He grew up partly in the UK before moving to South Africa to act. Even after decades, his Zimbabwean heritage remains an important part of his identity.
1. Getmore Sithole
Getmore Sithole is a respected actor in South Africa, known for Scandal!, Le Lion, Blood & Water, and A Small Town Called Descent. Many assume he is South African because of his work.
However, he was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, on June 3, 1964. He moved to South Africa to build his career but continues to honor his Zimbabwean roots. In fact, he occasionally returns home, showing a deep connection to his heritage.
