Ayanda Thabethe, a versatile figure in South African entertainment, excels as a model, show host, entrepreneur, and actress. Known for her engaging role on BET’s Top Billing, she has also appeared on magazine covers and in TV ads, establishing her as a beauty icon. More importantly, she inspires young South African women to pursue their dreams with determination.
Ayanda Thabethe Biography
| Full Name: | Ayanda Thabethe |
| Born: | 17 March 1986 (age 37 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Baby Father: | Peter Matsimbe |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Height: | 1.73 m |
| Parents: | N/A |
| Siblings: | Lungile Thabethe |
| Husband • Spouse: | Not Married |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Peter Matsimbe, Papi Rapolai (rum.), Andile Ncube (ex.), Zulu Mkhathini (ex.) |
| Children: | N/A |
| Occupation: | Actress • TV Personality |
| Net Worth: | $500,000 |
Early Life
Ayanda Thabethe was (born March 17, 1986), and hails from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. At the tender age of two, her parents went their separate ways, leaving her and her four sisters under the care of their hardworking mother, who worked as a nurse.
To help make ends meet, Ayanda pitched in by assisting her mother in selling cold drinks and sewing dresses. The family moved around to different towns in Durban, including Ntuzuma, Shayamoya, Umlazi, and Kwa Mashu, as they navigated through life’s challenges together.
Education
Despite the hardships her family faced, Ayanda and her sisters were fortunate to receive a quality education. For her secondary education, she attended Sacred Heart Girls’ Girls’ High School, an all-girls institution.
Afterward, she pursued higher education at the University of Pretoria. She graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Communication Management. Continuing her academic journey, she obtained her Honours Marketing degree from the University of South Africa in 2011.
Career
Before venturing into the entertainment realm, Ayanda built a solid career in esteemed organizations across South Africa, including L’Oreal L’Oreal and Johnson & Johnson. Despite her initial aspirations to pursue modeling, Ayanda faced a setback due to her petite stature, standing at 1.6 meters tall.
However, her determination never wavered. She shared her aspirations with Kutlwano Ditsele, a casting director, who helped her secure representation with Alushi Model Management, owned by Shashi Naidoo. This marked the beginning of her modeling journey, which saw her grace numerous fashion spreads and magazine covers and star in television advertisements. Notably, in 2016, she was chosen as the face of Legit Fashion’s Fashion’s summer range.
Transitioning into the world of hosting and acting, Ayanda’s breakthrough came when she landed the role of host for BET Africa’s prestigious lifestyle magazine show, Top Billing. Her presence on the show quickly elevated her to household-name status, solidifying her reputation as a sought-after host and actress in the industry.
She’s an Entrepreneur
Aside from her various roles in the entertainment industry, Ayanda is also a thriving entrepreneur. She established Buzzworthy Productions, a marketing agency, back in 2011, where she currently serves as the founder and managing director.
Under her leadership, the agency has flourished, accumulating an impressive roster of blue-chip clients over the years. In addition to its commercial endeavors, Buzzworthy Productions is committed to corporate social responsibility.
Personal Life
Ayanda and Zulu Mkhathini, also known as Dash, were in a relationship for a few years before parting ways. Although the reasons for their breakup were not disclosed, Ayanda described it as an amicable separation.
Despite their time together, the couple never married. In 2018, Dash jokingly tweeted that Ayanda owed him his cows, referencing a humorous exchange prompted by Dr. Musa Mthombeni on Twitter.
Interestingly, before her relationship with Dash, Ayanda was previously married to television presenter Andile Ncube. Their marriage lasted for two years before they went their separate ways. It was only after her divorce from Andile that Ayanda began dating Dash.
Filmography
- Him, Her & the Guys
- Rockville
- Zaziwa
Has she given birth?
Despite being a model and actress, Ayanda Thabethe became a mother in 2023 after giving birth to her first child in September. Currently, rumors are circulating about her romantic involvement with Papi Rabolai, who happens to be the former fiancé of Lerato Kganyago.
Social Media
Follow her on all her social media platforms:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Net Worth
Ayanda Thabethe is a multi-talented South African personality known for her work as an actress, entrepreneur, television presenter, and model. Her net worth is $500,000, making her one of the most successful and influential figures in the entertainment industry in South Africa. Thabethe has been recognized for her exceptional talent and hard work, and her achievements have earned her a place among the most prominent personalities in the country.
FAQs
How old is Ayanda Thabethe?
She is 38 years of age. Born on 17 March 1986.
Is Lungile Thabethe related to Ayanda Thabethe?
Yes, Lungile Thabethe is the younger sister of media personality Ayanda Thabethe. The two have collaborated on a beauty brand called Quick Face, which they created with Mr Price. The sisters have also been featured on the cover of Glamour SA magazine.