Khanyi Mbau Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Khanyisile Mbau |
| Date of Birth | 16 October 1985 38 years) |
| Place of Birth | Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Occupation | Actress, Musician, TV Presenter, Socialite |
| Known For | Doobsie on Muvhango, Mbali on Mzansi |
| Notable Shows | The Scoop, The Big Secret, Abomama |
| Parents | Menzi Mcunu (father), Lynette Sisi Mbau (mother) |
| Siblings | Lasizwe Dambuza (half-brother) |
| Children | Khanukani Mbau |
| Spouse | Mandla Mthembu (m. 2006; div. 2009) |
| Partner | Kudzai Terrence Mushinga |
| Active Years | 2004–present |
Khanyi Mbau Biography
Khanyisile Mbau, better known as Khanyi Mbau, is a multi-talented South African actress, musician, television presenter, and socialite. She was born on October 16, 1985, in Soweto, South Africa. Raised in a strict yet Western-influenced household by her grandparents, Khanyi’s upbringing was marked by her grandmother’s disciplined household, which she fondly referred to as the “Queen of England.”
Khanyi’s journey to fame began in 2004 when she replaced Lindiwe Chibi as Doobsie on the SABC 2 soap opera Muvhango. Her time on the show was short-lived due to her reported off-screen lifestyle, but this did not deter her. She soon found herself starring as Mbali in the SABC 1 drama series Mzansi and in the mini-series After Nine.
Career Highlights
Over the years, Khanyi has built a diverse and successful career in the South African entertainment industry. In addition to her acting roles, she has hosted several television shows, including The Scoop on SABC 3 and The Big Secret on BET Africa. In 2013, she took on a new challenge by hosting her own talk show, Katch It With Khanyi, which quickly became a hit and set viewership records.
Khanyi’s talents extend beyond television. In 2016, she made her feature film debut in Happiness is a Four-letter Word, where she played the role of Zaza, a trophy wife. The film was a commercial success, grossing over R10 million at the box office. She continued her film career with roles in Frank and Fearless (2018) and The Red Room (2019).
Other Ventures
In addition to her work in television and film, Khanyi has ventured into business. In 2018, she launched her own brand of gin called “I Am Khanyi – Millennial Shimmer Gin,” further solidifying her status as a trendsetter and entrepreneur.
Personal Life
Khanyi’s personal life has often been in the spotlight, especially her marriage to businessman Mandla Mthembu, which ended in divorce in 2009. She has a daughter named Khanukani and is currently in a relationship with Zimbabwean-born international businessman Kudzai Terrence Mushinga.
Recent Developments
In August 2024, Khanyi Mbau shared a post-operative video on her social media accounts, revealing that she had undergone a significant cosmetic procedure. Now 38 years old, Mbau expressed that she had grown tired of the frequent use of Botox and fillers to maintain her youthful appearance. As a result, she opted for more permanent measures. The video showed Mbau covered in compression bandages to reduce swelling, reflecting the intensity of the surgery.
