Zamani Mbatha (born on April 7th, 1998) is a 26 year-old actor and model best known for playing the role of Zamani in the Mzansi Magic telenovela, Isithembiso. The young star has an estimated net worth of $100,000 (over R1.7 million).
Though harboring the desire to become a professional footballer, Zamani Mbatha was bitten by an acting bug upon completion of high school and has never looked back since then. He began his acting career in his late teen years and immediately, got recognized for his unique talent. Through scoring lead roles in several acting projects, the 26 years old has accrued a tangible fortune for himself.
Zamani Mbatha’s Biography Summary
- Full name: Zamani Mbatha
- Gender: Male
- Date of birth: April 7th, 1998
- Zamani Mbatha’s Age: 26 years old
- Ethnicity: Zulu
- Nationality: South African
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Religion: Christian
- Marital Status: Single
- Zamani Mbatha’s Ex-girlfriend: Snikiwe Mhlongo
- Zamani Mbatha’s Parents: Manatuku (mother) and Skuta Nxumalo (father)
- Siblings: Nomzamo and Wendy Mbatha
- Zamani Mbatha’s Net worth: $100,000 (over R1.7 million)
- Famous for: His role as Zamani in Isithembiso and Pule Ndlovu in Rhythm City
- Zamani Mbatha’s Instagram: @zamani_mbatha
- Twitter: @mbatha_zamani
- Facebook: @ZamaniMbatha
How Old is Zamani Mbatha?
Zamani Mbatha is 26 years old. His birthplace is KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, and his birthdate is April 7th, 1998. He hails from the Zulu tribe and his parents were Manatuku and Skuta Nxumalo. Sadly, the actor’s parents are late.
His mother, Manatuku, who worked as a teacher, passed away in 2021, whereas his father died in 2007. Zamani Mbatha was raised along with his siblings, Nomzamo and Wendy Mbatha. He and his sisters attended Bechet High School and he later furthered his education at Holy Family College.
Meet Zamani Mbatha’s Famous Siblings
Zamani Mbatha and his siblings have a close relationship and they always support one another. Interestingly, the 26 year-old actor is not the only famous person in his family as he was born into a family of entertainers. His older siblings are well-known actresses who have achieved a lot in their careers.
Nomzamo Mbatha
Born on July 13th, 1990, Nomzamo Mbatha is a multi-award-winning actress, TV personality, human rights activist, and entrepreneur. She is a graduate of the University of Cape Town and kickstarted her professional career as an actress in the year 2012. She became a household name following her excellent portrayal of Thandeka Zungu in Isibaya.
She subsequently featured in the 2015 film, Tell Me Sweet Something and Umlilo before debuting on the global stage with her role as Mirembe in Coming 2 America in 2021. In addition to acting, Zamani Mbatha’s sister is a brand ambassador for AUDI, McDonald’s, L’Oreal Paris, and Puma. She emerged as the first South African to be appointed the face of Neutrogena in 2015.
Also, the beautiful actress serves as a Goodwill Ambassador at the United Nations Refugee Agency. She has bagged numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career and they include:
- Feather Award for Hot Chick of the Year (2013)
- Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 (2018)
- One of the OkayAfrica 100 Women Honorees in 2018
- Induction into the Golden Key International Honour Society (2019)
- Philanthropy Award from EAfrica! (2019)
Wendy Mbatha
Like her siblings, Wendy Mbatha sprung to the limelight following her role as a Nigerian prostitute in the 2009 movie, District 9. She eventually switched to business and serves as the owner of NCC Skin Care Products which she promotes on her social media accounts. Wendy is married and has a daughter named Nandi Mbatha. In 2022, she reportedly purchased a luxurious Audi car valued at R1 million.
Zamani Made His Acting Debut in Isithembiso at the Age of 19
Immediately after matric, Zamani Mbatha started pursuing a career in acting by attending auditions. He saw the advert for Isithembiso and traveled from Durban to Johannesburg for the audition. Luckily, he landed a lead role in the Mzansi Magic telenovela in 2017 when he was 19 years old.
He played the role of his namesake, Zamani who’s a young, kind-hearted hero with the desire to be someone of value. With the youngster sharing the screen with veteran actors like Hamilton Dlamini, Meshack Mavuso, and Chichi Letswalo, he grew in his character in the series.
And having played the role of Zamani for over 700 episodes, Zamani Mbatha became famous in Mzansi. Due to his outstanding performance in the drama series, he was able to bag a recurring role in another popular South African TV series, Rhythm City soon after Isithembiso ended in 2020.
He Landed his First Award Nomination at 19 Also
In 2017, a few months after debuting in the SA film industry, Zamani Mbatha was nominated for a Rising Star Award at the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards. He was 19 years old at the time. He then landed a GQ Best Dressed Award in 2022, at the age of 24.
Later in February 2023, Zamani was nominated for Royalty Soapie Award in the category of Viewers’ Choice Best Actor. Though at the nascent stage of his career, the 26 year-old actor has carved a niche for himself in the acting scene.
Zamani Mbatha’s TV Series
- Isithembiso as Zamani (2017-2020)
- Rhythm City as Pule Ndlovu (2020-2021)
- Isiphindiselo as Benjamin “Benny” (2021)
- Jiva as Bheki (2021)
- The Brave One as Siya (2022)
- The Black Door as Khaya Sokhulu (2022-present)
Zamani Mbatha’s Movies
- Induku as Jama Radebe (2022)
- The Ground Beneath Her Feet as Inspector Mabaso (2022)
How Much Is Zamani Mbatha’s Net Worth?
Zamani Mbatha is said to be worth $100,000 (over R1.7 million). He has mostly made his money from clinching main roles in many TV series. Besides playing a lead role in Isithembiso, the actor has played lead roles in the e.tv drama series, Isiphindiselo (2021), The Black Door (2022), and The Brave One (2022).
He also has had main roles in movies such as The Ground Beneath Her Feet (2022) and Induku (2022). Furthermore, Zamani Mbatha has made his money from endorsement deals as he serves as a brand ambassador for multiple brands including Shield Deodorant, Cadbury, Huawei, Flying Fish Seltzer, and ESPN Africa. Thanks to his substantial net worth, the young star purchased Audi A3 TFSI Sportback valued at over R500,000 in 2019.
Zamani Mbatha and Sni Mhlongo’s Relationship
In the first week of March 2023, YouTube star and influencer, Snikiwe “Sni” Mhlongo – the daughter of eminent actress Brenda Mhlongo, disclosed that she had been dating Zamani Mbatha for the past six years. However, her revelation was quite shocking as it came while she was exposing her now former boyfriend for cheating on her with another lady.
Sni walked in on her boyfriend, Zamani with another girl in bed at his apartment and made a video of them which she quickly uploaded on her Instagram Stories with the caption, “Damn, been dating a cheater this whole time.” Even though she deleted the video, it had already gone viral by then and Twitter users started investigating who the girl was.
Having noticed a tattoo on her body, it was alleged that Zamani Mbatha cheated on his girlfriend with Kamo Mphela. The amapiano artist, however, was quick to clear her name from the rumor. Shortly after, it was alleged that Zamani’s side chick was Gomo Maloka, a dancer and choreographer. Unlike Kamo Mphela, Gomo has kept mum on the issue.
Later on, Sni Mhlongo and Zamani were seen together after the cheating scandal and it was believed that they have ironed things out. Unfortunately, the popular YouTuber has disclosed that she is not ready to take her boyfriend back anytime soon, hence, terminating their relationship. Consequently, the former Isithembiso actor is said to be currently single.