Sthembiso SK Khoza

EARLY LIFE

Sthembiso Khoza was born on 1 July 1986 in Ntuzuma, KwaZulu-Natal, to Zulu parents. He grew up excelling in sports, including cricket, soccer, rugby, and karate (he earned a black belt at age 12). His father, Stan Khoza, is a prominent trade-union leader. His younger brother is actor Abdul Khoza (known for roles in Isibaya and other productions). He completed secondary school at Parkhill High School and later earned a degree in Sports Management from the University of Johannesburg.

CAREER

Khoza began his professional path at SuperSport as a log editor before moving in front of the camera. He joined Channel O and hosted the car-customisation and hip-hop magazine show Mzansi Ridez (similar in concept to Pimp My Ride). He worked as a field presenter on Vuzu’s V-Entertainment, hosted the dance competition Bounce (seasons 1 and 2 on Mzansi Magic/Mzansi Wethu), presented Goal Diggerz (profiling football stars), and appeared at the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards. He has also worked as a radio host (TransAfrica Radio), MC, and voice-over artist. His acting debut came as DJ Teeman in the Mzansi Magic telenovela iNkaba (around 2012–2015). He followed with roles in Mzansi Love – Kasi Style (as Sihle), The Road (as Bandile/Styles / Sam Thabethe), Isibaya (as Thabiso), Ayeye / Ayeye: Stripped (as Neo), and The Kingdom – uKhakhayi (as Madoda). His breakthrough was the role of Shaka Khoza in Ferguson Films’ The Queen (2016–2019, with returns in later seasons), opposite Connie Ferguson and others. Subsequent credits include Kings of Jo’burg, Housekeepers, The Black Door, Isitha: The Enemy (2026), Umthetho (2026), Baby Mamas and Zulu Wedding. He has received recognition including a Best Actor award at the African Social Entertainment Awards (2022). In recent interviews he has emphasised seeking substantial, layered roles and has expressed interest in directing and producing in the future.

PERSONAL LIFE

Khoza is a father of three children. He has spoken publicly about fatherhood and has shared custody arrangements involving his son with Gogo Maweni. He was engaged to dentist Ayanda (Mandy) Hlongwane around 2020; the relationship later ended, with mutual allegations of physical abuse reported in the media. He has faced significant public controversies, including being removed from The Queen in 2019 amid gender-based violence allegations (a public petition supporting his return gathered tens of thousands of signatures), a 2022 incident involving a fan, and the circulation of a sex tape, after which he briefly launched an OnlyFans account. He has addressed mental health and personal challenges in interviews. In recent years he has spoken about focusing on meaningful work, mentoring, and returning to his roots in KwaZulu-Natal/Durban.

Khoza is known for a high-profile career that has included both mainstream success and significant public scrutiny. He has discussed industry challenges such as payment issues and mediocrity, and has indicated plans to mentor younger talent while continuing to act selectively. He remains active on social media and continues to take on television projects.