Simphiwe Ngema's biography: Age, late husband, career, net worth, and more
Simphiwe Ngema is currently a household name in the South African entertainment industry. She has appeared in several top local soapies, including Muvhango and The Queen. Her rise has not been easy after facing challenges, including the loss of her husband after only two months of marriage.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Simphiwe Ngema was raised in a Christian family, and her father is a local pastor. She usually talks about the importance of family in interviews, emphasizing that her celebrity status is irrelevant when she is home.
Simphiwe Ngema's profile summary
| Full name | Simphiwe Ngema |
| Age | 34 years old in 2024 |
| Date of birth | August 29, 1989 |
| Nickname | Simz |
| Birth sign | Virgo |
| Place of birth | Klipspruit, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Religion | Christian |
| Gender | Female |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Marital status | Widowed |
| Husband | Dumi Masilela |
| Relationship status | Dating |
| Boyfriend | Tino Chinyani (2019 to date) |
| Children | Son Tiyani Chinyani |
| Siblings | Baxolile (older sister) |
| Education | Boston House (Journalism) |
| Profession | Actress, singer, MC |
| Social media | InstagramX (Twitter) |
Who is Simphiwe Ngema?
Simphiwe Ngema is a multi-talented South African actress, singer, and MC. She gained national recognition for her role as Thuli Nkosi on the popular SABC 2 soapie Muvhango. Simz studied journalism at Boston House.
Source: Original
Who is the late husband of Simphiwe?
Simz was previously married to Dumisani 'Dumi' Masilela. He was a South African actor, musician, and former football player best known for his role as Sifiso on the eTV soapie Rhythm City.
The couple tied the knot in May 2017 in a star-studded traditional wedding. Dumi passed away a few months later, in August 2017, after being shot during an attempted hijacking in Tembisa, Gauteng. He was 29.
Simphiwe usually pays tribute to her husband on special occasions. On his 2nd death anniversary in 2019, she dedicated a song to him called Thanda Ngemphela. During her previous appearance on Podcast and Chill with MacG, she reflected on losing Dumi, saying,
I felt like there is no reason good enough for it. I would ask God those questions: what's the reason behind it? They always say everything happens for a reason, but I felt like, what's that reason? I didn't understand, but I never lost my belief in God. I think at that time God was the only thing that made sense in my life. It kept me sane.
Source: UGC
Simphiwe Ngema's boyfriend
Ngema started dating Zimbabwean-born TV presenter and model Tino Chinyani in 2019. The actress announced their split in September 2021, but they rekindled the romance more than a year later in March 2023.
Simphiwe Ngema's children
The Muvhango star is a doting mother of one. Her son, Tiyani Kemorena Michael Chinyani, was born in June 2020. The child's father is Tino Chinyani.
Source: Instagram
Simphiwe Ngema's career
Ngema began her acting career in 2008 with a theatre production called The Game, directed by Duma Ndlovu, who introduced her to acting. In 2011, she landed the role of Thuli Nkosi in the popular TV series Muvhango.
Simphiwe has appeared in several other notable productions, including The Queen, Broken Vows, Isidingo, Greed & Desire, and Bone of My Bones. While talking to Showmax, the actress said she wants to avoid being typecast.
I always portray a good girl. When they think of casting a good girl, they think of Simphiwe Ngema. But I can also play an evil person, you know? I would love to explore something different. As actors, that's what we aim for – showing versatility and taking on challenging characters. We don't like being typecast.
Simphiwe is also a talented singer, focusing on House music. Her debut single, Thola Khona, was released in 2019. She previously told IOL that she had started singing to fulfil her dream.
I've always known that I could sing and that I'm a great performer; I'm just at a point where I am showing it to people. So I don't doubt myself. I am also not doing this for anyone else, not doing this to be accepted by people, but doing it to fulfil my dream and its my purpose.
Source: Instagram
Simphiwe Ngema's films and TV shows
| Project | Season/Year | Role |
| The Winning Ticket (Showmax) | 2024 | Zanele |
| The Game (play) | 2008 | Pretty Khumalo |
| Bone of My Bones | S2 (2020) | Ruth |
| Broken Vows | S1 (2018) | Dudu |
| Greed & Desire | S1 (2016) | Noni |
| Isindigo | S1 (2018) | Phindile |
| Muvhango | S1 | Thuli Nkosi |
| PKs | S1 (2015) | Herself |
| Rockville | S5 | Innocentia |
| The Queen | S2&4 | Buhle |
| Tropika Island of Treasure | S9 (Curaçao-2020) | Celebrity Contestant |
Simphiwe Ngema's net worth
Simphiwe's exact net worth is unknown, but various sources, including Sanotify and The City Celeb, estimate it to be between $100,000 and $1 million. Apart from her career in entertainment, she has also worked as an ambassador for brands like Gold Series perfumes and Saint SKN.
Simphiwe Ngema's house
Simz purchased a new house in March 2020. She revealed the news in an Instagram post that has since been deleted, adding that she did not buy the property from insurance money following her husband's death.
My husband passed away 2months after our wedding (with no life insurance), and I was left with nothing. I didn't have a job, and I was left with a car that he was murdered in...I promised myself that I would work so hard that when people look at me, they would actually think that I did get that insurance money...Before you judge a widow for moving on, whether it be buying a new house, a car or falling in love again just be glad she's moving at all.
Source: Getty Images
FAQs
Simphiwe Ngema's celebrity status continues to attract public interest in both her personal and professional life. Here are some frequently asked questions;
What is the real name of Thuli on Muvhango?
Thuli Nkosi on SABC2's Muvhango was portrayed by actress Simphiwe Ngema. She played the role in season 1.
What is the name of Simphiwe Ngema's child?
Simphiwe Ngema's child is called Tiyani Chinyani. He was born in June 2020, and his father is Tino Chinyani.
What happened to Simphiwe Ngema's husband?
Her husband, Dumi Masilela, tragically passed away in 2017. He was shot during a botched hijacking in Tembisa, South Africa. The five men accused of his murder were convicted in August 2021 and given life sentences.
What is Simphiwe Ngema and Tino's age difference?
Simphiwe Ngema and Tino Chinyani have an age difference of five years. Simphiwe was born on August 29, 1989, making her 34 years old as of 2024, while Tino was born on September 9, 1994, making him 29 years old.
Source: Getty Images
The above Simphiwe Ngema biography highlights not only her versatility but also her ability to bounce back after facing a personal tragedy. She continues to be a prominent figure in the Mzansi entertainment industry.
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Source: Briefly News
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