Sonia Mbele and the broader journey that has defined her path in entertainment
Sonia Mbele reinvented herself from a rising actress in South Africa to a media entrepreneur shaping the African film industry. Her film production company brought the first version of the globally known reality format to the continent. This article digs into the broader journey that has defined Sonia's path in entertainment.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Sonia Mbele's profile summary
- Sonia Mbele's biography
- Sonia Mbele's early life
- Which tribe is Sonia Mbele from?
- Who is Sonia Mbele's sister?
- Sonia Mbele's education
- Sonia Mbele's career history
- Sonia Mbele's movies and TV shows
- Sonia Mbele's net worth
- Is Sonia Mbele married?
- What happened to Sonia Mbele's marriage?
- Who are Sonia Mbele's children?
- Where is Sonia Mbele now?
- Is Sonia Mbele bleaching?
- Sonia Mbele's public controversies
- Who is the producer of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg?
- Who was Ntombi in Generations?
- Fast facts about Sonia Mbele
Key takeaways
- Sonia discovered her passion for acting in high school and joined a theatre group.
- Her first break was a TV commercial, followed by a lead role in SABC 2's drama Phamokate in 1998.
- She became one of SA’s best actresses when she acted in the Generations soapie from 2003 to 2011.
- The actress founded the Sonia Mbele Films production company. Under her company, she served as executive producer for The Real Housewives of Johannesburg reality show.
Sonia Mbele's profile summary
Full name | Sonia Nomthandazo Mbele |
Gender | Female |
Birthdate | 11 December 1976 |
Zodiac sign | Sagittarius |
Age | 49 |
Birth place | Natalspruit, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Ethnicity | African |
Religion | Christian |
Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
Eye color | Brown |
Hair color | Black |
Marital status | Divorced |
Ex-spouse | Leslie Sedibe |
Children | 4 |
High school | Greenside High School |
College | University of Johannesburg |
Career | Television producer, actress, entrepreneur |
Net worth | $1 million - $5 million (estimate) |
Sonia Mbele's biography
Sonia Nomthandazo Mbele is a prominent actress, producer, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, born on 11 December 1976 in Natalspruit, South Africa. She is known as a resilient "boss lady" who balances her busy career with motherhood.
Sonia Mbele's early life
Although details of Sonia Mbele's parents are not available to the general public, she has been open about growing up in poverty. The actress grew up as an only child and lost her father in her teens. Her mother, on the other hand, is still alive.
After losing the family patriarch, Sonia and her mother experienced financial hardship at times, including living on a very limited food budget. She sometimes had no money to buy lunch and would hide in school bathrooms to avoid attention.
Which tribe is Sonia Mbele from?
She is widely considered to be of the Zulu tribe.
Who is Sonia Mbele's sister?
The actress does not have siblings but often posts her close friends and colleagues, calling them "sisters."
Sonia Mbele's education
She attended Greenside High School and later pursued law at UJ (the University of Johannesburg), though she's predominantly known for her flourishing career in TV and film.
Source: Original
Sonia Mbele's career history
Mbele began her career in 1998 in SABC 2's drama production, Phamokate and was awarded at the FNB Vita Award for Most Promising New Actress the following year.
In 2003, she was cast in SABC 1's soapie Generations as Ntombi Khumalo, through which she rose to prominence in South Africa, and played her role up to 2011.
In 2009, Sonia won the Golden Horn Award for Best Actress in a TV Soap at the SAFTA. In between her acting, she ventured into modelling and became the first black celebrity to be named face of Dark & Lovely, Lux, and Sun-Silk in South Africa.
In 2018, Mbele brought the first The Real Housewives franchise to Africa, which premiered in South Africa as The Real Housewives of Johannesburg through her company, Sonia Mbele Films.
In 2021, she created another reality TV series called Pastor’s Wives for HONEY TV.
Sonia Mbele's movies and TV shows
Some of her movies and TV shows include:
Year | Movie/TV show |
1998 | Phamokate |
2001 | Soul City |
2001 | Mr Bones |
2003 | God Is African |
2003 | Soul Buddyz |
2003–2011 | Generations |
2003–2011 | Yizo Yizo |
2004 | Zero Tolerance |
2015 | Gold Diggers |
2016 | The Alliance |
2016 | Keeping Score |
2016 | Greed & Desire |
2017 | Meet the Radebes |
2017 | Soap on a Rope |
2017 | iNumber Number |
2018 | Imposter |
2019 | Blessers |
2020 | Family Secrets |
2021 | DiepCity |
2022 | Blood & Water |
Sonia Mbele's net worth
Several sources online estimate her net worth to be between $1 million - $5 million (R17 million to R86 million). Although Sonia has officially confirmed her net worth, she is living a decent life with her children.
The actress has multiple businesses, including an alkaline water brand called Alkamax. She also owns a luxury retirement house in the UK and previously showcased her home in Bryanston in interviews, describing it as spacious. Additionally, reports suggest she embraced a move back to the township (eKasie) for a fresh start.
Many people claimed she was after her former husband's wealth when they were still married. After their divorce, reports came out alleging she had gone broke.
Mbele disputed the rumours, clarifying in a 2017 interview that she worked hard for her money.
There's a perception that after divorce, women lose out because they married for financial security. I've never struggled with money, so that stereotype doesn't affect me.
She also told Natasha Entertainment in 2025:
I was a multi-millionaire in my 20s...I had 90 TV commercials locally and internationally... I bought my first Louis Vuitton bag. So, you must understand that I trained myself into a lifestyle.
Is Sonia Mbele married?
There are no reports of her remarrying since she divorced businessman Leslie Sedibe in 2014. The two got married in 2006 after dating for a while. People could tell from Sonia Sedibe's wedding pictures that went viral online that it was a fantastic event.
Source: UGC
What happened to Sonia Mbele's marriage?
Many were left itching for answers about what went wrong after their divorce. While Sonia Mbele's husband has remained mum about the topic, the actress shared what their marriage was like on Dineo Ranaka's podcast in July 2023. She said:
While I was there [marriage] and waking up to the dawn of who are you, who did I marry, and living with that person every day and realising this is an 'MF.'
The actress checked out of her marriage mentally years before she actually left. She told Kaya959 that she was blindsided in her failed marriage, living in a house that wasn’t hers.
As a woman who entered into the marriage to build, to make it work, to stay, I found things out along the way that I just could not believe...
I’ll give you an example, I learnt that the house we were staying in, was not my house...I lived in a house without windows guys, now you’re telling me that this house isn’t mine, I was basically a lodger...
Then I find out I was just a bet. They saw me on TV; there were 4 of them. It was ‘on your marks, get set, go.’ Then he hands me divorce papers, which was fine. And then, after handing me papers, a few days later, he says to me, ‘Let’s fix this.’ I remember sitting there questioning what was there to fix?
When Sonia was going through her divorce, a lot of negative things were published in the media. She was unable to trust anyone, including her mother, because someone within her close circle was leaking sensitive information to the press.
The divorce process was so rough that the actress suffered a stroke during one of her children's birthday parties. She also battled anxiety and panic attacks during the tumultuous time.
When friends and family became judgmental and abandoned her at a time of need, she slipped into depression. Her condition saw her seeking the quickest and painless methods of committing suicide. At some point, rumours circulated in the media stating that "Sonia Sedibe passed away."
Who are Sonia Mbele's children?
She shares four children with her ex-husband: sons Donelle and Siyabonga, and two daughters. One of Sonia Mbele's daughters is called Khomo. The family is yet to make the name of the other daughter, who loves animals, public.
Speaking about her family, Sonia told The Insider SA in March 2022:
Family is everything to me. I’ve got four kids, and I think they’re actually the reason why I grind as hard as I do. They are the reason that I wake up every morning, and that I push and wanna stage myself. I want to do better than I did yesterday.
I’m considering getting a farm myself. My daughter is an animal lover and just loves dogs, so I’m contemplating getting a farm for her to breed them.
Her sons appreciate the life she has created for them and Donelle even described her personality, saying:
She’s a nice person, she’s kind and always supportive. She’s a mom and a dad and has taught us a lot of things; to support each other through everything and to be good siblings to each other, no matter what we are going through.
Source: UGC
Where is Sonia Mbele now?
Sonia is currently starring as Mamsie in e.tv's Scandal!, appearing in Netflix's Savage Beauty, producing shows, and working on various businesses. After the divorce, she snapped back from depression, took control of her life, and created the Real Housewives of Johannesburg show.
Besides acting, Mbele is expanding into businesses outside entertainment, recently becoming a brand ambassador for Gussy FM and focusing on her "CrownsOnFleek" movement for women.
Is Sonia Mbele bleaching?
The actress opened up about her struggles with a chronic autoimmune-related anemia called Vasculitis while addressing discussions from the public that often focus on her skin tone. She told News24:
People thought I was bleaching my skin, and I was telling them: 'I'm an original yellowbone! These are symptoms of anaemia.
Sonia Mbele's sickness leads to severe fatigue and iron deficiency, requiring her to get regular iron drips and oxygen. It also forces diet changes (quitting alcohol) and has impacted her health significantly since her diagnosis around 2023.
Sonia Mbele's public controversies
In January 2025, her son, Donelle, was accused of abuse by his e-girlfriend, Reokeditswe Makete, drawing media attention. Sonia publicly addressed the matter, saying:
From the age of 17 to 26, I was with a man who was abusive, physically, psychologically and emotionally. I’m mentioning this so that you understand that as a woman who has suffered all kinds of abuse, I do not stand for, support or condone such a stance...
With that said, Donell will face his demons and take accountability for his actions and let the law take its course. I refuse to raise a man like his father. Rehab, therapy and internal healing will prevail.
Separately, in 2023, the actress appeared in court over tax-related charges for a company tied to her production ventures. She admitted guilt, paid a fine, and the case was withdrawn.
Who is the producer of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg?
The main producer and executive producer for The Real Housewives of Johannesburg (RHOJ) was South African actress and businesswoman Sonia Mbele.
Who was Ntombi in Generations?
Ntombi Khumalo in the popular South African soap opera Generations was a beloved character played by actress Sonia Mbele (also known as Sonia Sedibe).
Fast facts about Sonia Mbele
- She was known as Sonia Sedibe when she was married.
- Her son, Donelle, received a student leadership honour at age 17.
- She loves music and is a spiritual person.
- She encourages women to love and appreciate themselves.
- Sonia shared her journey to inspire others to speak up about anemia.
- She fluently speaks English, Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho and Tswana.
Sonia Mbele's journey has not been without hardship. She has a deep story to tell from her past experiences, starting from growing up in poverty, marital issues drawing media attention, and public controversies involving her business and family. In spite of all this, she remains an inspiring figure to be emulated by many.
Briefly.co.za shared Nelisa Mchunu's biography. The outh African actress known for playing Fikile on the soap opera Uzalo, also appearing in Isidingo, Isithembiso, and Shaka iLembe.
She is also a motivational speaker, model, and entrepreneur involved in teaching acting skills. Nelisa aims to grow her craft, do international work, and leave a legacy as a dedicated performer.
Source: Briefly News
