Who is Deli Malinga? ll we know about the star's family, net worth and career
Talented South African actress Deli Malinga is a familiar face in the entertainment industry, known for starring in Rhythm City and Generations. Her role as MaMzobe in drama series, Umkhokha: The Curse has also propelled her into higher stardom. Malinga has enjoyed many years in the showbiz arena, garnering a mass following from her career.
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Deli wears many hats. Besides acting, she is a motivational speaker, voice-over artist, script supervisor, language advisor, and dialogue coach. She is also the Founder of Zizezande Youth Development. So, who is Deli Malinga?
Profile summary
Full name | Delisile Malinga |
Stage name | Deli Malinga |
Date of birth | 13 October 1965 |
Age | 60 years as of 2025 |
Place of birth | Umlazi, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Ethnicity | African |
Gender | Female |
Religion | Christian |
Height | 1.70 m |
Hair colour | Black |
Eye colour | Black |
Sexuality | Straight |
Marital Status | Unknown |
Children | Unknown |
Profession | Actress and television personality |
Social Media | Instagram, X (Twitter) |
Net worth | $200,000 |
Deli Malinga's biography
Deli Malinga is a South African actress with an extensive television career. Deli has been active in the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She is best known for her role as Sarah Ngcobo, the wife of Khaphela in the soap opera Generations.
Deli Malinga's family
Deli Malinga is one of the most private South African celebrities. The soap opera star has managed to keep any information about her family away from the public eye. Little is known about her husband or if she is married.
There is also no information about Deli Malinga's children. However, the actress frequently posts her grandchild on her Instagram page.
The toddler is already a brand ambassador for various brands. He, too, has an Instagram page for his fans.
What is Deli Malinga's age?
The legendary actor will turn 60 in 2025. Deli Malinga was born on 13 October 1965, in Umlazi, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Educational background
Malinga attended Ekwazini High School and later joined Phambili High School. The actress has said she did not attend any acting school and has been learning on the job.
Career
Deli Malinga's acting career started in 1989. She made her debut in the showbiz industry with the TV show Generations, where she was cast as Sarah Ngcobo, the supposed wife of Khaphela.
She was also featured in the SABC1 soap opera Rhythm City, where she played the role of Ntombizodwa. Since then, she has been featured in various films and TV Shows, including:
Year | Movie/TV Show | Role |
2024 | Disaster Holiday | Mama Rosie |
2024 | Adulting | Thandeka |
2021 - 2024 | Umkhokha/Umkhokha: The Curse | MaMzobe |
2023 - 2024 | Redemption | Mam'Ngema |
2023 - 2024 | Skeem Saam | Swazi |
2022 | Shaka iLembe | Queen Bajwayele |
2021 - 2023 | Durban Gen | Sne's Mom |
2021 - 2022 | Lingashoni | Ngadlangadla |
2019 - 2020 | Imbewu | Nomalanga |
2018 | Single Galz | Nompendulo's Mom |
2018 | The Queen | Lungile |
2017 - 2018 | Broken Vows | Sangoma |
2016 - 2017 | Greed & Desire | Sibahle Gigaba |
2014 - 2015 | Saints and Sinners | Margaret |
2014 | Mfolozi Street | Buyiswa |
2013 - 2014 | iNkaba | Ma'Dlamini (Sangoma) |
" | Isibaya | Buhle's Mother |
" | eKasi: Our Stories | Mrs Gumede |
2011/2015 | Jacob's Cross | S*xy Girl 2 |
2009 - 2010 | Home Affairs | Domestic Worker |
2007 | Rhythm City | Ntombizodwa |
2005 | Gaz'lam | Nurse |
2004/2015 | Jozi Streets | Poppie |
1994 | Generations | Sarah Ngcobo |
Who is MaMzobe?
Deli Malinga's most recent prominent role is playing the villain MaMzobe, the lead character in Mzansi Magic's Umkhokha. The heinous woman is the wife of Phakhatwayo in the popular series.
MaMzobe portrays a woman who wants her husband to lead their church. She will do whatever it takes to achieve that, even if it means killing anyone who stands in their way. She is portrayed as the man of the house but fakes submission to others.
Her role as MaMzobe has seen her bring out a character that most people relate to in today's society. Before taking on the role of Mamzobe, Deli Malinga had been playing the role of a good wife.
Playing a villain allowed her to give people a different version of her. After winning Best Actress at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards, the actress said,
Sometimes, you have to challenge yourself and I did so with the role of MaMzobe. I had to convince myself that I could play a villain, I never thought her character would last this long or even scoop an award.
Why is Deli Malinga leaving Umkhokha?
Deli Malinga is not leaving Umkhokha: The Curse. The actress is staying on the show, as Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela confirmed. iLanga News initially shared the false rumour, citing contractual disagreements.
What happened between Deli Malinga and Hyundai?
Deli Malinga accused the car dealership, Hyundai, of defrauding her more than R32,000. The multi-award-winning actress said on Instagram that she had booked her car for repair in Durban. However, the car was returned without any service done despite being charged.
She wrote,
Please be careful when you’re taking your car for a service to Hyundai Springfield in Durban. What they did to me was unacceptable; they pretended to work on my car, only to realise after spending so much that nothing was done or changed.
The car dealership responded with a cease-and-desist letter accusing Deli Malinga of spreading false information. They wanted her to remove the social media post despite similar concerns raised by many people.
The TV show star refused to back down and said she won't be bullied,
I can see they are trying to bully me, but I will not allow them. And I will be exploring other options to resolve this.
FAQs
- What is Deli Malinga's date of birth? She was born on October 13, 1965.
- Who is Deli Malinga's child? There is no public information on who her child is since the actress keeps her family private.
- Is Deli Malinga married? It is not known whether the actress is married.
- What is Mamzobe's real name? Mamzobe is played by Deli Malinga.
- Where did they shoot Umkhokha? The telenovela is shot in St Kilda Avenue, Durban North, South Africa.
Deli Malinga is adored for her contribution to the entertainment industry. She has appeared in various television roles ranging from telenovelas to drama series and soaps. Her work is indeed an admiration to many who look up to her.
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Source: Briefly News
Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for five years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.
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