Kwenzo Ngcobo’s story: from his roots to making a name in entertainment
Among the talented actors in the telenovela-style series is Kwenzo Ngcobo, a South African actor who has quickly become one of Mzansi’s favourite stars. Besides having a recurring role on the popular show, what else is there to know about Kwenzo Ngcobo? Here is everything you need to know about him.

Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- In 2024, Kwenzo expanded his horizons by starring as Alex Shabane in the Netflix thriller series "Soon Comes Night,"
- He gained widespread recognition for portraying Qhawe Zulu in the Showmax telenovela "The Wife," starting in 2021
- Kwenzo transitioned to television with a recurring role as Themba on the e.tv soapie "Imbewu: The Seed" in 2020
- Kwenzo pursued his passion for acting by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree
Profile summary
Full name | Kwenzokuhle Ngcobo |
Nickname | Kwenzo |
Date of birth | 1990 |
Age | 35 years old (as of 2025) |
Place of birth | Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Gender | Male |
Nationality | South African |
Ethnicity | Black |
Sexuality | Straight |
Hair colour | Black |
Eye colour | Dark brown |
Education | Durban University of Technology |
Profession | Actor |
@kwenzo_pholoba | |
@Kwenzo Ngcobo | |
TikTok | @kwenzo_pholoba |
Kwenzo Ngcobo’s biography
He was born on February 15, 1990, in Izingolweni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Kwenzo developed an interest in acting at a young age. Ngcobo maintains a private personal life or shares details about his height, family and twins to keep them out of the public eye.
The talented actor has been making waves in the South African entertainment industry since appearing on the popular show Imbewu: The Seed. However, his breakout role in The Wife made him a household name in South African soapies.

Source: Original
Who is Kwenzo Ngcobo’s twin?
Although there is some speculation that the actor has a twin, he has not clarified or confirmed that.
Is Kwenzo Ngcobo married?
As of February 2025, South African actor Kwenzo Ngcobo has not publicly disclosed any information regarding his marital status. He maintains a private personal life, and no official reports confirm that he has a girlfriend, wife or even children.
Are Kwenzo Ngcobo and Gaisang Noge dating?
Kwenzo Ngcobo and Gaisang Keaikitse Noge are prominent South African actors best known for their roles in the Showmax telenovela "The Wife." In the series, Kwenzo portrays Qhawe Zulu, one of the Zulu brothers and Gaisang plays Dr Naledi Montsho, Qhawe's love interest.
Their on-screen chemistry has captivated audiences, leading to widespread admiration for the couple dubbed "Qhaledi." In interviews, both actors discussed the depth and challenges of their characters' relationships.
Off-screen, Kwenzo and Gaisang maintain a professional relationship. Gaisang has shared aspects of her personal life, including her relationship with her long-term partner, Bokamoso, whom she met in 2018. The couple has been open about their journey together, emphasizing the support they provide each other.

Source: Getty Images
What is Qhawe from The Wife's real name?
Kwenzokuhle Ngcobo plays the character Qhawe from The Wife. The show is centred around the family matriarch, Zandile, who is back from a lengthy prison sentence for murdering her mother.
Kwenzo Ngcobo's interview on his dreams
The talented actor discussed his humble beginnings in an interview with TRUELOVE, highlighting growing up in a tiny village and how his father influenced his life. He said;
I realised that I wanted to do something along the lines of acting and directing because I enjoyed the sketches we'd act out in Sunday school.
I then enrolled at the drama department at the Durban University of Technology and was only accepted the following year and completed my degree.
Ngcobo also revealed his admiration for veteran actor Jean Claude van Damme.
'I particularly liked Jean Claude van Damme’s movies, and after watching his movies, I’d imitate him and show my friends how he did all these spinning kicks.'
Kwenzo Ngcobo's movies
The South African actor is known for his dynamic roles in television and film. Here is an overview of his notable works:
Television Series:
- "The Wife" (2021–2023): Ngcobo gained widespread recognition for playing Qhawe Zulu in this popular telenovela. His performance spanned 60 episodes, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
- "Soon Comes Night" (2024): In this Netflix thriller series, he took on the role of AlexShabanae.
- "Red Ink" (2024): Ngcobo starred as Kagiso in this mini-series.
- "Ekhaya Backpackers" (2024): He played Jabu in this mini-series.
Films
- "Poacher's Moon" (Upcoming): Ngcobo is set to star in this international film directed by Tom Datnow. The movie addresses themes of extreme poverty and rhino poaching, with Ngcobo playing a central role.
- "Saloon" (2019): In this short film, he portrayed Nkanyamba, demonstrating his ability to engage audiences in concise storytelling formats.
- "Room 33" (2018): Ngcobo appeared as Student 3 in this short film, marking one of his earlier entries into the film industry.
Although Kwenzo Ngcobo is relatively new to the industry, the local talent has already become a household name and has gathered some cult following from fans, especially on his social media platforms. Kwenzokuhle Ngcobo is a rising star to watch!
Briefly.co.za took a deep dive into the life of another famous entertainer, Whoopi Goldberg. Thanks to decades worth of talented acting on various television shows and movies, the famous actress has attained icon status.
From her impactful movie appearances to her strong stage presence, Whoopi Goldberg has created an impressive net worth and a massive cult following. Click here to learn more about the actress.
Source: Briefly News

Justine De Lange (Lifestyle writer) Justine De Lange has over 6 years of experience in lifestyle, corporate and freelance writing. She started at Now Media for their lifestyle publication 'Let's Go', then joined 'travSIM' and 'Metavaro'. She now writes for Briefly News as a content writer, working with beats such as studies, services, business tips, and celebrity biographies (joined in 2022). In 2023, Justine finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can contact her directly via JustinedeLange14@gmail.com.

Kevin Omuya (Lifestyle writer) Kevin Omuya is a professional content writer with over three years of experience. At Legit.ng, he has contributed to extensive research on various topics such as celebrity news, fashion, and biographies. He has also worked as an editor and content creator at SportsCulture and CottageMed. In 2019, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University. You can reach him through his email: komuya89@gmail.com