Babalwa Mneno’s biography: Her rise to fame and personal life

South African model, TV host, and event planner Babalwa Mneno shot to stardom during the 1996 beauty pageant. She won many hearts with her fashion choice despite finishing as first runner-up behind Peggy-Sue Khumalo. Babalwa also represented her country during the seventh season of Big Brother Africa. Read more about the South African model and what she does now.

Key takeaways

• Babalwa Mneno grew up in King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
• She gained prominence as a beauty queen after finishing as first runner-up in the 1996 Miss South Africa pageant title.
• Mneno became a well-known fashion model, working with top designers and appearing in high-profile fashion shows.
• She has been controversial in South Africa's entertainment scene due to her outspoken nature and lavish lifestyle.
• She expanded her career into television and reality shows.

Babalwa Mneno's profile summary

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Babalwa Mneno's biography

The South African celebrity was born on November 12, 1977, in King William's Town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Babalwa Mneno's age is 47 years as of February 2025. Her full name is Babalwa' Barbz Mneno-Mandel.

Babalwa Mneno's parents

The model attributes her upbringing and character to her parents. According to Mneno, they impacted her life by supporting her and ensuring she went to some of the best schools. In an interview, she said,

"You also drilled into my head the significance of loyalty as a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. You trust me, mom, and that is the most rewarding thing about you. You have complete faith in me because you are familiar with the girl you nursed! I am able to live my life according to my own standards because you believe in me, encourage me, and back me up. How much I adore you,"

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Babalwa Mneno's education

Mneno attended primary and high school in her hometown of King William. Details about the college she attended are not provided.

Is Babalwa Mneno married?

The TV personality is reportedly married to a man named Mandel. However, she has not disclosed details of her spouse. In April 2020, she posted on X about her cancelled wedding because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She wrote;

2day was meant 2be my traditional wedding....but alas corona virus took the stage! So I dressed up like I had planned 4my trad weddin...so nobody shud ever ask me about marriage again!I’m gettin married right now!Thank u 🙏🏾🤷🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️💞💖💖💖💖.... husband cudnt make it due to lockdown!

Who are Babalwa Mneno's children?

There is no publicly available information about her kids. She reportedly does not have any.

What does Babalwa Mneno do for a living?

Babalwa is a model, businesswoman, and socialite. She gained fame as a beauty queen and later became a successful runway model.

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Over the years, she has expanded her career into business, particularly in the beauty and events industry. She is also known as a media personality and influencer, actively engaging in the fashion and entertainment scenes in South Africa.

Modelling

The TV personality has worked in several fashion events worldwide, including SA Fashion Week and CPT Fashion Week. She has also walked runways in London, Nigeria, Mexico and Moscow as a model. She served as the previous CEO of Sundowns Chikitas.

Television Shows

• Reality Check (2013): A docu-reality series on e.tv where she collaborated with Nonhle Thema and Khanyi Mbau.
• Strictly Come Dancing South Africa (2006): Participated as a celebrity dancer in Season 2 of this dance competition show.
• City Ses'la (Season 2): Portrayed Sibongile in this popular South African sitcom.
• 10 Over 10: Featured as herself in Seasons 1 and 4 of this entertainment countdown show.
• A Date with Arthur (Season 1): Appeared as a guest on this talk show.
• I Love South Africa (Season 2): Participated as herself in this game show that celebrates South African culture.

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Babalwa Mneno's pictures

At 47 years old, she still looks young and energetic and has a perfect structure. She observes her diet and exercises regularly to maintain her body in shape.

The TV personality knows how to look stunning at all times. Mneno is a fashion guru and knows what works best for her body. Besides, she is very thorough when it comes to make-up.

Babalwa Mneno's net worth

The celebrated TV personality has an estimated net worth of $300,000 to $500,000, per The City Celeb. Her primary source of income is her on-screen career, which has spanned decades.

Trivia

1. Beyond modelling and television, Mneno has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a renowned hair salon.
2. She credits her parents for their supportive upbringing, particularly highlighting her mother's influence on her values and discipline.
3. Babalwa extends her influence to international platforms in Nigeria, London, Moscow, and Mexico.

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Babalwa Mneno is a reality TV personality, model and event manager. Her striking presence and bold personality helped her transition into television and reality shows. Over the years, she expanded her influence and made a name for herself in South Africa’s entertainment and fashion scenes.

Briefly.co.za reported about Johanna Leia's bio on August 22, 2022. Who is she? Leia is an American professional model. She has worked for various modelling labels such as Ford, Wilhelmina and IconSwim.

She is also known for her appearance in the reality television show Bringing Up Ballers. Read more about her life.

Source: Briefly News