Mzansi is home to many Zimbabwean emigrants seeking better lives, contributing to the nation’s cultural diversity despite increasing xenophobia.
Here are the top 20 Zimbabwean celebrities making waves in South Africa:
1. Nadia Nakai
Rapper and TV personality born to a Zimbabwean mother and a South African father. Nadia, raised in Johannesburg and educated in Kenya, bought a home in Joburg in July 2022.
2. Kim Jayde
Renowned model born in Harare and raised in Bulawayo. Kim moved to South Africa in 2009 at 19 to pursue her education and modeling career.
3. Sha Sha
Singer-songwriter from Mutare, Sha Sha debuted in 2011 and moved to South Africa after being discovered by amapiano producers.
4. DJ Oskido
Legendary musician and producer, Oskido, born in North West Province, grew up in Bulawayo before moving to Johannesburg in the early 1990s to pursue music.
5. Chiedza Mhende
Actress from Harare, known for her role as Wandile Radebe in Generations, moved to Cape Town in 2006 to further her education.
6. Leroy Gopal
Actor and comedian from Harare, with a Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance and Motion Picture from AFDA, married to South African actress Keletso Moletso since 2017.
7. Tendai Mtawarira
Retired professional rugby player, “The Beast,” born in Harare, played for South Africa from 2006 and became a Mzansi citizen.
8. Peter Ndoro
Media personality born in Zimbabwe, grew up in the UK, and later worked for various media stations in South Africa, including CNBC Africa and SABC.
9. Jerome Galiao
Actor from Harare, known for his role in Scandal, moved to South Africa in 2008, and appeared in Gomora, The Queen, and Isithembiso.
10. Luthuli Dlamini
Actor from Bulawayo, raised in England, became famous for his role in Scandal, and moved to Mzansi to pursue acting.
11. Bujy Bikwa
Producer and presenter born in Zimbabwe, moved to South Africa in 1992, grew up in Orange Farm, and pursued a career in entertainment.
12. Tongayi Arnold Chirisa
Actor and singer from Harare, moved to South Africa in 2006, known for roles in Mr. Bones 2, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and Crusoe.
13. Mr Brown
Singer-songwriter and producer from Gweru, moved to Mzansi to pursue music, worked with Sho Madjozi, Master KG, and Black Motion, deported to Zimbabwe in May 2023.
14. Ernest Ndlovu
Veteran actor from Zimbabwe, known for his role in Generations, appeared in Home Affairs, Isibaya, and Rhythm City.
15. Gigi Lamayne
Rapper and songwriter with Zimbabwean roots, born and raised in South Africa, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Anthropology from Wits University.
16. Barry Hilton
Comedian and actor born in Harare, moved to Cape Town, and later returned to Zimbabwe before settling in South Africa in 1990.
17. Trevor Ncube
Entrepreneur, editor, and newspaper publisher from Bulawayo, relocated to Mzansi due to political unrest, continues to publish for both nations.
18. Sifiso Dabengwa
Former MTN Group CEO born in Zimbabwe, moved to South Africa in 1994, worked with major Mzansi-based corporations.
19. Paul Harris
Retired cricketer born in Harare, raised in Cape Town, played for South Africa from 2007 to 2011, resides in Pretoria with his family.
20. Pearl ‘Motsi’ Kupe
Lawyer and international consultant from Harare, former general manager of communications at Transnet, worked as a public prosecutor for Botswana’s attorney general