Nonhle Thema, the South African-born, rose to fame as a well-known TV personality and actress. She was born into a reputable family and this further enlarged her esteem. While she started off on a great note, trending for everything good, she took a decision that sent her off the radar for a while.
Nonetheless, Nonhle Thema is still celebrated as one of the personalities South Africa’s entertainment industry will not forget in a hurry. She has also inevitably been used as an example to many people.
Famous for her appearances as Vuzu and Channel O’s hosts in the 2000s, Thema also featured in TV series such as Zabalaza and Gomora.
Here Are Fascinating Facts about Thema Nonhle Including How She Fell from Grace
1. A Brief Biography of Nonhle Thema
Cynthia Shange and Derrick Thema got married at a time when their careers were still in full bloom. As a result of this, they birthed four kids together before they eventually separated.
Amongst the kids they shared is Nonhle Thema who was born on October 15, 1981, in South Africa. Her other siblings are named Sihle, Banele, and Archie Thema. She grew up enjoying wealth as her parents had more than enough to offer. Additionally, Nonhle attended some of the best schools available at the time. The South African TV host was only 3 years old when her parents separated.
In 1999 Nonhle Thema matriculated from Sundown High School and then moved on to study Information Technology at Allenby. Afterward, she enrolled in marketing courses and graduated in the field earning herself a Diploma in Marketing.
She eventually started a job as an event host after leaving home and completing her marketing courses. However, Thema had other dreams and plans for herself and she instinctively began to pursue them as soon as she could.
2. Her Parents Were Well-known Celebrities
Mr. Derrick Thema was a renowned author and TV journalist. He was said to have started off as a soccer player before he delved into writing. Afterward, he became so good at writing that he has been dubbed a colorful writer with a kasi swag.
Cynthia Shange was a one-time Miss Mzansi in 1970 and after winning this title, she went on to represent South Africa in the 1972 Miss World contest. After this stint, Shange started bagging screen gigs and eventually became a historic figure.
The Mzansi Queen was even the first-ever black person to be featured in a big project. She starred in Udeliwe. Later on, Shange was cast in Shaka Zulu as she played the part of Mkabi. She has even been recognized and awarded the Lifetime Achievement award as well as the Golden Horn award.
3. Beginning of Her Career
Nonhle’s career on TV began with her co-hosting gigs as far back as the early 2000s. She hosted two programs on Channel O known as O-Access and O-Boma. Her success on TV got her many accolades and broke her into the movie industry. She also got to host shows on the DSTV channel, VUZU. However, it is worthy to note that she is also the brain behind an academy known as ‘Talent Coaching Academy.’ She also is recognized as a model and filmmaker.
4. Thema as an Actress
As an actress, the South African starlet has been starred in about 4 TV series. She, following her mother’s path, has been cast in movies such as Gomora as Cleo, Imposter as Evodia, Ke Ba Bolelletse as Joy, and Zabalaza as Kgomotso. These are minus appearances she made on shows as herself.
5. ‘Nonhle Goes To Hollywood’
The reality TV show Nonhle Goes to Hollywood was produced by the actress herself. She also stars as the main character who takes viewers on a journey with her. This journey is one of Nonhle’s moves to the USA and how she broke into the Hollywood scene.
The reality show began to air on South Africa’s VUZU channel on the 9th of February 2011. It covered her daily activities showcasing her auditions as well as classes on acting which she had to take. Being in Hollywood afforded her the opportunity to meet a lot of celebrities.
6. What Led to Nonhle’s Fall?
With her enormous fame, Nonhle was quick to get carried away. She made a faux on Twitter when she began a rant about how she was the biggest name in the South African entertainment industry.
The reality TV star went on to mention names of other notable stars and bragged about how she was richer than all of them. Her rants were full-blown and as expected did not sit well with a lot of followers on the social media space.
She was soon dragged and called out on her pride and arrogance. Like the drags weren’t enough, the star who at the time had endorsement deals even with hair product brand Dark ‘n’ Lovely, lost the deal. Additionally, she lost all her gigs and ambassadorial rights.
The boastful Nonhle who had R10 million was reduced to nothing, eventually. In the wake of this, she went off the radar for a while and was taken off screens. However, she apologized and said she let her wins get the best of her.
7. The South African TV Diva is Married
Nonhle Thema is married to her long-time boo, Arthur Bolton. The 43 year-old actress is about 7 years older than her lover turned husband. She doesn’t look her age though and has people wondering how she manages to look so young.
Thema and Bolton had been dating since 2010 but did not get married until after the birth of their daughter, Star Phoenix Ivy Zime in 2013.
Unlike her life, Thema and Bolton’s marriage was a low-key ceremony as she did not want it loud. The wedding was supported by both family members although the couple had a series of back and forths during their dating days.
At some point in their love story, Nonhle and Bolton dated other people due to long distance. However, they finally got to sort things out and made their relationship work.
8. The Loss of Her Dad was Devastating
Thema took to her social media handles to mourn the loss of her father. She said the loss of her dad was quite devastating for her and her family. She lost sleep upon the death of Derrick Thema and was inconsolable.
Citing how much she’ll miss the renowned journalist, Derrick’s daughter listed all the things he did for their family. She stated that he provided his time and resources for his children and she would always miss him.
READ ALSO: Nozipho Zulu – 10 Facts To Know About The South African Celebrity
9. She Began a Weight-loss Journey
After the birth of Star Phoenix, Nonhle hit the gym because she had gained a lot of weight. She stated that she had a lot of thickness to lose as she was reminded by her mum of how she used to look.
Stating how happy she is to be a new mom, the model and TV host said that she has learned so much from birth. She learned to love and how to love. However, something she picked up that she had to let go of was the extra weight.
10. In the Wake of Nonhle Thema’s Return to The Screens
After her hiatus in the wake of her social media rant and its subsequent rave, she made a comeback. Nonhle was given a fresh opportunity to start off again. Upon her return, she got the role to play Cleo in the movie Gomora.
Repentant Thema made a near blunder again when she said she wouldn’t be going for any auditions as she believes she was already too big a name for those.
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