Simphiwe Ngema is a South African actress, singer, MC, presenter, and choreographer known for her role as Thuli Nkosi in Muvhango, her music releases, including “Eternal Crush,” and her appearances on The Queen and Preachers’ Kids.
Simphiwe Ngema Biography
| Real Name | Simphiwe Ngema |
| Ethnicity | Black South African |
| Religion | Christian |
| Education | Diploma in Journalism, Boston Media House |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Ngema |
| Siblings | Baxolile Ngema, Ziph’ezinhle Ngema |
| Spouse | Dumisani “Dumi” Masilela (late husband), Tino Chinyani (ex-partner) |
| Children | Tiyani Kemorena Michael Chinyani |
| Relationship | Dating |
Early Life and Education
Simphiwe Ngema (born on August 29, 1989, 36 years old) in Klipspruit, Soweto, a vibrant township in Johannesburg, South Africa. Raised by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ngema, both pastors, she grew up in Zuurbekom, west of Johannesburg, where her father founded the Christ is Lord church in 1998. Her ethnicity is Black South African, and her Christian faith is rooted in her parents’ ministry.
As the middle child between her sisters Baxolile and Ziph’ezinhle, Simz shared a close bond with her family. She attended Chinese Kuo Ting School in Sandton, Johannesburg. She graduated with a Diploma in Journalism in 2010, which honed her storytelling skills for her multifaceted career.
Career
Simphiwe Ngema’s career kicked off in 2008 with her stage debut as Pretty Khumalo in Duma Ndlovu’s play The Game, alongside stars like Leleti Khumalo and Sindi Dlathu. This role catapulted her into the spotlight, and in 2011, she landed her breakout role as Thuli Nkosi in SABC 2’s Muvhango, a character she played until 2015.
Determined to avoid typecasting as the “good girl,” Simz showcased her versatility in shows like The Queen (2018) as slay queen Buhle, Broken Vows, Isidingo, Greed & Desire, and Bone of My Bones. In 2015, she hosted eKasi+’s documentary series Isiko, exploring South African cultural customs, and appeared in Vuzu’s reality show Preachers’ Kids (2015–2017), highlighting her life as a pastor’s daughter.
As a singer, she focuses on House music, releasing her debut single Thola Khona in 2019 and the 10-track album Eternal Crush in 2018, featuring songs like “Destiny” and “Shona Phansi.” Her 2019 single Thanda Ngempela was a tribute to her late husband, Dumi Masilela.
Simz is also a brand ambassador for Gold Series perfumes and Saint SKN, and has ventured into business with a clothing line. Her dynamic career reflects her pride in South African culture and her passion for inspiring others through art.
Filmography:
- The Game (2008) – Pretty Khumalo (Theater)
- Muvhango (2011–2015) – Thuli Nkosi
- Isiko (2015) – Host
- Preachers’ Kids (2015–2017) – Herself
- Broken Vows (2017) – Guest Role
- The Queen (2018) – Buhle
- Isidingo – Guest Role
- Greed & Desire – Guest Role
- Bone of My Bones – Guest Role
- The Winning Ticket – Guest Role
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @simzngema
- Facebook handle: Simphiwe Ngema
- Twitter handle: @SimzNgema
Personal Life
Simphiwe Ngema lives in Johannesburg with her partner, Zimbabwean model and actor Tino Chinyani, and their two children. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm), Simz is known for her stylish braids, weaves, and curvy figure, often showcased in chic outfits or bikinis on Instagram.
She married actor Dumi Masilela in May 2017 after dating him since 2014, but tragically lost him in August 2017 to a fatal shooting during a carjacking in Tembisa. In 2019, she began dating Tino Chinyani, and they welcomed their son, Tiyani Kemorena Michael Chinyani, on June 23, 2020, after a challenging pregnancy. Their second child was born in November 2023, though the name is private.
Despite a brief breakup in 2021, they reconciled in 2023 and are expecting their third child, as announced in September 2024. Simz is close to her parents and sisters, especially Baxolile, whose daughter Khumo helped her heal after Dumi’s death. Her Christian faith and family values guide her, and she’s proud to represent South Africa’s vibrant spirit as a devoted mom and artist.
Net Worth
Simphiwe Ngema is a South African actress, singer, MC, and presenter with an estimated net worth of $1 million. Her income stems from her acting roles in Muvhango and The Queen, her music career with Eternal Crush and singles, and brand endorsements with Gold Series and Saint SKN.
She also runs a clothing line and other business ventures. Her purchase of a house in 2020 and a BMW 3 Series reflects her financial success, achieved through hard work after her husband’s death, showing her husband’s resilience as a South African entertainer.
