Thembi Seete (born 25 March 1977) is a South African actress, musician, multimedia personality, entrepreneur, and model. She first gained recognition as a member of the kwaito group Boom Shaka and later built a successful solo career in music and acting. She is well known for playing “Gladys” in the Mzansi Magic telenovela Gomora, a role she portrayed from the show’s debut in 2020 until its finale in 2023.

Seete became a household name in South Africa through her time with Boom Shaka, a group that played a major role in the rise of kwaito music. When the group disbanded in 2000, she transitioned into a solo music career, continuing to make a mark in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Thembi Seete was born on 25 March 1977 in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa. She spent much of her childhood in Sebokeng, Vaal, where she was raised by her aunt and uncle. Her father passed away in 2014, and in July 2021, she lost her mother, Rebecca Seete, to a brain tumor.

Profile Summary

Full Name	Thembi Seete
Date of Birth	25 March, 1977
Gender	Female
Place of Birth	Soweto, South Africa
Nationality	South African
Age	48 years old (2025)
Parents	Rebecca Seete (Mother)
Siblings	Moaga Seete
Career	Vocalist, Actress, Television Presenter, Activist, Model, Digital Content Creator and Entrepreneur
Marital Status	Single
Sexuality	Straight
Son	Dakalo Mashawana
Baby Daddy	Collen Mashawana
Years Active	1993 – Present
Social Media Handles	TikTok: @thembiseete1Twitter: @thembiseete_Instagram: @thembiseete_ Facebook: @thebiseete.za

Career

Thembi Seete grew her solo music career before venturing into acting and television hosting. Her journey in the entertainment industry has inspired many, especially those aspiring to succeed in mainstream media and entertainment.

Music and Early Career

In 1993, Thembi became a member of the kwaito supergroup Boom Shaka. She performed with the group until its split in 2000, after which she launched her solo music career. That same year, she released her debut solo album, Lollipop (2001), which was well received. She followed it up with her second album, S’matsatsa, which featured hit tracks like “Shayi Zandla” and “Mphate Kahle”. In 2009, she explored a more mature sound with her album Music Is My Life, featuring the single “Black Diamond”.

Acting Career

Seete made her film debut in 2000, starring in Hijack Stories. She then joined the popular SABC1 drama series Yizo Yizo, where she also contributed to the soundtrack with the song “Sure Ntombazana”. In 2002, she landed the role of Lerato in another SABC1 drama series, Gaz’lam, which she played until 2004.

In 2005, she starred in the direct-to-video film Crossing the Line, playing the role of Pumla. The following year, she secured her first leading role in the SABC1 soccer drama Zone 14, portraying Nina Moloi for four seasons.

Seete’s acting career continued to thrive. She starred in the Mzansi Magic film The Gift in 2014 and co-hosted the entertainment show The Juice alongside Bob Mabena. In the same year, she joined the cast of E.tv’s Rhythm City, playing Bongi. In 2020, she took on the fan-favorite role of “Gladys” in Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Gomora, a character she portrayed until the show’s finale in 2023. That same year, she appeared in the Netflix original series Kings of Joburg.

Television and Business Ventures

In 2021, Thembi was a guest judge on the 17th season of Idols South Africa. In February 2022, she was officially announced as a judge for Season 18, a role she reprised in 2023.

Beyond her music and acting career, Seete is also an entrepreneur. She owns a beauty salon called Azuri, showcasing her interest in the beauty and wellness industry.

Personal Life

Thembi Seete was previously engaged to Bobo ‘Bo’ Seritsane. After dating for ten years, the couple decided to take their relationship to the next level when Bobo proposed in 2012. Thembi joyfully accepted, and news of their engagement quickly spread, exciting fans who eagerly anticipated their wedding.

However, their relationship took an unexpected turn, and the couple later announced that they had called off their engagement. The reason for their breakup was not publicly disclosed, leaving many fans surprised. Four years later, in a post on Instagram, Thembi confirmed that she was single, shocking those who had assumed she had married in a private ceremony.

Currently, Thembi Seete is in a relationship with South African businessman Collen Mashawana. The couple shares a son, Dakalo Mashawana, who is Thembi’s only child.

Songs

It’s About Time

Bryanston Drive

Thobela

Free

Thuntsha Lerole

Ha Le Lakatsa

Sexy Love

Only Love

Boom Shaka

Buph’Ubumnandi

Yano

Get Down & Lose

Sgcebhezana

Khohlakele

Nkosi (Remix by Black Coffee)

Just Like Thembi

Nkosi

Dance Floor

Look At Me