Thando Dlamuka is a South African reality television personality and digital creator who gained fame through the popular Moja Love show “Isencane Lengane.”
She became a household name after marrying Siyacela Dlamuka at age 16, with their controversial relationship documented on national television.
The young mother has since transformed her life, completing her education and building a social media following after her divorce.
Thando Dlamuka Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Thando Msomi Dlamuka |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 2003 |
| Age | 22 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of birth | KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Current residence | Durban, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | African |
| Zodiac sign | Not disclosed |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (162 cm) |
| Weight | Not disclosed |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Divorced |
| Ex-spouse | Siyacela Dlamuka |
| Children | 1 son |
| Alma mater | Not disclosed |
| Profession | Reality TV star, Digital creator |
| Net worth | R500,000 – R1 million (estimated) |
Who is Thando Dlamuka?
Thando Dlamuka is a South African reality TV star who rose to prominence through “Isencane Lengane,” a controversial show that follows teenage marriages.
Born in 2003 in KwaZulu-Natal, she married fellow reality star Siyacela Dlamuka in 2019 when she was just 16 years old. Their tumultuous relationship played out on television for several seasons before they announced their emotional divorce in December 2024.
The show, which airs on Moja Love (DSTV channel 157), documented their young marriage journey and the challenges they faced. Thando now works as a digital creator with over 103,000 Facebook followers, using her platform to share her personal growth story and inspire other young women.
How old is Thando Dlamuka?
Thando Dlamuka is 22 years old as of 2025. She was born in 2003 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her young age became a major talking point when she got married at 16, sparking debates about teenage marriages across South Africa. Even though she started her family young, she has handled public scrutiny well and rebuilt her life with maturity.
What is Thando Dlamuka’s net worth?
Thando Dlamuka’s net worth is estimated between R500,000 and R1 million as of 2025. She built her wealth primarily through her appearances on “Isencane Lengane,” which reportedly pays main cast members between $1,500 to $8,000 per week.
Her income sources now include social media partnerships, brand collaborations, and her work as a digital creator. The show has been renewed for a seventh season, which may continue contributing to her earnings.
Thando Dlamuka’s career
Reality television breakthrough
Thando’s career began in 2019 when she appeared on “Isencane Lengane” alongside her then-husband Siyacela. The show follows young couples who marry as teenagers, documenting their challenges and growth.
Her authentic personality and relatable struggles quickly made her a fan favorite, with viewers supporting her through difficult times in her marriage.
Digital creator journey
After gaining television fame, Thando leveraged her popularity to build a strong social media presence. She currently has over 103,000 Facebook followers where she shares lifestyle content, personal insights, and her journey as a young mother.
Her content focuses on empowerment, education, and personal growth, resonating with many young South African women.
Educational achievements
Unlike her ex-husband who dropped out of school, Thando prioritized her education throughout their marriage. She successfully completed her matric (high school diploma), marking a significant personal achievement that her fans celebrated.
Her commitment to education became a source of inspiration for viewers who watched her balance motherhood, marriage challenges, and academic responsibilities.
Is Thando Dlamuka married?
Thando Dlamuka is currently divorced. In December 2024, she announced their separation during an appearance on the podcast “Meaningful Conversations with Zandy Mfeka,” describing it as an “emotional divorce”.
The couple had been together for approximately six years and married for five years before their relationship ended.
Ex-husband and relationship history
Thando married Siyacela Dlamuka in April 2019 in a traditional wedding ceremony in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. Their wedding was featured prominently on the first season of “Isencane Lengane,” drawing significant attention due to their young ages.
Throughout their marriage, they faced numerous challenges including financial difficulties, educational disagreements, and relationship issues that played out on national television.
According to reports, they had been together for nine years and married for eight before deciding to separate.
Thando has expressed regret about marrying so young and has focused on rebuilding her life independently since their divorce.
Thando Dlamuka’s children
Thando Dlamuka has one son with her ex-husband Siyacela. She gave birth to their child in 2022 when she was approximately 18 years old. The birth was featured on “Isencane Lengane,” with viewers witnessing their transition to parenthood.
She has kept details about her son relatively private while occasionally sharing glimpses of motherhood on social media.
Following her divorce from Siyacela, Thando appears to be the primary caretaker of their son. She often emphasizes the importance of providing a stable environment for her child while pursuing her own personal and professional growth.
Thando Dlamuka’s height and weight
Thando Dlamuka stands approximately 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm) tall. Her weight is not publicly disclosed.
As a public figure, she maintains a relatively private stance regarding detailed physical measurements, focusing more on her personal development and career growth rather than physical appearance discussions.
Controversies and public reactions
The “Isencane Lengane” show has faced significant controversies, particularly regarding the portrayal of young marriages.
Viewers have expressed concern about Thando’s safety and well-being throughout her marriage, with many calling for her to leave the relationship for her own protection.
Recent episodes showed Thando giving Siyacela permission for polygamy on the condition that she would not be involved in it. This revelation sparked further debate about the show’s content and its impact on young viewers.
Fast Facts about Thando Dlamuka
- She became a reality TV star at 16 when she married Siyacela Dlamuka
- Unlike her ex-husband, she completed her matric education
- She has successfully transitioned from teenage bride to independent digital creator
- Thando moved from Ulundi to Durban to start fresh after her divorce
- She has built a social media following of over 103,000 people
- The show “Isencane Lengane” continues for a seventh season despite controversies
- She has openly discussed her regrets about marrying at such a young age
- Thando maintains a dignified public presence despite personal challenges
- She is a single mother raising her son independently
- Her story has inspired many young South African women facing similar challenges
Wrapping up
Thando Dlamuka’s journey from teenage bride to independent young woman represents resilience and personal growth.
Despite the controversial beginnings of her public life, she has successfully transformed her narrative by completing her education, building a career as a digital creator, and establishing financial independence.
Her story continues to resonate with many young South Africans who face similar life challenges, making her an influential figure beyond reality television.
Read more: Who is Mbuso Khoza? Biography, age, career, daughter, net worth, music
References
- Moja Love. “Isencane Lengane.” Moja Love, 2025.
- Sunday World. “‘Isencane Lengane’ reality stars Thando and Siyacela call it quits.” Sunday World, December 12, 2024.
- Their Magazine. “Siyacela Dlamuka: Biography, Age, Wife, Son, Wedding, Father.” Their Magazine, May 5, 2025.
- News24. “Isencane Lengane’s Thando on her marriage.” News24, October 13, 2021.
- Daily Sun. “Isencane Lengane couple on life since welcoming bundle of joy.” Daily Sun, July 29, 2022.
- IOL. “Moja Love responds to viewer backlash over ‘Isencane Lengane’.” IOL, April 20, 2025.
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