Ever wondered how a kid from Carolina, Mpumalanga, became one of South Africa’s most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting? I’ve been following Walter Mokoena’s career for years, and let me tell you – his story isn’t your typical celebrity journey.
Imagine it’s 1998. A young man steps into P4 Radio in Cape Town, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. This young man was Walter Mokoena. He was about to start a journey that would change South African sports broadcasting in ways he couldn’t yet imagine.
Walter Mokoena Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Walter Mokoena |
| Born | 1978, Carolina, Mpumalanga, South Africa |
| Age (2025) | 46 years old |
| Occupation | Sports broadcaster, media entrepreneur, water diplomacy expert |
| Education | Master’s in Water Governance & Diplomacy; degrees in Policy & African Studies |
| Known For | SABC sports broadcasting, Joburg Post, South Africa International Water Week |
| Children | Daughter Thando Mokoena with Pearl Thusi |
| Ex-Partners | Pearl Thusi; Nosizwe Zuma (daughter of Jacob Zuma) |
| Current Focus | Water diplomacy and advocacy through SA International Water Week Foundation |
Who is Walter Mokoena?
Walter Mokoena age puts him at 46 years old in 2025, born in 1978 in Carolina, Mpumalanga. But here’s what most people don’t know – he wasn’t born with a silver spoon. His parents, Aaron German Mokoena and Betty Velephi Nene, raised him alongside three siblings in a modest household where water was scarce.
“I grew up in Bushbuckridge and there was no water there,” Walter once shared. This experience would later shape his passion for water diplomacy – but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
The Early Years
Walter’s journey started at Mphanama Comprehensive High School, where he graduated in 1996. Already showing leadership qualities, he became SRC president at just 16 years old. Can you imagine having that kind of confidence as a teenager?
After high school, Walter didn’t follow the traditional path. He studied at the Catholic University of Paris, then returned to South Africa to pursue Transitional Justice at the University of Johannesburg. Later, he earned an honors degree in Policy & African Studies from UJ’s School of Leadership.
But here’s where it gets interesting – Walter also holds a Master’s Degree in Water Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Johannesburg. This educational background would prove crucial in his later career pivot.
The Broadcasting Breakthrough: From Cape Town to National Fame
Walter Mokoena SABC career began in the most unexpected way. In February 1998, he made his broadcasting debut at P4 Radio (now Heart FM) in Cape Town. His talent was so obvious that within five months, he got an offer to join Kaya FM in Johannesburg as a sports anchor on their breakfast show.
I remember watching Walter on television for the first time. His voice had this unique quality – authoritative yet approachable. He wasn’t just reading scores; he was telling stories.
The SABC Years: Where Legends Are Made
In August 2000, Walter joined the South African Broadcasting Corporation, replacing the legendary Martin Lock. Talk about big shoes to fill! But Walter didn’t just fill them – he made them his own.
His SABC journey included:
- Hosting “Mabaleng,” a prime-time sports show on Saturday afternoons
- Presenting “Blow by Blow” on SABC1
- Covering major international events like the 2003 Wimbledon finals
- Presenting the 2010 FIFA World Cup live from Zurich
- Covering the Athens Olympics
- Hosting “Laduma” and the “Live Football Show”
After nearly 19 years at SABC, Walter resigned in 2017. Industry insiders say he wanted to explore new opportunities, but I think he was already planning his next big move.
Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Co-Parenting Done Right
Walter Mokoena and Pearl Thusi: A Love Story That Shaped Lives
Before Walter became a household name, he was dating a young model named Pearl Thusi. Their relationship gave them their most precious gift – their daughter Thandolwethu (Thando) Mokoena.
Pearl was only 19 when Thando was born, making Walter a young father too. Despite their relationship ending, they’ve shown South Africa what exceptional co-parenting looks like.
Walter Mokoena kids: Thando, the Shining Star
Thando Mokoena graduation made headlines across South Africa recently. Watching Pearl and Walter beam with pride as their daughter graduated was heartwarming. Both parents attended her matric dance and graduation ceremony, proving that love for a child transcends personal differences.
Thando, now 17, has grown up in the spotlight but remains grounded. She’s active on social media (@thando__mokoena on Instagram) and has over 200K followers. What strikes me most about her is how she carries herself with dignity – clearly inheriting the best from both parents.
The Second Chapter: Marriage to Jacob Zuma’s Daughter
In 2016, Walter married Nosizwe Zuma, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma. Their wedding was a spectacular affair that had South Africa talking. Nosizwe, born in 1993, brought her own unique perspective to the relationship.
For six years, they seemed like the perfect couple. But as Walter later admitted, “Maybe I’m not good at this thing” – referring to marriage. The couple quietly separated in May 2021, with reports suggesting that depression and mood swings had put strain on their relationship.
The Business Ventures: Wins and Challenges
Walter Mokoena Joburg Post business
Walter founded The Joburg Post, an online news and media company, with high hopes of creating a digital media empire. He also created the MySportsBook app, showing his tech-savvy side.
However, 2024-2025 brought challenges. Reports emerged that Walter was struggling to pay his staff at The Joburg Post. Employees accused him of being arrogant when they asked for their salaries. One viral moment showed Walter flying business class to New York while his staff went unpaid – not a good look for any business leader.
Walter Mokoena Water Week Foundation
Here’s where Walter’s story takes an fascinating turn. Today, he’s the founder and executive chairman of South Africa International Water Week and the South Africa International Water Week Foundation.
Remember that boy from Bushbuckridge who grew up without water? He’s now a water diplomat, working to solve Africa’s water crisis. His Master’s degree in Water Governance and Diplomacy wasn’t just academic – it was preparation for this mission.
Walter worked with Suez Environnement, one of the world’s top three water companies, bringing international expertise to South African water challenges.
Walter Mokoena Net Worth
While exact figures aren’t public, Walter Mokoena Net Worth in 2025 appears to be complicated. His diverse portfolio includes:
- Media companies (The Joburg Post)
- Tech ventures (MySportsBook app)
- Water diplomacy consulting
- Speaking engagements
- Broadcasting royalties
However, the salary payment issues at The Joburg Post suggest cash flow challenges. It’s a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t always smooth sailing.
Current Focus: Water Diplomacy and Legacy Building
Walter’s transition from sports broadcasting to water diplomacy isn’t as random as it seems. Having experienced water scarcity firsthand, he understands the human impact of water insecurity. His current role involves:
- Organizing the South Africa International Water Week
- Advocating for water policy reform
- Building partnerships between African governments and international water organizations
- Training the next generation of water diplomats
The Co-Parenting Gold Standard
What impresses me most about Walter isn’t his broadcasting awards or business ventures – it’s how he and Pearl Thusi have mastered co-parenting. They’ve attended Thando’s major milestones together, from matric dances to graduation ceremonies.
Their approach shows that you don’t have to be together to be great parents. They’ve put Thando’s needs first, creating a stable environment despite their romantic relationship ending years ago.
Lessons from Walter’s Journey
Walter Mokoena’s story teaches us several valuable lessons:
- Reinvention is possible – From sports broadcaster to water diplomat, Walter shows that career pivots can be successful when aligned with passion and purpose.
- Education matters – His multiple degrees prepared him for opportunities he couldn’t have imagined as a young broadcaster.
- Personal challenges don’t define you – Two divorces and business struggles haven’t stopped Walter from pursuing his mission.
- Co-parenting excellence – His relationship with Pearl Thusi proves that putting children first transcends personal differences.
What’s Next for Walter Mokoena?
Based on his recent activities, Walter seems focused on building his water diplomacy legacy. The South Africa International Water Week Foundation could become his most significant contribution to South African society.
His experience in media, combined with his academic background in water governance, positions him uniquely to influence water policy across Africa. I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a continental voice on water security issues.
Read more: Sne Mseleku: Biography, Age, Father, Kids, Mother
The Man Behind the Public Persona
Having followed Walter’s career for years, I’ve seen him evolve from a young, ambitious broadcaster to a mature advocate for water rights. His journey hasn’t been perfect – the business challenges and personal struggles show he’s human like the rest of us.
But what sets Walter apart is his resilience. Each setback has led to a comeback, each challenge to growth. From Carolina to Cape Town, from SABC to water diplomacy, he’s constantly reinventing himself while staying true to his values.
Final Thoughts
Walter Mokoena’s story is far from over. At 46, he’s in his prime, using his platform and expertise to tackle one of Africa’s most pressing challenges – water security. His journey from sports broadcaster to water diplomat shows that life’s most meaningful chapters often begin when we think we’ve already peaked.
Whether you remember him as Pearl Thusi’s ex-partner, the voice of South African sports, or the man working to solve Africa’s water crisis, Walter Mokoena remains a compelling figure in South African public life.
His story reminds us that success isn’t a straight line – it’s a series of pivots, adaptations, and reinventions. And sometimes, the most important work happens when the cameras stop rolling.
References:
Sarah Mitchell – Founder & Editor-in-Chief. With 6 years covering entertainment for outlets like Entertainment Weekly and People, Sarah brings deep industry knowledge and an extensive network of sources. She’s interviewed over 500 celebrities, covered 12 Oscar ceremonies, and has an uncanny ability to spot fake stories from miles away.
