Khanya Mkangisa - Age, Early Life, Education, Presenting Career, Acting Career, DJing, Relationships, Child and Films
|Khanya Mkangisa, born on 13 March 1988, is a South African actress renowned for her roles in popular television series such as “Isidingo”, “Shattered”, “Step Up to a Start Up”, and “Harvest”. In addition to her acting career, she is a successful television presenter, brand ambassador, and DJ. Khanya first gained recognition as a presenter on YoTV in the early 2000s.
Starting her career at the young age of fourteen, Khanya has become a prominent figure in the entertainment and media industry. She began as a host and later transitioned into presenting, which played a significant role in her development as an actress. Her success in acting eventually led to her becoming a sought-after brand ambassador.
Age, Early Life and Education
Khanya Mkangisa is currently 36 years old, born on 13 March 1988, in Peddie, located in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. Raised by her mother, Vuyokazi Mkangisa, Khanya grew up as the only child in the household after her parents divorced when she was quite young. Her relationship with her father was strained due to the separation.
Much of Khanya's childhood was spent in boarding school, where she learned to be self-sufficient. She was a dedicated student and excelled academically, consistently ranking among the top achievers. Khanya was also an accomplished netball player during her school years. After completing her secondary education, she pursued her passion for the creative arts by enrolling at Johannesburg’s AFDA: The School for the Creative Economy, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Motion Picture and Television.
Presenting Career
Khanya Mkangisa began her career in media at a remarkably young age. At just fourteen, she secured a role as a presenter on YOTV, a popular youth show in South Africa. Her natural talent and on-screen charisma earned her the position of host, which she held for the next three years. This early experience was pivotal in shaping her career, providing her with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the industry.
After her time on YOTV, Khanya paused her hosting duties to focus on her undergraduate studies. However, the three years she spent on YOTV laid a solid foundation for her future in media. She went on to secure other prominent presenting roles, including on shows like “Hectic Nine-9” and “Knock Knock”. Additionally, Khanya served as a presenter for the reality competition show “Shield Teen No Sweat Dance Challenge”, which was broadcast on e.tv.
Acting Career
Khanya Mkangisa successfully transitioned from a presenter to an accomplished actress, taking on a variety of roles in popular South African TV series. Her early acting credits include appearances in “Zone 14”, “The Lab”, “uGugu no Andile”, and “Mtunzini.com”. These roles helped her gain experience and visibility in the industry.
In 2012, Khanya's career took a significant leap forward when she landed the starring role of Nonhle Minola in the mini-series “Forced Love” on SABC1. This role was pivotal in her career, leading to another starring role in the critically acclaimed series “Intersexions”, also on SABC1, where she appeared in five episodes.
That same year, Khanya secured another starring role in “Zabalaza”, where she played Mpilo Cele, the daughter of a jazz musician. Her portrayal of Mpilo further solidified her reputation as a versatile actress.
On November 16th, she made headlines when she joined the cast of SABC3's “Isidingo” as Aphiwe Nzimande, the sister of Skhumbuzo Nzimande. In 2015, Khanya continued to expand her acting portfolio, taking on the role of Nolitha in the drama series “Rockville”. She also became a presenter on “Selimathunzi”, taking over from Zizo Beda.
Khanya's versatility as an actress is evident in her wide range of roles across various shows. She appeared as a commentator in the second season of “10 over 10”, played Lindiwe in the first season of “Doubt”, and reprised her role as Nonhle Minola in both seasons of “Forced Love”. She also portrayed Tshepiso in the first season of “Harvest”, Bonnie in the second season of “High Rollers”, and Katlego in the first season of “Noah's Ark”.
Khanya continued to showcase her acting skills in “The Lab”, where she played Teenager and Refilwe in the first and second seasons, respectively, and in the third season of “The Queen”, where she portrayed Akhina Jola. These roles demonstrate Khanya's ability to take on diverse characters and her enduring presence in the South African entertainment industry.
DJing Career
In 2019, Khanya Mkangisa expanded her career by debuting as a DJ, performing at the prestigious Jozi to Quilox weekend festival in Lagos, Nigeria. This marked her entry into the music scene.
Personal Life
Khanya has been linked to rapper J Molley, who is 10 years younger than her. The rumors started in October 2019 when she posted photos with the 21-year-old rapper on her 31st birthday.
Khanya has had a few celebrity boyfriends. She was once in a relationship with actor Matli Mohapeloa, but they broke up in 2016 after an on-and-off relationship.
There were also rumors that she was dating Brendon Gumede, as the two frequently posted pictures together on Instagram, showing their happy moments.
Khanya is currently a mother of one which she gave birth to in 2024. She had a baby boy with Desmond Williams whose relationship with her was confirmed in June, 2022.
Films
2012 - Forced Love
2014 - Step Up to a Start Up
2015 - Isidingo
2016 - Doubt
2017 - Harvest
2022 - Unmarried