Denise Zimba, born Kopano Denise Zimba on November 10, 1988, is a South African actress, singer, dancer, and presenter. She is widely recognized for her role as Mary Gumede in the soap opera Generations: The Legacy and as a presenter on Vuzu’s entertainment show V-Entertainment. Known for her vibrant personality and versatility, Denise has also made significant contributions to music and reality television.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Kopano Denise Zimba |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 10, 1988 |
| Place of Birth | North West Province, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Partner | James Dean Schlichtig (husband) |
| Children | One daughter |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer, Dancer, Presenter |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $1 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education
Born in the North West province of South Africa, Denise developed a passion for the performing arts from a young age.
She pursued musical theater, singing, dancing, and acting during her studies at Tshwane University of Technology.
Early in her career, she worked as a backing vocalist and dancer for the group Jozi and performed as a burlesque dancer at Montecasino.
Career
Denise’s career gained momentum in 2013 with her appearance in the Vuzu docu-reality series Fly Chix, which documented her journey with her all-girl music group. She soon became a presenter on Vuzu’s flagship show V-Entertainment.
In 2014, she joined the cast of the SABC1 soap opera Generations: The Legacy as Mary Gumede. That same year, she starred in the documentary Looking for the Loerie with Denise, which followed her journey to the Loerie Awards.
Denise has also appeared in various TV shows such as Ridiculousness Africa and The Wedding Bashers. In 2023, she played the role of Zama in Netflix’s How to Ruin Christmas: The Baby Shower.
Additionally, she ventured into music with her EP titled Rude. After taking a break to focus on her personal life, Denise returned to the entertainment scene with renewed energy.
Personal Life
Denise Zimba was married to James Dean Schlichtig, a German national. The couple wed in 2019 and have two children together. However, their marriage was short-lived.
After two years, Denise and James separated due to allegations of infidelity. Denise publicly disclosed that her husband was involved in an affair with her best friend, which led to the end of their marriage.
Denise Zimba Net Worth
As of 2025, Denise Zimba’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, derived from her work as an actress, presenter, singer, and brand ambassador.
Filmography
Television:
- Fly Chix (2013) – Herself
- V-Entertainment (2013–2016) – Presenter
- Generations: The Legacy (2014) – Mary Gumede
- Looking for the Loerie with Denise (2014) – Herself
- Ridiculousness Africa (Season 2) – Host
- The Wedding Bashers (Seasons 1 & 2) – Judge
- How to Ruin Christmas: The Baby Shower (2023) – Zama
Music:
- EP: Rude
Awards and Nominations
Although Denise Zimba has not received major awards or nominations, her contributions to South African entertainment have earned her widespread recognition. Her dynamic personality and talent continue to make her a prominent figure in the industry.
