Lerato Mvelase, born Lerato Moloisane on September 7, 1982, in Diepkloof, Soweto, South Africa, is a renowned South African actress, television presenter, producer, and arts leader. With a career spanning over three decades, she has become a significant figure in South African entertainment, known for her compelling portrayals of complex Black South African women and her leadership in arts and social causes.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Lerato Mvelase (née Moloisane) |
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Diepkloof, Soweto, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Gauteng |
| Partner | Siyabonga Radebe (divorced 2017) |
| Children | Makayla Mvelase, Nkanyezi Samukelisiwe Mvelase (2 daughters) |
| Occupations | Actress, Television Presenter, Producer, Director, Arts Leader |
| Net Worth | $300,000 – $500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Growing up in a crowded household in Soweto, Lerato developed a passion for performance early, discovering her singing ability in crèche and actively participating in school theatre.
She attended Madibane High School in Soweto and matriculated at Sacred Heart College in Johannesburg. Lerato pursued her passion by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2002.
She furthered her education with a BA in Communication Science from UNISA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and is completing an MBA at Regenesys Business School.
Career
Her professional career started in 2002 as a presenter on CCM1. She made her on-screen debut in 2003 with a cameo on the soapie Backstage, followed by a role on the drama series Mzansi in 2004.
Lerato’s breakthrough came with her lead role as Katlego Mbatha in the SABC1 drama series Home Affairs (2005–2009), which gained international acclaim, including an International Emmy nomination.
She continued to build a diverse career in television, film, and theatre with notable roles in Isibaya, Shreds & Dreams, Justice Served (for which she won the 2023 SAFTA Golden Horn Award), and the Netflix series Marked.
Beyond acting, she works as a producer, director, and arts advocate, running the Sinikiwe Inkanyezi Single Mums Foundation and holding leadership roles in cultural and tourism boards.
Personal Life
Lerato was married to actor Siyabonga Radebe, with whom she has one daughter, Makayla. She also has a second daughter, Nkanyezi Samukelisiwe Mvelase, from another relationship. After separating from Radebe in 2017, she became a strong advocate for single mothers through her foundation.
Lerato Mvelase Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is between $300,000 and $500,000, accumulated through her extensive work in entertainment and related ventures.
Filmography
Her filmography includes television shows such as Marked, The Wife Season 2, The Estate, Isibaya, and films like Life, Above All. She has also appeared in numerous theatre productions throughout her career.
Awards and Nominations
Lerato has earned several accolades, including a SAFTA Golden Horn Award in 2023 and an International Emmy nomination in 2010, recognizing her outstanding acting talent and contribution to South African arts.
