Loyiso Macdonald ranks among South Africa’s most accomplished actors, renowned for his captivating screen presence and masterful performances. Hailing from the Eastern Cape and born in 1986, his path to fame weaves together determination, artistic passion, and unwavering commitment to his craft. His defining portrayal of Kagiso Khoza in the hit Mzansi Magic series The Queen launched him into the national spotlight, securing both critical praise and widespread audience devotion.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Loyiso Macdonald |
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Eastern Cape |
| Partner | Divorced (Luphiwo Mathunzi, married 2012-2021) |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Actor, Theatre Practitioner, Voice Artist, Television Personality |
| Net Worth | $300,000 – $500,000 USD (ZAR 4.8M – 8M) |
Early Life and Education
Loyiso Macdonald was born on September 7, 1986, in East London, Eastern Cape, to a Xhosa mother named Beauty and a white South African stepfather, with his distinctive surname Macdonald tracing Scottish roots through his mother’s ancestry.
Around age four, his family relocated to Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, where he grew up in an English-speaking home that nurtured his early artistic interests through exposure to diverse creative outlets alongside his brother. At Pinetown Boys’ High School, he excelled in drama during school productions, revealing his natural performance talent that foreshadowed his future career.
After high school, Macdonald endured two unfulfilling years in corporate banking and telecommunications jobs before quitting in April 2006 without a backup plan. Two weeks of intensive library research led him to a Durban film school’s speech and drama program, where he invested his savings in a six-month intensive course.
After graduating in 2007, he committed to a four-year Durban Theatre apprenticeship, mastering character development and stage presence through practical immersion that proved more valuable than formal academia.
Career
Loyiso Macdonald began his acting career in 2007 after speech and drama training in Durban, dedicating four years to theatre with standout lead roles in Shakespeare classics like Othello and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, plus modern pieces such as Kiss of the Spider Woman. This rigorous stage work honed his emotional depth and presence, establishing a solid foundation through Durban’s theatre scene.
In 2011, he moved to Johannesburg for television, debuting as Ntando Sibeko on Isidingo across 60 episodes, followed by roles in Zabalaza, Intersexions, Gold Diggers, and Happy Family that built his screen profile.
His breakthrough came in 2016 as Kagiso Khoza in Mzansi Magic’s The Queen, a role sustained until 2023 that showcased his ability to portray a multifaceted underworld character with vulnerability and cunning. This performance earned him the 2020 SAFTA Golden Horn for Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela, cementing his stardom and national recognition.
Post-The Queen, Macdonald sustained momentum in shows like Rockville, Housewives, Youngins (45 episodes as Principal Mthembu), and upcoming Inimba, alongside films including 3 Way Junction, Happiness Ever After, and Love, Sex and 30 Candles. His acting philosophy emphasizes simplicity and authenticity, prioritizing a character’s story purpose for genuine, resonant performances under television’s intense demands.
Personal Life
In 2012, Macdonald married Luphiwo Mathunzi, who works in music, production, and acting. They met during an Othello show in Johannesburg in 2010. After dating for a year, they had a traditional wedding on September 30, 2012, at her family home in Mpumalanga, followed by a legal marriage on September 18.
Their shared entertainment background helped at first with his busy schedule. But by 2017, they lived apart privately. In 2021, Luphiwo filed for divorce, saying he was unfaithful with a The Queen co-star. Macdonald agreed their love had faded, and they ended the marriage under property-sharing rules.
Net Worth
Loyiso Macdonald commands an estimated net worth of $300,000-$500,000 USD (ZAR 4.8M-8M), fueled by prime television stints like The Queen. Income streams encompass television/film salaries as primary earner, ads for brands like Wimpy, Nando’s, Honda, KFC, selective theatre gigs, and endorsement deals. He stresses savvy investing amid acting’s feast-or-famine cycles.
Filmography
Major Television Series
| Year | Series | Character | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2015 | Isidingo | Ntando Sibeko | 60 episodes |
| 2013 | Intersexions | Jabu/Mdu | 14 episodes |
| 2013 | Zabalaza | Ray | 1 episode |
| 2016-2017 | Gold Diggers | Edmund | 2 episodes |
| 2016-2023 | The Queen | Kagiso Khoza | Primary role |
| 2017 | Happy Family | Theo Tshabalala | Multiple episodes |
| 2019 | Chin Up! | Loyiso | Multiple episodes |
| 2021 | Housewives | Terrence | Multiple episodes |
| 2021 | Rockville | Africa Mbatha | 13 episodes |
| 2024 | Youngins | Principal Mthembu | 45 episodes |
| 2025 | Inimba | Lazarus | Ongoing |
Feature Films
| Year | Film | Character | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 Way Junction | Bartender | Drama |
| 2021 | Happiness Ever After | Thato | Comedy-Drama |
| 2022 | Das Wunder von Kapstadt | Hamilton Naki | TV Movie |
| 2023 | Love, Sex and 30 Candles | Winston | Romantic Comedy |
Awards and Nominations
Awards Won
SAFTA Golden Horn 2020 – Best Supporting Actor – Telenovela
- Work: The Queen
- Triumphed over top peers in the category.
Nominations
SAFTA Golden Horn 2020 – Best Actor
Steady major-role bookings and fervent fan support underscore his acclaim.
