Siyabonga Radebe, widely recognized as “Siya B” in comedy, ranks among South Africa’s most talented entertainers. Born January 1, 1984, in Durban, this multi-skilled artist excels as an actor, comedian, singer, writer, and director. Working across theater, TV, film, and music, he has built an estimated net worth of $500,000. Fans particularly admire his powerful TV roles and quick comedic style in shows like Home Affairs, Saints and Sinners, and Ring of Lies.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Siyabonga Radebe |
| Date of Birth | 1 January 1984 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 41 years old |
| Place of Birth | Durban, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | KwaZulu-Natal Province |
| Partner | Lerato Mvelase (separated 2017); currently private |
| Children | One daughter (with Lerato Mvelase) |
| Occupations | Actor, Singer, Comedian, Writer, Director |
| Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 USD |
Early Life and Education
Siyabonga Radebe entered the world on January 1, 1984, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Durban’s lively arts scene shaped his childhood love for performance. His family encouraged creativity, preparing him for a career in entertainment.
Radebe studied drama at Durban University of Technology, earning a National Diploma in Drama. This training gave him essential skills in acting, stage work, and professional discipline that launched his career.
Career
Radebe began in South African theater with roles in notable plays like Blacks Like Me, Cheap Show, Closer, and Grin and Bear It. These stage performances sharpened his acting skills and taught him to connect directly with audiences.
His TV debut came in 2005 as “Benjy” in Home Affairs on SABC. The next year, he landed his breakthrough role as “Cassius” in A Place Called Home (2006-2009), gaining widespread recognition. In 2008 alone, Radebe appeared in uGugu no Andile (“Bheki”), Wild at Heart (“Detective Bulana”), and Sokhulu & Partners (“Lucas”). These varied roles showed his range across drama and detective stories.
Radebe entered films in 2009 with District 9 as “Obesandjo’s 1st Lieutenant.” That year boosted his profile internationally. On TV, he played “Boboza” in Rhythm City (2010), “Muzi” in Intersexions (2010), and “Xolani Mthembu” in Generations (2010).
In 2012, he performed comedy on Comedy Central Presents… Live at Parker’s. By 2014, roles in Saints and Sinners, Between Friends, and Laugh Out Loud (“Bab’ Buthelezi”) solidified his reputation.
The 2015 Afrikaans film Sink (“Home Affairs Officer”) earned international notice at the Atlanta Film Festival. In 2016, his role as “Phakamani Makhoba” in Saints and Sinners won him Best Actor at the SAFTAs.
Radebe played “Gazini” in Ring of Lies (2017), earning a SAFTA nomination. He appeared in Trackers (2019) as “Paul Makholwa.” From 2022, he portrayed “Vikizitha Magwaza” in Uzalo before reportedly leaving after six months.
Radebe sings too, releasing solo tracks “Maye” (for his daughter’s mother) and “Nkanyezi” (for his daughter). His 2018 album Release Therapy marked his music debut.
Personal Life
Radebe shares a daughter with actress Lerato Mvelase, his former partner. They separated in 2017 after marriage. He maintains a good relationship with his daughter despite past custody issues.
As of 2025, Radebe keeps his current romantic life private. He stays active on Instagram (@realsyabee) sharing work and family moments.
In October 2019, police arrested Radebe after a car crash in Ntuzuma where he was accused of drunk driving. The incident drew media attention during a tough personal period.
Reports from 2022 indicated financial struggles and mental health challenges, including admission to a facility in Durban. Recent 2025 updates show him bouncing back, with social media posts stating he’s feeling better and planning a full recovery while returning to his community.
Net Worth
Siyabonga Radebe holds an estimated net worth of $500,000 USD (2025). His wealth comes from acting in major TV shows, films, comedy gigs, music releases, and directing. Steady work across SABC, e.tv, and other platforms built his financial success.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Home Affairs | Benjy | TV Series |
| 2006 | A Place Called Home | Cassius | TV Series |
| 2008 | uGugu no Andile | Bheki | TV Series |
| 2008 | Wild at Heart | Detective Bulana | TV Series |
| 2008 | Sokhulu & Partners | Lucas | TV Series |
| 2009 | District 9 | Obesandjo’s 1st Lieutenant | Film |
| 2010 | Rhythm City | Boboza | TV Series |
| 2010 | Intersexions | Muzi | TV Series |
| 2010 | Generations | Xolani Mthembu | TV Series |
| 2012 | Comedy Central Presents… Live at Parker’s | Himself | TV Special |
| 2012 | Wild at Heart | Detective Bulana | TV Series |
| 2012 | Laugh Out Loud | Bab’ Buthelezi | TV Series |
| 2013 | Rhythm City | Boboza | TV Series |
| 2013 | Single Guyz | Jacob | TV Series |
| 2013 | Soul City | Kgopotso | TV Series |
| 2014 | Saints and Sinners | Phakamani Makhoba | TV Series |
| 2014 | Between Friends | Njabulo | Film |
| 2014 | Ses’Top La | TJ Ngoma | TV Series |
| 2014 | Zaziwa | Himself | TV Series |
| 2015 | Sink | Home Affairs Officer | Film |
| 2015 | It’s Complicated | Thato | TV Series |
| 2015 | Him, Her & the Guys | Joe Mthembu | TV Series |
| 2016 | Doubt | Mlungisi Mweli | TV Series |
| 2016 | Saints and Sinners | Phakamani Makhoba | TV Series |
| 2017 | Change Down | Celebrity Guest | TV Series |
| 2017 | Ring of Lies | Gazini | TV Series |
| 2019 | Trackers | Paul Makholwa | TV Series |
| 2022-2022 | Uzalo | Vikizitha Magwaza | TV Series |
| 2025 | Adulting | Officer 2 | TV Series |
Awards and Nominations
South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA)
| Year | Award Category | Production | Character | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Best Actor – TV Drama | Intersexions | Muzi | Winner |
| 2016 | Best Actor – TV Drama | Saints and Sinners | Phakamani Makhoba | Winner |
| 2019 | Best Actor – Telenovela | Ring of Lies | Gazini Mbatha | Nominee |
