Themba Ndaba is a South African actor and film director who has become one of the most respected names in Mzansi entertainment. Born on February 14, 1965, he’s been in the industry since 1990 and is best known for playing “Brutus Khoza” the beloved uncle character in the hit TV series The Queen. He’s also an award-winning actor, having won both a SAFTA and an Africa Movie Academy Award for his lead performance in Hopeville. Over the years, Ndaba has built a genuine legacy in South African entertainment.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Themba Ndaba |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 14, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Province of Origin | Gauteng (Soweto) |
| Partner | Josey Ndaba (Sebolelo Ndaba) |
| Children | Rudo Ndaba, Lwandle Ndaba, Sibusiso Ndaba (3 children) |
| Occupations | Actor, Film Director, Creative Director, Copywriter |
| Net Worth | R32 million (~$1.7 million) as of 2025–2026 |
Early Life and Education
Ndaba was born in Soweto, Gauteng, but his childhood didn’t stay there. During the armed struggle against apartheid, his parents, Anglican missionaries were forced to move the family to Swaziland (now Eswatini), where he grew up from a young age.
He started school in 1970, matriculated at St Marks High School in Mbabane in 1982, then studied Economics and Statistics in Zimbabwe.
He worked as a banker in Harare before attending Harare Polytechnic (1986–1988), where he graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Business Studies with distinction. Later, he earned a Theology Diploma in Leadership and Life Training from Unisa, passing with cum laude honors.
Career
Ndaba’s career has spanned more than 30 years, and he’s done a lot more than just act. He started out with roles in Soul City and Hopeville, both of which were early stepping stones. He was part of Isindigo’s inception, a theatre group, and he even wrote a children’s programme and a comedy show that aired on SABC1. In 2002, he co-founded Vutha Advertising Agency and served as its Creative Director.
Now here’s the part most people know: his role as Brutus Khoza in The Queen. He played this character from season 1 through season 4, starting in 2016, and became what South Africans call their “favourite uncle.” The character is so popular that it’s hard to imagine The Queen without him.
His cast in Machine Gun Preacher (2011), appeared in Zone 14 on SABC, and played Silas Mhlaba Ziqubu in The Road (Season 1, DSTV). He’s also been in Generations, Rhythm City (as Troll), Rockville season 4 (as Ngema), Gomora, Mfolozi Street (as Madlisa), Queendom, and Lobola Man.
Today, Ndaba is the Managing Creative Director and co-founder of Visual Republic Media, a creative agency based in South Africa.
Personal Life
Ndaba’s personal life has had its own story. He married actress Sophie Ndaba in 1998, and they had two children together. But the marriage ended in divorce in 2007. In 2011, he married Josey Ndaba (also known as Sebolelo Ndaba), and they’ve been together since. Together they have three children: Rudo Ndaba, Lwandle Ndaba, and Sibusiso Ndaba. He currently lives in Midvaal, South Africa.
On social media, he’s active on Instagram (@themba_ndaba) with 199,000 followers, and on Twitter (@IAMTHEMBANDABA).
Net Worth
As of 2025–2026, Themba Ndaba’s net worth is estimated at around R32 million, which is roughly $1.7 million. He’s ranked as the 17th richest South African actor, and his wealth comes primarily from his long-running role in The Queen plus other TV dramas and film work.
Filmography
Television Series
- The Queen (2016–present): Brutus Khoza, seasons 1–4
- Zone 14: Main cast member
- Generations: Cast member
- Rhythm City (Season 1): Troll
- Rockville (Season 4): Ngema
- Soul City (Season 9): Zimele
- The Road (Season 1): Silas Mhlaba Ziqubu
- Mfolozi Street (Season 1): Madlisa
- Gomora: Cast member
- Queendom: Cast member
- Lobola Man: Cast member
Movies
- Hopeville (2010): Amos Manyani (Lead role)
- Machine Gun Preacher (2011): Cast
- Panic Mechanic (1996): Billy
- Born Wild (1994): Lester
- A Good Man in Africa (1994): Kojo
- Running Wild (1998): Ngai
- Umjolo: My Beginning, My End! (2025): Actor
Awards and Recognition
Ndaba’s major awards include:
- 2011: Africa Movie Academy Award – Best Actor in a Leading Role (Hopeville)
- 2010: SAFTA – Best Lead Actor in Film (Hopeville)
- 2017: DStv Mzansi Viewer’s Choice Award – Best Actor (The Queen)
- 2011: Golden Horn Award – Best Feature in a Movie
He was also nominated for the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s Outstanding Actor award (Golden Nymph) in 2009 for Hopeville. In 2019, he voluntarily declined his DStv Mzansi Viewer’s Choice nomination for The Queen to give other long-standing nominees a chance.
