Unathi Will Mkhize, widely known as Unathi Mkhize, is a South African actor, writer, director, model, and influencer, best known for playing Nkanyiso Hlophe in the 1Magic telenovela “The River” and Njabulo Adesina in the Netflix series “Blood Legacy.” He has quickly emerged as one of the notable young talents in South African television, expanding his career across drama, comedy, and genre projects for major local channels and streaming platforms.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Unathi Will Mkhize |
| Date of birth | 23 September 1998 |
| Place of birth | Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (some say Durban area) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Province of origin | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Partner | Thuthuka Mthembu |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Actor, writer, director, model, influencer, theatre performer |
| Net worth | R5–10 million ($250k -$500k USD)(2026 est.) |
Early Life and Education
Unathi Will Mkhize was born on 23 September 1998 in Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal, and he is of Zulu descent among the Nguni people. Some profiles list Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, as his hometown or “from” location, but the more recent biographical details specify Umzimkhulu as his place of birth.
He attended St Cyprian’s Grammar School, matriculating in the class of 2014, where his interest in performance was nurtured through school plays and theatre participation. He later studied at AFDA (AFDA Film Academy), obtaining a BA Honours degree in Motion Picture / Motion Picture Medium, focusing on filmmaking, directing, and performance.
Career
Mkhize started in theatre and short films like “Zamile” and his solo production “Ubunzima Bendoda” at festivals and Wits Theatre. Early TV roles included guest spots in “Inner of Eden,” “Nightman’s Taxi,” “Ungalahli,” “Siyaya,” “Umhlaba,” and “The List” from 2017–2019, followed by Vusimuzi in “Isiphindiselo” (2021).
His 2022 breakthrough was Nkanyiso Hlophe in “The River,” boosting his fame, then Ntsika in comedy “Roomies.” He also starred as Lon in short “Nefarious Creatures” and Clive Maphumulo in TV movie “Feluthando.”
From 2023, roles in “Mkhokheli,” “Spear,” and “Pound for Pound” showcased action skills; Netflix debut as Njabulo Adesina in “Blood Legacy” (2023–2024). In 2025, Sihle in “Levels” and Lethokuhle Dladla in “Ithonga” highlighted his versatility.
Personal Life
Unathi Mkhize is reportedly married to actress Thuthuka Mthembu. Mthembu is widely known for portraying “Nonka” on the popular SABC1 soap opera “Uzalo.”
Their relationship and marriage have been publicly celebrated, with social media posts in late 2025 and early 2026 extending congratulations to the couple. Nonetheless, they have largely kept their family life out of the spotlight.
Net Worth
Unathi Mkhize’s net worth is estimated between R5 million and R10 million ($250k -$500k USD)as of 2026, driven by TV roles, streaming deals, and endorsements.
Filmography
Television
- “Isiphindiselo” (e.tv, 2021) – Vusimuzi / Vusimuzi Biyela (supporting).
- “The River” (1Magic / Mzansi Magic, 2022–2023) – Nkanyiso Hlophe / Nkanyiso (lead).
- “Roomies” (1Magic / Mzansi Magic, 2023) – Ntsika (lead).
- “Blood Legacy” (Netflix, 2023–2024) – Njabulo Adesina (supporting/series regular).
- “Levels” (Mzansi Magic, 2025) – Sihle (support to lead).
- “Ithonga” (Mzansi Magic, 2025–) – Lethokuhle Dladla (supporting/series regular).
- Additional: “Inner of Eden,” “Nightman’s Taxi,” “Ungalahli,” “Siyaya,” “Umhlaba,” “The List,” “Pound for Pound,” “Mkhokheli,” “Spear,” “Soft Life.”
Film and Short Film
- “Nefarious Creatures” (2022) – Lon.
- “Feluthando” (2023) – Clive Maphumulo.
- “The Box” (2018) – lead.
- “Old Sole” (2018) – supporting.
Awards and Recognition
No major awards like SAFTAs yet, but “The River,” “Roomies,” “Blood Legacy,” and “Ithonga” mark his rise. Theatre work “Ubunzima Bendoda” earned festival acclaim.
