Meet Nhlanhla Nciza’s Children: Zinathi Nciza, Ciza, Nkululeko Nciza, and Luvuyo Nciza

Nhlanhla Nciza, born March 15, 1978, in Schweizer-Reneke, North West Province (formerly Northern Province), South Africa, is a celebrated singer-songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of the award-winning Afro-pop group Mafikizolo.

Renowned for her powerful voice, vibrant stage presence, and bold fashion sense, she has also become an emblem of strength and resilience through her journey as a mother and woman in the public eye.

Raised in Kagiso, Krugersdorp, after her family relocated when she was just a year old, Nhlanhla is the eldest and only daughter among four siblings, with three younger brothers. While she remains private about many aspects of her background—including her parents, education, religion, and ethnicity—her story has resonated deeply with fans due to her openness about personal loss and triumph.

Nhlanhla was married to businessman, music producer, and ANC politician Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza from 2004 until their amicable divorce in 2019. While there were public rumors of infidelity, Nhlanhla emphasized gratitude for TK‘s support and their shared commitment to co-parenting their children.

The couple had four children: sons Nkululeko Nciza (born 2001, known musically as Ciza), Thamsanqa Nciza (born 2002), and Luvuyo Nciza (born June 2012), as well as their daughter Zinathi Nciza, who tragically passed away in a car accident in December 2009 at the age of five. Zinathi was the surviving twin of a pregnancy that also ended in the loss of an unborn child due to another car accident in 2004.

In later years, Nhlanhla found healing and joy in motherhood. She often credits her youngest son, Luvuyo, with helping her cope with the grief of losing Zinathi and the pain of her divorce. Her deep bond with her children remains central to her identity and public image.

In 2023, Nhlanhla entered a new chapter in her personal life, confirming her relationship with businessman Jerry Mogapi. Through love, loss, and renewal, she inspires many as both an artist and a mother.

As one half of Mafikizolo—famous for chart-topping hits like Khona and Love Potion—her career has spanned decades, solidifying her status as one of South Africa’s most beloved entertainers.

Ciza Nciza

Ciza Nciza, born Nkululeko Nciza on August 23, 2001, is one of the eldest sons of renowned South African singer Nhlanhla Nciza. Embracing his musical heritage, Ciza is steadily making a name for himself as a rising Afro-pop artist and producer.

With a sound that fuses modern Afro-pop with traditional South African rhythms, his music pays homage to his roots while showcasing a fresh, distinctive style.

Ciza has released standout tracks like “Come Duze” and has collaborated with notable artists such as DJ Maphorisa and Sha Sha, earning recognition for his smooth vocals and innovative production. His work reflects the influence of Mafikizolo—his mother’s iconic group—while also charting a new course for the next generation of South African music.

Nhlanhla has been vocal in supporting her son’s journey, often celebrating his milestones and proudly sharing his work on her social media platforms.

Zinathi Nciza

Zinathi Nciza, the beloved daughter of South African singer Nhlanhla Nciza, was born in 2004 and brought immense joy to her family during her short life.

Tragically, Zinathi passed away at the age of five on December 7, 2009, following a fatal car accident. She had been traveling with her grandmother, Nomafu Nciza, to collect her cousins from nursery school when the car veered off the road and struck a tree.

Reports later revealed that Nomafu may have lost consciousness behind the wheel due to high blood pressure. Zinathi suffered critical head and neck injuries and, despite emergency treatment at Glynnwood Life Hospital, she died a few hours later.

The loss of Zinathi was a heartbreaking and life-altering moment for Nhlanhla and her family. In a 2010 interview with KatchItWithKhanyi, Nhlanhla opened up about the devastating grief, describing it as “the most difficult thing for anyone to go through.”

Over the years, she has paid tribute to her daughter in deeply emotional social media posts, especially on Zinathi’s birthdays. On what would have been her 15th birthday in 2019, Nhlanhla wrote, “She would be 15 today, our beautiful princess Zinathi… My heart is filled with so much pain as if it were yesterday when you left us,” reflecting on their six cherished years together.

In 2021, marking what would have been Zinathi’s 17th birthday, Nhlanhla shared a touching video holding a framed photo of her daughter, calling her “my great ancestor,” and writing, “Happy 17th heavenly birthday to my beautiful little angel in heaven, Zinathi. I love you with my entire soul.” The following year, she honored Zinathi’s 18th birthday with the words: “I could write verses upon verses talking about my eternal love for you, Zinathi, and how I miss you incredibly. Happy Heavenly 18th Birthday, MaRhadebe. Mommy will forever love you.”

Zinathi’s death was even more painful for Nhlanhla as it followed a previous tragedy—while pregnant with twins in 2004, she was involved in a car accident that resulted in the loss of one of the babies.

Zinathi, the surviving twin, became a symbol of hope and healing. Her unexpected passing five years later left a deep wound, yet her memory continues to shape Nhlanhla’s life, artistry, and resilience.

Luvuyo Nciza

Luvuyo Nciza, born in June 2012, is the youngest child of South African singer Nhlanhla Nciza and a cherished source of strength and joy in her life. Often described by Nhlanhla as her “little brave gift from God,” Luvuyo has been instrumental in helping her heal from the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Zinathi, and the emotional toll of her 2019 divorce from Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza.

Nhlanhla has spoken candidly about the deep emotional support Luvuyo has provided. In a touching Instagram post celebrating his fifth birthday in April 2021, she wrote, “You are the reason I wake up every day and strive to be a better person than I was, the reason I want to do good and the reason I’m excited about the future. You, my son, are the reason I’m alive. You saved my life not once but twice already in your young life.” She credited him with helping her navigate not only the “unbearable” grief of losing Zinathi but also the pain of a dissolving marriage.

On Luvuyo’s ninth birthday in June 2021, Nhlanhla shared a series of black-and-white photos of her son, expressing heartfelt admiration for his gentle nature and radiant energy. “He’s the one whose smile just melts my heart,” she wrote. “He sees beauty in everything.” She also reflected on their close bond, saying, “There has never been, nor will there ever be, anything quite so special as the love between a mother and a son.”

Now around 12 years old, Luvuyo remains a central figure in Nhlanhla’s life and the youngest of her three surviving sons, alongside Nkululeko (known musically as Ciza) and Thamsanqa. While his older brothers keep a lower public profile, Nhlanhla often shares moments with Luvuyo on social media, celebrating his role as her “sunshine” and “happy place.”

Nkululeko Nciza

Nkululeko Nciza, one of Nhlanhla Nciza’s sons, maintains a private life, with few public details available about him. Unlike his brother Ciza, who has pursued a music career in the public eye, Nkululeko has chosen to stay out of the spotlight.

While his exact birthdate remains undisclosed, he is believed to be among the older children from Nhlanhla’s marriage to Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza.

Despite his low profile, Nkululeko holds a meaningful place in Nhlanhla’s heart and family dynamic. She has occasionally expressed her pride in all her children, including Nkululeko, acknowledging their quiet strength, support, and resilience during her most challenging times—particularly following the tragic loss of her daughter Zinathi and the end of her marriage.

Though not publicly active in entertainment or media, Nkululeko plays a vital role in the close-knit Nciza family, contributing to the emotional foundation and unity that Nhlanhla often credits as key to her healing and perseverance.