Former “Idols South Africa” winner Khaya Mthethwa’s life has been a complex blend of success and scandal. Once celebrated as the first black winner of the TV singing competition, Khaya has faced considerable public scrutiny following his personal decisions and alleged indiscretions.
Khaya’s rise to fame began with his victory in the eighth season of “Idols South Africa,” which catapulted him into the limelight. His transition from a gospel singer to a senior pastor at Oasis Church in Durban marked his continued engagement with the public through his passion for music and faith. However, his personal life, particularly his marriage to former Miss South Africa, Ntando Kunene, and subsequent divorce, has overshadowed his professional achievements.
The couple, who married in December 2017 after a brief courtship, parted ways after just two years, sharing a son, Oyinkosi. Their separation was shrouded in vague statements, though Khaya hinted at “challenges” they could not overcome. His previous relationships, including a notable breakup with actress Nomzamo Mbatha after allegations of an affair with her best friend Jessica Nkosi, have also attracted significant attention.
Khaya’s recent activities include posting about the pains of co-parenting and the emotional struggle of living apart from his son. Public reactions have been mixed, with some social media users criticizing him for his role in his family’s challenges, while others express sympathy for his situation.
- @Bozza25Nkosana
- Tweet: “One of the saddest situations I have ever been. I used to carry too much guilt and to think these kids never asked to be born especially in a messy situation. Co-parenting is not nice but it is necessary in some situations”
- @khayamthethwa
- Tweet: “I feel you… I still struggle with the guilt.”
- @MissBStylish1
- Tweet: “Can’t be easy… It’s probably the reason why our parents never considered separation! Difficult decision and both are definitely not easy 🤦🏾♀️”
- @khayamthethwa
- Tweet: “So true”
- @ZantheZebra
- Tweet: “They still cry when you leave them at creche or when you go to work. It has nothing to do with the fact that you don’t live with them.”
- @khayamthethwa
- Tweet: “Mine doesn’t cry for all those things…”
- @Malopeharv
- Tweet: “It’s the worst part. Especially when they cry.”
- @Nkosana_Gx
- Tweet: “I thought I was the only one who hates drop-offs. I wish I could just live with my son full time.”
- @mstamaar
- Tweet: “Kodwa nje you’re the one who proudly told God that you don’t wanna get married anymore. You didn’t want your family anymore. Bekusho wena ku nkulunkulu ubucanga ukuthi kuzoba njani? YOU ASKED GOD FOR THIS…!!! Uzenzile aka khalelwa.”
- @TraderZ412
- Tweet: “Hawu you chose the streets nje? Left your wife after umsukelile omunye umtana and she moved cities FOR YOU. Manje usufuna sikudabukele for the family YOU broke? Haibo Khaya be serious. Oyinkosi now lives 2 lives cause his dad chose the streets cause he has ‘hot blood’ your words.”
- @Queen_Tsholo8
- Tweet: “You broke your own home, live with it!!”
- @Mabongilesi
- Tweet: “If you stayed faithful to your wife you wouldn’t be here.”
- @Banturich
- Tweet: “You broke your own home njena.”
- @Baarata7
- Tweet: “Oh if it isn’t the consequences of your own actions”
- @Tobzyn_
- Tweet: “The dad hasn’t seen her in 6 months and he’s asked to see her this week and my Anxiety !!!😥 I didn’t have a kid to co-parent”
- @Siyamuthanda_
- Tweet: “Today I cried when I video called my baby girl she is 3years old and such a quiet child. My cousins son and uncles daughter beat her up when no one is watching. I am so oissed but because I have to complete this course there is nothing I can do. She has scars and scratches😭😭”
- @MellowStardust
- Tweet: “Shouldn’t have cheated”
- @Blackhoney008
- Tweet: “As a child who grew up being bounced around between mom’s and dad’s it was hell because u always feel caught in the middle so trust me its worse for him. The best is to avoid making kids with someone u wont keep.”
- @CityBoyElle
- Tweet: “Maybe you should have fought harder to stay married”
- @Dipuo1026
- Tweet: “If you stayed faithful to your wife, you wouldn’t be going through this.”
- @Thabis0_012
- Tweet: “Akere Wena ofebile, so enjoy the heart breaks maGuy. Co-parenting is nonsense, go back to the mother of your child. You are truly missing out on lots of things, ask us who are full time parents.”
- @ted_pops
- Tweet: “Dawg😭😭🤞🏾 this is me every Monday when I come back to an empty+quiet home. But at least Fridays for me brings the weekend and that means my boys are home. I must say Im fortunate that I can visit my boys midweek if I want to at least.”
In his latest public appearances and social media posts, Khaya has been promoting his upcoming projects, including a new album titled “Art & Worship,” set to release in October 2024. Despite his personal challenges, Khaya continues to focus on his career and his duties as a pastor.
The public’s perception of Khaya Mthethwa remains divided. While some admire his resilience and continuous contributions to music and faith-based communities, others remain skeptical of his actions and their impact on his personal life. As Khaya navigates both his career and personal life under the public eye, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of life in the spotlight.
