Businessman Mandla Elliot Mthembu, best known as Khanyi Mbau’s ex-husband, has died at the age of 68.
Mandla Mthembu dies: What’s the cause of death?
His family confirmed on Monday that he passed away on Sunday evening, 21 September 2025, at approximately 20:00 (22 September 2025, 02:00 SAST) at a hospital in New York, where he had been living for several years.
According to a statement from family spokesperson Karabo Mohlala, Mthembu suffered two strokes in recent months.
Despite receiving medical treatment, he died from complications caused by the second stroke.
“Despite the tireless efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to complications related to the stroke,” Mohlala said.
Mthembu would have celebrated his 69th birthday on 24 December 2025. His family confirmed that plans are being made to repatriate his body to Soweto for burial.
Throughout his life, he was recognised for his entrepreneurial spirit and his strong ties to the ANC, which he supported politically.
Mohlala added that “his legacy will be remembered by many across the country.”
Mandla Mthembu’s history with Khanyi Mbau
Mthembu rose to fame in the mid-2000s, not only as a wealthy businessman but also through his high-profile relationship with media personality Khanyi Mbau.
Their romance became one of the most talked-about celebrity stories in South Africa at the time.
The pair had a 29-year age gap, but their relationship was known for its glamour, luxury cars, and designer lifestyle.
They lived in a luxury penthouse at Michelangelo Towers and Raphael in Sandton, and Mthembu famously bought them matching yellow Lamborghinis.
He proposed to Mbau in 2006, and the couple married the same year. They also welcomed a daughter, Khanukani “Khanz” Mbau, in 2006.
However, their marriage was short-lived. By 2009, the relationship had ended following financial troubles, reports of infidelity, and Mbau’s allegations of abuse.
Mbau once revealed that the abuse began after they attended the South African Music Awards in 2006, and despite his promises to stop, it continued. Their marriage eventually collapsed, especially after their luxury cars were repossessed due to unpaid debts.
Mthembu later told the media that he had chosen to walk away from what he called “Mbau’s circus,” insisting he wanted a quieter life.
After leaving South Africa, Mthembu moved to the United States, where he lived away from the public spotlight.
As of now, Khanyi Mbau has not commented publicly on her ex-husband’s death.
