Basetsana Kumalo is a renowned South African businessperson, philanthropist, TV personality, and beauty pageant titleholder.
She gained fame for her successful modeling career, including winning the Miss South Africa title in 1994 and being the first runner-up in Miss World the same year.
Basetsana has also made a name for herself as a TV judge and presenter.
Profile
- Full Name: Basetsana Julia Makgalemele
- Other Names: Basetsana Kumalo
- Date of Birth: March 29, 1974
- Age: 49 years
- Gender: Female
- Place of Birth: Soweto, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Profession: Businessperson, philanthropist, TV personality, model
- Height: 1.67m
- Parents: Philip Makgalemele (father), Beatrice Makgalemele (mother)
- Siblings: 2
- Spouse: Romeo Kumalo
- Children: 3
- Relationship Status: Married
- Net Worth: $7 million
Early Life & Education
Basetsana Kumalo, currently 49 years old, was born on March 29, 1974, in Soweto, South Africa. She was raised by her parents, Philip Makgalemele, a bus driver, and Beatrice Makgalemele, a schoolteacher.
Basetsana grew up in Soweto alongside her two sisters and brother. During childhood, she often helped her siblings make sandwiches to sell during soccer matches over the weekends.
She attended Thabisang Primary School in Soweto and later joined Trinity Secondary School in Lenasia in 1986.
Basetsana furthered her education at the University of Venda, where she pursued an education course and Damelin.
Personal Life
Basetsana Kumalo is happily married to Romeo Kumalo, an executive at Vodacom who was previously a broadcaster.
The couple started dating in 1997 and tied the knot in 2000. Together, they have three children: Nkosinathi Gabriel (born in 2005), uShaka Kgositsile Emmanuel (born in 2012), and Bontle ba Morena Jasmine Kumalo (born in 2014).
Career
Basetsana Kumalo’s career in the beauty industry took off at 16 when she was crowned Miss Soweto in 1990.
Her mother encouraged her to enter the Miss South Africa pageant, which she went on to win in 1994. This victory propelled her into the spotlight and opened doors for her in the modeling and entertainment industry.
During her reign as Miss South Africa, Basetsana Kumalo began her TV presenting career on the show “Top Billing.”
She co-founded Tswelopele Productions with Patience Stevens, which later merged with Union Alliance Media.
Basetsana has also appeared as a judge in the 2016 Miss South Africa beauty pageant.
In addition to her successful modeling and TV career, Basetsana has ventured into business. She is the President of the Business Women’s Association of South Africa and has acquired shares in various companies, including Tawana shares for her company Pro Direct 189.
Basetsana has also launched her clothing line, Stature Ladies Wear by Bassie, and ventured into the beauty industry with eyewear and cosmetics lines.
Net Worth
Basetsana Kumalo has accumulated a net worth of approximately $7 million through her various successful modeling industry ventures, TV presentations, and business endeavors.
Social Media
- Twitter handle: @basetsanakumalo
- Instagram handle: @basetsanakumalo
