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We’ve been wondering about the whereabouts of some of our favorite actors and presenters who have vanished from our screens. It’s disheartening to realize that some may never return to Mzansi television due to new ventures or life changes.
While we can’t rule out the possibility of a comeback, their return seems unlikely. Below is a list of 16 actors and presenters we may never see again on South African television, including a recent addition who has shifted her focus to music.
1. Dawn Matthews
Actress Dawn Matthews, born in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, graced our screens for over a decade. Her move to the United States after marrying an American has made it nearly impossible for her to return to Mzansi television, except perhaps in Hollywood productions.
2. Smangele Mathibeli
Known as Nomcebo in e.tv’s Scandal and for her role in Imbewu season 4, Smangele Mathibeli has left acting to become the CEO of the Calvin and Family Group, a company she established with her husband. Her busy role overseeing the company’s operations leaves little hope for her return to television.
3. Vatiswa Ndara
Vatiswa Ndara, a veteran of major shows like Generations, Muvhango, Home Affairs, and Igazi, quit acting after alleging exploitation in the South African industry. In June 2023, she reportedly wrote to former minister Nathi Mthethwa about the mistreatment by production houses, but seeing no change, she left the industry for good.
4. Maggie Benedict
Maggie Benedict’s last headline was her shoplifting arrest, shocking fans who assumed actors were well-paid. Driving a modest Toyota Tazz at the time, she has since relocated to the United States, where she’s acting in Hollywood productions. With better earnings abroad, her return to Mzansi television seems unlikely.
5. Candice Derman
Actress and author Candice Derman, known for her roles in Scandal and as a TV host, vanished from South African screens after publishing her autobiography Indescribable in 2011, detailing childhood trauma. She relocated to the United Kingdom with her husband and daughter, diminishing hopes of her return.
6. Musa Mthombeni
Former actor and presenter Musa Mthombeni, known for Ek Joke and eKasi: Our Stories, left television after completing his medical studies. Now a full-time doctor, it’s doubtful he’ll abandon his medical career to return to the screen.
7. Selae Thobakgale
Former Yo TV presenter Selae Thobakgale, a childhood star, moved into marketing after hosting numerous shows. Her busy business ventures leave little room for a television comeback.
8. Mandisa Nakana
Another Yo TV child star, Mandisa Nakana, hosted Yo TV Disney Cartoon Café during her childhood. After marrying and relocating to the United Kingdom, she now works as a psychologist and TV presenter. Her return to Mzansi television is highly unlikely.
9. Cornet Mamabolo
Skem Saam’s Cornet Mamabolo, known as Tbose, stepped back from acting in 2021 to focus on his financial services and insurance company. He briefly returned in The River in 2022 and opened a resort in Limpopo in 2023. While he remains in South Africa, his business commitments make a full-time acting return unlikely.
10. Loyiso “Chippa” Mangena
Actor and Kwaito star Loyiso Mangena transitioned to a corporate role as an executive at Pamodzi Group, a major black-owned South African company. Having eased into business during his acting career, he’s unlikely to return to television dramas.
11. Carol Bouwer
Known for her role as Kgomotso in Generations and as a presenter, Carol Bouwer shifted to corporate ventures in media, horse racing, mining, and property development. As the CEO of Carol Bouwer Productions, she’s too busy for soapies but may still appear on her SABC talk show empowering women.
12. Chris Beasley
Chris Beasley, who played Len Cooper in Isidingo, has transitioned to directing and prefers it over acting. Sources suggest he’s unlikely to return to acting unless he has a change of heart.
13. Precious Kofi Schamel
Television personality Precious Kofi Schamel relocated to the United States after marrying and starting a family. Now a full-time mother, rumors of a divorce have surfaced, but her return to Mzansi television remains improbable.
14. Thuso Mbedu
Thuso Mbedu, known for Scandal and Isidingo, moved to the United States and has starred in Hollywood projects like The Underground Railroad and The Woman King. As one of the highest-paid actors, she’s out of reach for South African producers, though she may appear in local commercials or international series.
15. Atandwa Kani
Atandwa Kani, another actor who moved to Hollywood, is unlikely to return to Mzansi dramas due to the salary gap between South African and international productions. He may still feature in local commercials, like his recent Chicken Licken ad.
16. Shalate Sekhabi
Shalate Sekhabi, beloved for her role as Shoki in House of Zwide, recently left the e.tv drama to pursue a music career. She announced on Instagram that her debut EP will drop on September 26, 2025. With her focus now on music, her return to Mzansi television seems unlikely in the near future. [Source: safrolebs.com]
