As 2024 draws to a close, many are reflecting on the highs and lows that shaped the year. While it was a time of achievement and celebration for some, it also brought unexpected heartbreak for several of South Africa’s most beloved celebrity couples. From amicable splits to public drama, these breakups captured national attention and sparked important conversations about relationships, identity, and healing.
Here’s a roundup of the most talked-about South African celebrity breakups in 2024—each unique, emotional, and unforgettable in its own way.
Schalk Bezuidenhout and Mica McKechnie: A Quiet Goodbye
South African comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout, known for his quirky humor and iconic mustache, surprised fans in late 2024 by announcing his split from wife Mica McKechnie. The couple had been married for two years.
Schalk took to Instagram Stories to share the news discreetly, expressing appreciation for his followers’ support while choosing not to dive into details. His decision to avoid a comment section reflects his desire for privacy during a challenging personal moment. Despite their separation, fans have continued to show love for the comedian as he navigates life post-marriage.
Rassie and Nicolene Erasmus: A Silent Ending to 20 Years
April marked a quieter separation between Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and his wife of 20 years, Nicolene Erasmus. While the couple never made a formal public announcement, rumours of marital strain had been circulating for months.
Rassie and Nicolene share three daughters—Nikki, Carli, and Janie—and have long been seen as a solid unit within South Africa’s sporting community. Their divorce, though understated, marks the end of a long chapter. Rassie, now 51, remains a highly respected figure in rugby, balancing family life and professional demands in the public spotlight.
Letoya Makhene and Lebo Keswa: From Love to Legal Accusations
One of the most explosive breakups of 2024 was between actor and singer Letoya Makhene and her now ex-wife, Lebo Keswa, a writer and businesswoman.
While Makhene chose silence on the split, Keswa spoke candidly in a News24 interview, making serious allegations of emotional abuse.
“She’s been abusing me in my marriage… I was too embarrassed to come out because I’m the butch in the relationship,” Keswa revealed.
The relationship, once hailed as a symbol of LGBTQ+ love and representation in South Africa, has since become entangled in public controversy. As of late 2024, the former couple remains estranged, with legal and emotional wounds still raw.
Siya and Rachel Kolisi: Ending with Grace
In October 2024, South Africa’s favorite power couple, Siya and Rachel Kolisi, announced their decision to part ways after more than a decade together.
Their joint Instagram post explained that the decision came “from a place of love, respect, and understanding.” They emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their children—Nicholas (9) and Keziah (7)—as well as continuing their joint work at the Kolisi Foundation.
Their story began in 2012 in Stellenbosch, leading to a 2016 marriage that captured the hearts of many South Africans. They also opened their home to Siya’s younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, further deepening their family bond.
The Kolisis’ split is a reminder that even relationships rooted in love sometimes evolve in different directions.
Sello Maake KaNcube and Pearl Mbewe: Divorce Drama and Distress
Veteran actor Sello Maake KaNcube and Pearl Mbewe endured one of 2024’s most publicly turbulent divorces. The couple’s once-admired relationship has devolved into legal disputes and serious allegations.
Most recently, Mbewe accused the actor of concealing his HIV status from her during their relationship—a charge that sent shockwaves across media platforms. While Sello has yet to make an official statement addressing the claim, the accusation has sparked wider discussions around trust, disclosure, and personal safety in relationships.
Bobby and Anna van Jaarsveld: A Heartfelt Ending After 13 Years
Popular Afrikaans singer Bobby van Jaarsveld and his wife Annatjie (Anna) confirmed their divorce in a heartfelt Instagram post after 13 years of marriage.
“This has been the toughest decision of our lives, but after much thought, we believe it’s best for us now,” Bobby wrote.
The couple, known for keeping their family life private, emphasized their focus on their three children and their shared commitment to ensuring their emotional well-being through the transition.
While fans were saddened, many praised the couple’s maturity and clarity in handling such a delicate situation.
Final Thoughts: A Year of Breakups, Growth, and New Beginnings
2024 was a year of transformation for many high-profile South African couples. While the headlines often focused on heartbreak, deeper themes emerged—self-preservation, healing, emotional honesty, and conscious co-parenting.
Whether it was a quiet parting like the Erasmus family, an emotional farewell like the Kolisis, or a fiery separation like Makhene and Keswa, these stories reveal the human side of celebrity life. Behind the fame are individuals navigating love and loss, just like the rest of us.
As 2025 begins, many of these public figures are redefining themselves—whether through new ventures, strengthened family bonds, or simply choosing peace after the storm.
In the end, these breakups weren’t just about endings—they marked the beginning of new chapters.
