Thabo Mkhabela biography – Explore the Skeem Saam star’s age, girlfriend Amanda Siyo, daughter, education, lecturer role at TUT, net worth, and acting career as Leshole.
Who is Thabo Mkhabela?
Thabo Mkhabela has become a household name across South Africa through his portrayal of Leshole Mabitsela on SABC1’s popular drama series Skeem Saam. Born in September 1992 in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, this 33-year-old (as of 2025) multitalented performer is an actor, poet, casting director, and university lecturer who has successfully built a diverse career in the arts.
The journey of “Leshole” from Skeem Saam differs significantly from his real-life story. While his character struggles with poverty and misfortune, Thabo grew up in a middle-class family with access to quality education. He discovered acting almost by accident when he enrolled at the University of Limpopo in 2013, initially planning to study law but finding the course full and accepting a place in performing arts instead.
Since making his acting debut in 2016, Thabo has transformed from a fresh graduate into one of South Africa’s recognizable television personalities. Beyond his on-screen presence, he serves as a lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), teaching Arts to students while continuing his work as Skeem Saam’s casting director. His ability to balance academia with entertainment demonstrates the versatility that defines his professional identity.
Quick Facts About Thabo Mkhabela
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thabo Mkhabela |
| Date of Birth | September 1992 |
| Age (2025) | 33 years old |
| Place of Birth | Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Actor, Poet, Casting Director, Lecturer |
| Famous Role | Leshole Mabitsela (Skeem Saam) |
| Education | BA in Performing Arts, Master’s Degree |
| University | University of Limpopo |
| Lecturer at | Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
| Girlfriend | Amanda Siyo |
| Children | Two daughters |
| TV Debut | 2016 (Skeem Saam) |
| New Show | Isitha: The Enemy (2025) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $120,000 (as of 2020) |
Early Life and Upbringing
Thabo Mkhabela was born in September 1992 in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga province. His childhood was marked by the absence of his father, who reportedly roamed the streets of Hlamalane village without taking responsibility for his son. This situation meant Thabo was raised single-handedly by his mother, Thandi Mkhabela, with support from his maternal grandparents, Phillip and Kedibone Mkhabela.
Growing up without a father figure proved challenging for young Thabo. His saddest memory from childhood occurred in 2007 when he attended initiation school. While his peers were fetched by their fathers, Thabo was collected by his uncle, highlighting the absence that shaped his early years. However, rather than letting this define him negatively, Thabo has stated that not having a relationship with his father made him a better person who can empathize with others in similar situations.
Despite these challenges, Thabo’s mother ensured he received quality education. The family’s middle-class status provided stability and opportunities that would later prove crucial to his success. His upbringing in Bushbuckridge exposed him to the rich cultural traditions of Mpumalanga while fostering resilience and determination.
Academic Journey and Career Path
University Education
In 2013, Thabo enrolled at the University of Limpopo with ambitious plans to study law. However, fate had different plans when he discovered the law course was full. The only available space was in performing arts, a field he had never seriously considered. “I didn’t plan to be an actor – my dream was to study law but the course was already full and the only space available was in performance arts. So I did that to avoid doing nothing,” he explained in interviews.
Initially entering the programme with only a passion for poetry developed in high school, Thabo faced challenges competing with students who had drama backgrounds. He worked hard, participating in plays and performing at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown two consecutive years. By the time he graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Performing Arts, he had fallen in love with acting.
Advanced Studies and Teaching
Thabo’s academic ambitions didn’t stop with his undergraduate degree. He pursued and obtained a master’s degree, which qualified him to become a lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). For over four years, he has taught Arts to students at this prestigious institution, balancing his teaching responsibilities with his acting career.
In 2018 interviews, Thabo hinted at possibly returning to his original plan of studying law, stating “that is what he has always wanted to do.” This demonstrates his continued passion for education and personal development despite his success in entertainment.
Acting Breakthrough with Skeem Saam
Discovery and Audition
Thabo’s entry into professional acting came unexpectedly in 2015. While performing at Miss Mankweng, he was spotted by veteran actor Putla Sehlapelo, who plays Meneer Magongwa on Skeem Saam and was serving as casting director at the time. Impressed by Thabo’s talent, Sehlapelo asked for his contact details and encouraged him to take acting seriously.
The following week, Thabo received a call inviting him to Johannesburg for auditions. “I went, I impressed them and I got the role of Leshole. It was the start of my storytelling,” he recalled. This opportunity came fresh out of university in 2015, with his first appearance on the show in 2016.
Character Development as Leshole
In Skeem Saam, Leshole Mabitsela comes from an impoverished family where dreams seem unattainable. The character faces constant misfortune, earning him the nickname of being “unlucky.” His storyline eventually includes joining the South African Air Force with dreams of becoming a pilot, though challenges continue following him.
Thabo’s portrayal of Leshole has made him a fan favourite despite (or perhaps because of) the character’s perpetual struggles. He became particularly famous for his character’s controversial decision to split a date bill 50/50, which sparked heated social media debates. Unlike his shy, reserved character, Thabo in real life “oozes confidence,” as noted by journalists who’ve interviewed him.
Behind-the-Scenes Roles
In July 2021, Thabo briefly left on-screen appearances on Skeem Saam but continued working behind the scenes as a casting director. He returned to acting on the show in July 2022. His dual role as both actor and casting director demonstrates the trust producers have in his judgment and understanding of the craft.
Thabo attributes much of his growth to veterans like Charles Maja, who played his on-screen father Big Boy until the actor’s death in April 2020. “Nearly every moment that I’ve had on the show has been with him. I don’t know what now,” Thabo said following Maja’s passing, revealing their close mentorship relationship.
Personal Life and Relationships
Family and Children
Thabo is a father to two daughters. His first daughter, now around 10 years old, was born from a previous relationship. He sees her whenever he visits Mpumalanga from his base in Gauteng. In 2017 interviews, he mentioned being single with a five-year-old daughter at that time.
Currently, Thabo is in a relationship with Amanda Siyo. The couple welcomed their daughter together, and Thabo frequently shares glimpses of his family life on social media, though he maintains relative privacy about personal matters. Despite his fame, he keeps his romantic relationship largely out of the public eye.
Personality and Interests
Unlike Leshole’s shy, withdrawn personality, Thabo is confident and outgoing. He greets people with firm handshakes and engages enthusiastically in conversations. He’s known for his sense of humor, sometimes getting into trouble on set with directors for telling jokes and wasting time debating about languages with co-stars.
Thabo is also a poet who performs at various events to motivate students and participates in stage acting in South African theatres. His artistic interests extend beyond television to encompass multiple performance mediums.
Career Expansion and New Ventures
Isitha: The Enemy (2025)
In April 2025, Thabo landed a new role as Tiga in season 3 of e.tv’s soapie Isitha: The Enemy. This role was originally cast for the late comedian and actor Ebenhaezer Dibakwane. Thabo auditioned on March 22, 2025, received confirmation within a week, and began filming on March 31.
“Being on set with the new cast and crew has been nice. I’m on set as we speak and I’m dreading the idea of leaving and going home; that’s how warm and welcoming the team is,” he shared. The role represents an opportunity to showcase his range beyond Leshole’s character.
Future Aspirations
Thabo dreams of playing diverse characters, particularly a gangster in prison. “When I was in varsity I loved prison scenes because they always have a message. I don’t have a criminal bone in my body but a role as a gangster would show another side of me and maybe people will stop thinking I am like Leshole,” he explained.
He remains open to returning to Skeem Saam if the opportunity arises, noting that according to the storyline, Leshole is working in Cape Town, leaving the door open for his return. “The main thing for me is being a performer. I just want to tell a story,” he emphasized.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2020, Thabo Mkhabela’s net worth was estimated at $120,000 (approximately R2.1 million). This wealth accumulates from multiple income streams including his acting salary from Skeem Saam, his work as casting director, his lecturer position at Tshwane University of Technology, and various poetry and stage performance gigs.
Unlike his perpetually struggling character Leshole, Thabo is doing well financially in real life. His strategic decision to maintain his teaching position while pursuing entertainment provides financial stability and demonstrates his practical approach to career management.
Social Media Presence
Despite his television fame, Thabo maintains a modest social media presence. His Instagram account (@mkhabelathabo) has attracted over 17,500 followers as of 2025, though he has posted fewer than 50 times. His Twitter account (@ThaboteamArts) has a smaller following of around 133 followers.
This limited social media activity stems partly from his experience with fan reactions. “In real life, people tease him as they label him the so unlucky guy,” which has led him to reduce social interaction online. However, he shares occasional glimpses of his acting work and social life with his followers.
FAQs About Thabo Mkhabela
1. How old is Thabo Mkhabela?
Thabo Mkhabela is 33 years old as of 2025, having been born in September 1992.
2. Is Thabo Mkhabela married?
No, Thabo is not officially married but is in a relationship with his girlfriend Amanda Siyo, with whom he shares a daughter.
3. How many children does Thabo Mkhabela have?
Thabo has two daughters—one from a previous relationship who is now around 10 years old, and another with his current girlfriend Amanda Siyo.
4. What does Thabo Mkhabela do besides acting?
Besides acting, Thabo is a lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) where he teaches Arts, works as a casting director for Skeem Saam, and performs poetry at various events.
5. What is Thabo Mkhabela’s educational background?
Thabo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Performing Arts from the University of Limpopo (graduated 2015) and has also obtained a master’s degree.
6. What is Thabo Mkhabela’s net worth?
As of 2020, his net worth was estimated at $120,000, earned through acting, lecturing, casting direction, and poetry performances.