Anele Zondo: Biography, Surgery & Controversies

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Anele Zondo is an artist, actress, and television presenter. She rose to prominence after portraying Faith on The River on 1Magic and co-hosting Massive Music on Mzansi Magic. Her portrayal of Faith captivated many viewers, while her vibrant hosting style on Massive Music further solidified her popularity.

Background & Biography

Anele Zondo was born on September 24, 1994 (Age 31), in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. She is the youngest of four daughters. Her father is a school principal, and her mother was a teacher. While growing up, Anele worked in her family’s business, Mozondo Food Services, where she took on roles such as receptionist, delivery assistant, and personal assistant.

She developed a passion for acting at a young age, inspired by role models such as Thando Thabethe, Minnie Dlamini, Jennifer Lawrence, and others. Coming from a supportive family background, Anele received encouragement from her parents and siblings throughout her career journey.

Like many aspiring actresses, Anele knew she would struggle to gain nationwide recognition if she remained in Newcastle. At just 19 years old, she made the bold decision to relocate to Johannesburg in 2013 to pursue her dreams.

Life in Johannesburg was challenging. She attended numerous auditions and faced repeated rejections. One particularly frustrating experience was auditioning for Ventertainment; despite attending more than 30 auditions, she was never selected. What kept her going was her unwavering love for acting and dedication to her craft. During her university years, she volunteered as a presenter for third-year videography students, appearing in shows created as part of their academic projects.

She also secured minor roles in television productions. Her breakthrough came after meeting Sipho, who gave her her first major television opportunity. After completing her media studies, she began booking acting roles more consistently. Her television debut was in the series It’s Complicated, followed by a brief appearance in Saints and Sinners on Mzansi Magic.

In 2018, Zondo landed the role of Faith, Andile’s girlfriend, on The River, acting alongside Lunga Mofokeng. Her performance earned her widespread recognition across South Africa and opened doors to further opportunities. Although she took on smaller roles in other productions, her career reached new heights when she secured a co-hosting role.

By 2019, Anele was announced as the host of One Mic on SABC, a show that ranked among the top 15 most-watched programs in Africa. This milestone marked a turning point in her career. In 2020, she became a co-host of Massive Music, cementing her status as one of South Africa’s leading media personalities.

Anele Zondo currently co-hosts Telkom Monate Vibes, a role she describes as a dream come true. The platform allows her to showcase her versatility while incorporating her love for fashion to elevate the show’s visual appeal.

Education

After completing high school, Anele obtained a diploma in Media Studies from Boston Media House in Johannesburg.

Controversy

Ciza Nciza, the father of Anele Zondo’s child, was reportedly exposed for infidelity. Anele gave birth to her daughter, Moä, on May 28, 2024.

In 2025, during her first appearance on L-Tido’s show, she shared a kiss with the host. During the same interview, Anele revealed that she had undergone cosmetic surgery after several unsuccessful attempts to achieve her desired body shape through gym workouts. She explained that she chose surgery after feeling exhausted from constant training. The procedure involved removing fat from her stomach and transferring it to her hips to address her insecurity about hip dips.

I had the money, and it had to buy me what I wanted,” she said in her defense.