Call it what you will. Luck, genetics, anti-aging cream, sacrificing animals to the dark lord during a lunar eclipse – some people just seem to never get old.
I’ve scoured the sea of ones and zeroes to find some celebs from our country who look like they swallowed the fountain of youth whole.
Five men, five women. Equality.
We begin our the proceedings, as we always do, with the ladies:
1. Thembi Seete
This kwaito musician, if you can believe it, turned 40 years old in March.
She is best known as a member of kwaito group Boom Shaka from 1994 until 2000. After the band split, she went solo, and has made multiple media appearances.
The life of a star isn’t easy. I’m compelled to ask how she does it, but I’m not sure I wanna know the answer.
2. Nonhle Thema
Nonhle Thema is best known as a presenter for Channel O shows, O-Boma and O-Access, and Vuzu’s V Entertainment.
She matriculated from Sundown High School in Sandton in 1999 and somewhere along the line, went on to blow up TV screens all over the country.
Oh, and she’s 36.
3. Basetsana Kumalo
Winner of Miss South Africa 1994, Basetsana Kumalo is pretty much a legend at the ripe age of 43 years old.
Her dominion over the country’s pageant scene didn’t begin there, however. She began in 1990, when she won the title of Miss Soweto and Miss Black South Africa. After winning the title of Miss SA, she was also the first runner-up for Miss World ‘94.
Again, I don’t wanna know how she does it.
4. Melanie Bala
Melanie is a veteran TV and radio personality, with over 20 years of experience.
She’s married to former TKZee member, Zwai Bala and the couple have cranked out 2 offspring. She is currently the news anchor for Metro FM’s breakfast show, The First Avenue.
… And she’s looking pretty good for a 42-year-old.
5. Charlize Theron
Before you begin your fit of anger, and be all like: “But she’s from America,” she was born here, and she totally fits on this list.
Possibly South Africa’s greatest gift to the US, Charlize is one bombshell of a 42-year-old internationally recognised actress. She was born to Gerda and Charles Theron in Benoni, Gauteng; which automatically qualifies her as a South African.
Bonus points for looking totally badass in this clip.
And now we come to the holders of the Y-chromosome.
1. Theo Kgosinkwe
This guy keeps it fresh at 44 years old.
Theo Kgosinkwe is a member of the award-winning South African music group, Mafikizolo, and has also done his own solo work apart from the band.
Also, 44-years-old! Really?
2. Jonathan Boynton-Lee
The one on the right.
Jonathan Boynton-Lee is a 37-year-old TV personality who won Top Billing’s 2012 presenter search – My Top Billing Dream – and consequently became a full-fledged presenter on the show.
He’s also quite good on his feet, having won the 7th season of the celebrity dance show, Strictly Come Dancing. Then again, I’m not sure the lady dudes are concerned with what he does on his feet…
3. DJ Fresh
Thato Sikwane, better known as Metro FM host, DJ Fresh, is a name people around the country will recognise.
Not Thato, no one knows Thato. There is no Thato, there is only Fresh.
He clocks in at a whopping 45 years old, which seems impossible at first glance. I mean, just look at him!
4. Lesley Musina
Voice actor, regular actor, and boxing commentator. Lesley Musina knows how to use his voice.
The 37-year-old former Muvhango actor has made his fair share of on-screen appearances, popping up in shows like Generations, Intersexions, eKasi: Our Stories, and many more.
Fun fact: he’s also multilingual, and speaks: Tshivenda, Sepedi, Sesotho, English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Shona and Xitsonga.
5. Thapelo Mokoena
He’s not on this list for the conventional reason, but with that greying beard, would you believe he’s 35?
Thapelo is known (to me, at least) for being “that guy in the Hunter’s advert.” But he’s been in more than just that; he’s appeared in Generations, competed in Strictly Come Dancing, and the drama series, High Rollers.
Despite all this, he’ll always be the Hunter’s guy to me. Try thinking of someone else saying: “It’s just a refreshing cider.”
-Tyler Roodt