6 Uneducated Celebrities In South Africa

In the past, education was perceived as the ultimate key to success, and nearly all parents dreamt of having their children pursue careers in medicine, law, engineering, and other traditionally “noble” careers.

Times have changed, however, and in this century, even uneducated celebrities are making more money from their talents than people in traditional careers.

These uneducated celebrities from South Africa debunk the myth that education is the key to success as they don’t have bachelor’s degrees, but they are more successful than most average South Africans who do.

Somizi Mhlongo has had a successful career in the limelight for more than three decades, although he is one of the uneducated celebrities in South Africa.

Somizi, who was born to parents who were in the entertainment industry, knew that he wanted to be a dancer by the time he was 12.

Speaking to eTV in 2014, Somizi disclosed that he started schooling when he was six years old, but within six months, he already knew that he hated it.

The star who got his first acting job when he was 13 would later drop out of school in Grade 9 to pursue his dreams. We are glad that things worked out well for him.

Cassper Nyovest is undoubtedly one of the most successful rappers in South Africa, with a legion of fans and millions in his bank.

It’s a surprise that this talented multi-award-winning musician and businessman is one of the most successful uneducated celebrities in South Africa.

Cassper attended Sol Plaatje secondary school in Mahikeng but never graduated. The rapper who started spitting verses at age 12 was good in other co-curricular activities, especially sports, but he was not very good in class.

When he failed his grade 10 exams in 2006, Cassper decided to quit school and follow his dreams. In 2008, Cassper moved to Johannesburg to kickstart his career, and his gamble paid off.

Considered as one of the best spin masters in Mzansi, Prince Kaybee is among the uneducated celebrities in South Africa.

Prince Kaybee, whose real name is Kabelo Motsamai, grew up in a big homestead; he has 35 siblings! The young Kabelo lived with his mother, who was his main breadwinner.

In Grade 11, Prince Kaybee dropped out of school because his mother could not afford his school fees. He then ran away to live in the streets for three years, and after going to many clubs in search of a job, he finally landed on a deejaying gig at a Nigerian club, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Zodwa Wabantu is another uneducated celebrity in South Africa who is making millions from her talents.

The dancer was born to a low-income family in Soweto, and when she was only 11, her mother passed on, leaving her in the care of her grandmother.

Due to circumstances, Zodwa left home and moved to Durban when she was 16 to look for jobs, and this meant that she had to put her education on hold.

Despite not having an education herself, Zodwa understands the value of education and has always been keen on ensuring that her son gets the best schooling.

The entertainer also recently returned to school to pursue a course in acting. In an interview with The Sun, Zodwa revealed that although she was nervous on her first day at school, she was also very excited to be learning.

This platinum-selling deejay and producer is another uneducated South African celebrity who is making a killing from his talent. 

Speaking to Metro FM, DJ Maphorisa confessed that after Grade 11, he enrolled in college to pursue technical courses but dropped out to follow his dreams.

The star also admitted that although he has been successful without a degree, he was struggling with contracts, and for that reason, he has since gone back to college. 

Boity Thulo is another South African celebrity who did not complete her education, although she was gifted in school.

The star enrolled in Monash University to study psychology and criminology but dropped out because her mother couldn’t afford her university fees.

Luckily for Boity, she is also very talented, and although she didn’t get far academically, she has been able to soar high through her gifts in music and acting.