He is handsome, smart, driven and, for all the ladies taking notes, he’s also 1.8m tall. Maps Maponyane is the kind of guy you take home to meet your parents and not just because he comes from a famous family. Not only is he an educated man but he is also a philanthropist and businessman. If you’ve been dying to learn all there is to know about this gorgeous man then here’s a look at Maps Maponyane's biography.
Maps Maponyane Real Name
Maps Maponyane’s real name is Masego Maponyane. Maps revealed how he got his nickname in an exclusive interview with ZAlebs.
He said, “It’s something that caught on when I was in primary school. My surname is Maponyane and some guys would make fun of me because they couldn’t pronounce it so they would say “Mypunani". So, because of that I was just like, "Nha guys if you're going to be making jokes like Mypunani, let’s keep it as Maps,”
Maps Maponyane was born on March 16, 1990, and is currently 31 years old. Maps grew up in Johannesburg’s Soweto township. He has a brother named Katlego Maponyane.
Maps Maponyane Education and Professional Background
Maps completed his high school education at St John’s College. He went on to obtain a BA Degree in Media Studies, with French and English majors, at Wits University. He has worked with organisations such as Doctors Without Borders/MSF (Medecins Sans Frontieres), Ethembeni Children’s Home and the crowdfunding platform, Bursary Network.
Maps has also served as a director for companies such as NicheStream and Tuta-Me. His peers often joke that they are not exactly sure what Maps does. Maps is a man of many talents. He is a TV presenter, actor, MC, model, fashion enthusiast, voice-over artist and entrepreneur.
Maps Maponyane started his career when he was just 10 years old when his mother signed him with an agency that helped him land big TV commercials. Maps got his first big modelling gig while working as SA Fashion Week founder, Lucilla Booyzen’s assistant. She only hired women at the time and agreed to help him learn more about the industry by allowing him to work for her. It was then that his journey up the runway began.
Later on, Maps ventured into acting and landed roles on shows such as Rockville, High Rollers and Abo Mzala. He is also a successful TV presenter but I bet you didn’t know that Maps had a stutter as a child. You read that right. Maps was bullied because of his speech impairment and would lash out by bullying other kids.
Speaking to Anele Mdoda on Real Talk. he said, “I remember having to go to speech therapy quite often and that wasn’t working. Eventually, things started to fall into place when my speech therapist said I should try and read to myself more often… so I had to try and figure out some sort of rhythm to change that speed bump that I kept hitting between my mouth and the thinking in my brain.”
Maps did overcome his stutter and would go on to work as a TV presenter on shows such as Top Billing and Win a Home. Maps landed one of his biggest film roles to date when he starred in the 2015 movie, Tell Me Sweet Something. He also made an appearance on The Real Jozi A-Listers.
Maps Maponyane Parents
Maps Maponyane’s father is famous soccer star Marks Maponyane. He joined one of South Africa’s most famous football clubs, Kaizer Chiefs, when he was just 19 years old. Marks was named ‘Footballer of the Year’ three times. He also played for Orlando Pirates. Marks is currently retired. As a means to make a name for himself without the shadow of his famous father hovering over him, Maps made a point of not telling people who he was while auditioning for modelling and acting jobs.
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As for his mother, it is clear that Sylvia Maponyane and her son have a close bond. He often gushes about his mother on Instagram.
“She's well on her way to taking over my Insta these days, but it's hard not to celebrate my mother when she's doing this life thing THIS well. Another degree in her stride (#4) and gracefully... Also, I need to start talking to her about leaving her house looking this good,” was his Instagram caption on his mom’s picture at her graduation in June 2019.
Maps Maponyane's parents are no longer together.
Maps Maponyane Girlfriend
Is Maps Maponyane seeing anyone? Well, after dating actress Nomzamo Mbatha for several years up until their unexpected breakup in 2018, Maps has since kept his dating life on the down-low. The two who starred together in Tell Me Sweet Something have remained friends despite their parting.
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After the split rumour was that he started dating fellow presenter Boity Thulo and Cape Town influencer Nadia Jaftha but that turned out to be false. Earlier this year, speculation arose on whether or not the TV presenter was dating rapper and actress Sho Madjozi after the two media personalities posted two similar photos in the same location around the same time. Was it really coincidental that both Maps and Madjozi were in Rwanda for their vacation? Fans seem to be taking this piece of information with a pinch of salt.
Maps Maponyane Style
Maps Maponyane has continued to make headlines with his dapper looks and style. He is one of the stylish men in South Africa and he has the awards to back it up.
Here’s a look at some of his fashion awards and nominations:
1. GQ’s Best Dressed Men List (2011)
2. Vuzu 10over10 #1 Most Stylish Man (2013)
3. Most Stylish Model/Media Personality- SA Style Award (2013)
4. Feather Awards - Best Styled Male of the Year (2014)
5. YOU Spectacular Most Stylish Male Celeb (June 2015)
Maps has also worked on several clothing collaborations. He debuted his menswear range with bespoke clothing brand, Augustine, in 2013. The line was called OCD. He also collaborated with Spree in 2015.
Maps Maponyane Car, House and Apartment
Maps Maponyane has purchased several luxury cars over the years and appears to be a big Mercedes fan. He bought himself a black Mercedes G-Wagon in 2018. In 2020 last year, Maps took to his Instagram a photo of his pulchritudinous Edition 1 Mercedes Benz CLS.
This year he featured on Msizi James Coffee and Cars Show where they both reviewed yet another Mercedes car.
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In 2018, Maps Maponyane showed off his amazing apartment which he renovated and turned into the ultimate bachelor’s pad.
“Adulting isn't easy, but it can be worth it. Home. Finally. Swipe Left for a sneaky before and after surprise,” he wrote on Instagram.
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Maps Maponyane burger place, restaurant
Maps Maponyane expanded his mini-empire by adding a cool burger joint called Buns Out to his impressive business portfolio. The restaurant, which is located in Johannesburg’s Linden suburb, opened its doors in September. “Truth is, I like big Buns and I cannot lie,” he joked on Instagram.
NEW STORE ALERT! Buns Out 3.0 - Norwood! 🍔🍟 When the pandemic started we weren't sure if were going to be able to keep our doors open, but somehow we've managed to open 2 new locations & you're going to love our latest🙌🏾 Thank you for keeping us in business.🙏🏾✨#BunsOutNorwoodpic.twitter.com/VK5VIU2oCV
— Mr. Buns/Buns Out/Abuti Buns/Lebunza/Breadwinner (@MapsMaponyane) May 1, 2021
This year has seen the TV presenter open up a third Buns Out eatery joint in Norwood. However, due to the adverse economic effects brought out by the pandemic, Maps had to shut down one of his restaurants in Rosebank.
Announcement!!! We are closing down our Rosebank Store. Thank you for all the support. pic.twitter.com/ZgyKFdlzfA
As of 2021, Maps Maponyane’s net worth stands at R12Million, with one of his primary sources of income being his role as a TV presenter, from his restaurants and other income-generating ventures.
