Gospel star and former Idols SA winner Khaya Mthethwa has opened up about his ongoing struggle to find love, admitting that he’s been attracting “rubbish” in his search for a meaningful relationship.
Speaking during his 2025 Easter church service, Mthethwa—who was previously married to former Miss South Africa Ntando Kunene—surprised congregants with his unfiltered honesty. A clip from the service, shared by celebrity blog Maphepha Ndaba, shows the musician baring his soul about life after divorce.
“Let me tell you about myself, I am confessing,” said Mthethwa. “The train ya mshado [of marriage] yanshiya [left me behind], because I’ve lost too many great people. Now I’m attracting rubbish.”
The congregation responded with surprise, but Mthethwa stood firm.
“Sorry, I’m talking about myself and not you, so why are you offended? I’m dealing with it,” he said.
A History of High-Profile Relationships
Khaya Mthethwa’s love life has often made headlines. He married Ntando Kunene in 2017 after just three months of dating. The couple welcomed a son, Oyinkosi, before announcing their separation in 2019.
Before Kunene, Mthethwa dated acclaimed actress and producer Nomzamo Mbatha. The two were reportedly engaged, but their relationship ended after allegations that Mthethwa had an affair with Mbatha’s close friend and Isibaya co-star, Jessica Nkosi.
According to Sunday World, Mbatha discovered text messages between Mthethwa and Nkosi, which ultimately ended the relationship. Mthethwa reportedly paid lobola of R50,000 for Mbatha in 2013.
Fast forward to 2025, and Mthethwa recently ended a relationship with Sethu Nkosi, according to sources close to Maphepha Ndaba.
Healing in Progress
In a 2023 interview, Mthethwa admitted that his divorce from Kunene was a deeply painful experience.
“I was on antidepressants, and I was sleeping my life away,” he confessed, reflecting on the emotional toll.
Despite the setbacks, Mthethwa continues to serve as a church leader and artist, and many fans have commended his honesty and vulnerability. While his love life remains in flux, one thing is clear: Khaya Mthethwa isn’t giving up on love—he’s just making sure it’s the right kind this time.