Bonang Dorothy Matheba, born on 25 June 1987, is a South African television presenter, radio personality, author, and entrepreneur who has become one of the most influential media personalities in Africa. At 39 years old, she has built an empire that spans broadcasting, fashion, publishing, and luxury goods. Known for her flamboyant presenting skills and signature voice, Matheba has earned the nickname “Queen B” and continues to dominate the South African entertainment industry.
Born in Mahikeng, North West, South Africa, Bonang has risen from humble beginnings to become a household name across the continent. Her journey from presenting on SABC 1’s LIVE (now Live Amp) to hosting international events like the Earthshot Prize Awards and Miss Universe pageant demonstrates her remarkable growth and influence in the media industry.
Personal Information
Full name: Bonang Dorothy Matheba
Also known as: Queen B, Your Girl B
Date of birth: 25 June 1987
Age: 39 years old (as of 2026)
Place of birth: Mahikeng, North West, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Education: Fourways High School
Alma mater: University of Johannesburg
Occupation: Television presenter, radio personality, author, entrepreneur
Years active: 2002 to present
Website: bonangmatheba.com
Ethnicity: Tswana
Parents: Charlotte Mokoena (mother), Gampi Matheba (father)
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Early Life and Education
Bonang was born on 25 June 1987 in Mahikeng, North West province, to Charlotte Mokoena, the Executive Vice-president for Human Resource and Corporate Affairs of Sasol, and Gampi Matheba, a senior lecturer at North-West University. She is of Tswana heritage, one of South Africa’s major Bantu-speaking ethnic groups.
The family relocated to Leondale in the East of Johannesburg, where Bonang attended Fourways High School, a government co-educational school in Fourways. After completing her secondary education, she enrolled at the University of Johannesburg to further her studies.
Her parents divorced when she was eight years old, and her mother later moved to Durban while Bonang continued her education in Johannesburg. Despite the challenges of growing up in a separated household, she remained focused on her goals and developed a strong work ethic that would later define her career.
Television and Film Career
In 2002, at just 15 years old, Bonang made her television debut on the SABC 2 kids’ show Manhattan Fantasy Challenge. She also appeared in several other SABC 2 children’s shows, gaining valuable experience in front of the camera.
In 2007, after leaving university, Bonang auditioned for the inaugural season of the SABC 1 music show LIVE (now Live Amp). She was crowned the winner and became co-host alongside Tbo Touch. Her presenting duties were a huge success, and this is where her famous sobriquet “Queen B” was created. Her final episode aired on 31 August 2012, marking the end of a significant chapter in her career.
After departing from LIVE, she hosted numerous shows including Clash of the Choirs SA, Afternoon Express, Top Billing, and KFC Taste Kitchen. She has hosted prestigious events including the MTV Africa Music Awards 2016, Miss South Africa 2018, the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards pre-show, and the BET Awards 2016 pre-show.
On 2 December 2018, Bonang co-hosted the Global Citizen: Mandela 100 concert alongside comedian Trevor Noah, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and other notable public figures. In 2024, she hosted the Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town alongside Billy Porter, marking the first time the awards were held in any African country.
In early September 2024, Bonang was announced as the host of the Miss Universe pageant, further cementing her status as a global media personality.
Radio Career
In 2009, Bonang received a call from YFM radio station and was added to their new lineup of presenters. She received her own weekend afternoon show called The B* Hive, which was an instant success, focusing primarily on young listeners. She left the show in 2014.
In 2015, Bonang was announced as a new radio DJ for Metro FM, where she hosted The Front Row. The show was well-received until a dispute with the radio station’s manager arose after an on-air reshuffle that saw her hosting alongside her rumored industry rival Lerato Kganyago without prior notification. Outraged by the lack of communication, Bonang resigned from the radio station the next day.
Fashion and Business Ventures
In 2008, Bonang made a collaboration with retailer Legit to launch her first clothing line, Just B. She then partnered with a London-based designer to create a handbag collection called Baby Star.
In 2014, Woolworths revealed a collaboration with Bonang, dropping a lingerie line called Distraction By Bonang, which is still ongoing with new collections introduced regularly.
In 2018, Bonang partnered with Superbalist to drop a collection of T-shirts named BONANG by Bonang Matheba, featuring famous Bonang quotes like “Mo’ghel”, “Give The People What They Want”, and “#IAmBonang”.
On 18 March 2019, Bonang exclusively partnered with Woolworths to launch a range of luxury Méthode Cap Classique called The House of BNG. This venture made her the first black woman to be added to the Méthode Cap Classique Association, a significant achievement in the South African wine industry.
Writing and Publishing
On 7 June 2017, Bonang released her autobiographical book From A to B through Black Bird Books. The book received significant public attention, both positive and negative, with some criticizing spelling and grammatical errors in the first edition. The outcry led to the book being pulled from shelves by Exclusive Books and later replaced with a second edition with corrected errors.
Despite the controversy, the book was a commercial success and demonstrated Bonang’s ability to generate public interest and conversation.
Endorsements and Brand Ambassadorships
In 2013, Bonang was named the ambassador of cosmetic brand Revlon in South Africa, making her the first international ambassador for the brand outside the United States. In October 2016, she was unveiled as an ambassador for the vodka brand Cîroc in Africa.
After a trip to Brazil in 2017, she was named the new African Brand Ambassador for Ipanema sandals, taking over from Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen.
In 2018, Bonang signed an endorsement deal with cellular network Cell C, which also saw her launch her own mobile app and an emoji pack called BMoji. Other endorsements include Peugeot, BIC Razors, Brutal Fruit, Diva Divine Hair, Lifestyle Pads, and Courvoisier.
In 2020, Bonang was announced as Samsung South Africa’s ambassador for their S20 range and the Z Flip.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Bonang Matheba’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million. Her income streams include television presenting, radio hosting, book sales, fashion collaborations, and numerous brand endorsements.
She has been featured on the cover of Forbes Woman Africa, being recognized as one of the Faces of Entrepreneurship alongside three other successful women. Her business ventures, including The House of BNG, continue to contribute to her growing wealth and influence.
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Personal Life and Relationships
Bonang dated local hip-hop artist Slikour until 2009. In 2012, she dated record producer and disc jockey Euphonik, who was charged with assault after it surfaced that he physically assaulted her. She dropped the charges after the couple reconciled, leading to public criticism and accusations that she had lied about the incident.
From late 2015 to 2017, Bonang dated rapper AKA. Their relationship, which began as an affair, was filled with controversy as it took place while AKA was dating a then-pregnant DJ Zinhle, who later exposed the fling in August 2015 following their split.
Bonang has since kept the details of her partners and personal life relatively private, focusing instead on her career and business ventures.
Awards and Recognition
Bonang Matheba has received numerous awards throughout her career, including:
Best Female TV Personality nominations
Best TV Presenter nominations
Media Personality of the Year nominations
She has been featured on the cover of Forbes Woman Africa
Featured on the power issue of GQ SA
First South African to host the MTV Europe Music Awards pre-show
First African to be given an E! News Special Africa
First black woman added to the Méthode Cap Classique Association
Legacy and Impact
Bonang Matheba has made a significant impact on South African and African media. She has broken barriers and set records, becoming the first South African to host the MTV Europe Music Awards pre-show and the first African to receive an E! News Special Africa.
Her business ventures, particularly The House of BNG, have opened doors for other black women in the luxury goods industry. She continues to inspire young women across the continent to pursue careers in media and entrepreneurship.
As she continues to expand her brand and explore new opportunities, Bonang Matheba remains one of South Africa’s most influential and successful media personalities.