Divorce, Deadbeat Dad Drama, and a R35 Million Empire: The Untold Truth of Isibaya’s Asavela Mqokiyana
Written By: Mzansi Gossip Desk | Published: October 27, 2026 | 5 min read
She captured the hearts of millions as the rebellious "Ntwenhle" on Mzansi Magic’s hit soapie Isibaya, but actress Asavela Mqokiyana (née Mngqithi) has a real-life story that rivals any television script. From explosive family feuds to high-profile relationship drama, Asavela's journey in the spotlight has been nothing short of spectacular.
Born on June 4, 1996, and raised by her mother and grandmother in Lamontville, Durban, the AFDA dropout fought her way to the top of the entertainment industry. But with fame came intense public scrutiny—including a very public clash with her famous soccer coach father, a brief marriage riddled with wild rumors, and her surprising pivot into a multi-million rand farming empire.
From Dropout to Soapie Royalty
Asavela’s path to stardom was not entirely smooth. She initially enrolled at AFDA to study camera and editing but was forced to drop out after her third year due to financial difficulties. However, destiny had other plans for the fluent Zulu and Xhosa speaker.
Television Breakthroughs
In 2018, she auditioned for Isithembiso but was surprisingly called back for Isibaya instead. She joined the cast in its fifth season as "Ntwenhle," effortlessly winning over fans who were mourning the departures of Nomzamo Mbatha and Jessica Nkosi.
Following her long stint on Isibaya, she landed her second major television role in 2021, playing "Amogelang" in the second season of the 1Magic drama series Abomama.
The Deadbeat Dad Allegations
Asavela's family life became prime tabloid fodder when she publicly clashed with her father, the prominent South African soccer coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
Marriage, Rumors, and Divorce
Asavela was notoriously private about her love life, stating she would never show her man on social media. She married Thabo (Vuyisa) Mqokiyane in a traditional ceremony in KwaBhaca in April 2022, and the couple welcomed a daughter in August 2023. However, the marriage was soon rocked by explosive gossip.
Infamous gossipmonger Musa Khawula sent X (formerly Twitter) into a meltdown when he alleged that actress Buhle Samuels had relocated to an apartment in Sandton with Asavela’s husband.
While fans quickly came to Asavela’s defense—noting that the two women were simply promoting the same apartment complex—the damage and scrutiny were immense. Ultimately, the fairy tale did not last. In February 2025, Asavela officially confirmed that her marriage had ended in divorce.
The R35 Million Empire
Despite the turmoil in her personal life, Asavela has been quietly building a massive financial portfolio. Moving far beyond acting, she has established herself as a formidable businesswoman.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Her father is the prominent South African soccer coach Manqoba Mngqithi. Their relationship is heavily strained, with Asavela previously accusing him of being absent during her childhood, a claim he has firmly denied.
No. She married Thabo Mqokiyane in April 2022, and they welcomed a daughter in August 2023. However, in February 2025, Asavela confirmed that she had officially divorced her husband.
With an estimated net worth of R35.5 million, Asavela generated her wealth through her successful television acting career (starring in Isibaya and Abomama) and her lucrative business ventures, specifically a poultry and sheep breeding farm.