Famous faces born and bred in Newcastle

Here are some of the notable figures from our small town who have attained national and global acclaim:

Fanie de Jager

Image from FacebookFanie de Jager was born in Newcastle on April 8, 1949. He is a distinguished musician whose debut album, My Sentimental Soul, was released in 2000 and achieved gold status in South Africa. His Afrikaanse Juwele reached gold status within two months and dominated the Afrikaans album charts for six consecutive weeks. De Jager has made numerous appearances on popular South African television shows, including the beloved musical quiz show Noot vir Noot.

Lucky Dube

Although originally from Mpumalanga, Lucky Dube called Newcastle home for many years before rising to fame. He began his career as a mbaqanga musician in Madadeni, near Newcastle, and went on to become a global reggae icon. His music resonated deeply with fans around the world. Tragically, Dube was shot dead in Rosettenville and was laid to rest on his farm in Ingogo.

HLE

Hle Ntombela began her musical journey as a backing vocalist for gospel musician Ntokozo Mbambo. She later joined the renowned gospel group Joyous Celebration, and upon her departure, she embarked on a successful solo career. HLE has been nominated for a South African Music Award in 2021 for Best Female Artist of the Year.

Peggy Sue Khumalo

Peggy-Sue Khumalo was born in 1972 in Newcastle, she won the title of Miss South Africa 1996 After winning the pageant, Khumalo was offered a scholarship by  Nelson Mandela study economics. She has worked in the banking and investment industry for 18 years and was appointed as CEO of Standard Bank wealth division in 2019.

Helman Mkhelele

Helman Nkosiyethu Mkhelele, born October 20, 1969, is a former South African soccer player known for his role as a midfielder. He was an prominent member of the Orlando Pirates squad that triumphed in the 1994 National Soccer League and the 1995 African Cup of Champions Clubs.He was also part of the South African national soccer team (Bafana Bafana) that lifted the 1996 African cup of nations trophy.

Ml Cassim Mohammed Sema

Ml Cassim Mohammed Sema (May 12, 1920 – June 9, 2007) was a pioneering South African Sunni Muslim scholar who established the first madrasa in the country, potentially the first to utilize English as its medium of instruction. He was the founder of Darul Uloom Newcastle.

Ntombezinhle Jiyane (DJ Zinhle)

Ntombezinhle Jiyane (born December 30, 1983), professionally known as DJ Zinhle, is a prominent South African DJ, producer, media personality, and entrepreneur. Born in Dannhauser, KwaZulu-Natal, she later moved to Newcastle, where she attended Siyamukela High School in Emadadeni. DJ Zinhle has received numerous accolades, including SAMAs and Global Music Awards Africa, and currently stars in a reality show broadcast on DSTV.

Brett Shuttleworth

Brett Shuttleworth is a versatile professional, recognized as a sportsman, supermodel, Hollywood actor, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. Born in Newcastle in 1972, he has appeared in films such as American Pie 2.

Daniel Niell Jordaan

Daniel Niell Jordaan (born January 13, 1992) is a South African professional rugby union player for Griquas in the Currie Cup and Rugby Challenge, playing primarily as a number eight.

Penuel Mlotshwa

Penuel Mlotshwa, famously known as Penuel the God, was born Penuel Lungelo Mlotshwa in Madadeni Township, Newcastle, in March 1986. A controversial podcaster, he matriculated at Newcastle High School and has gained recognition as an author and notable speaker.

Lucas Sithole

Lucas Sithole (born September 30, 1986) is an accomplished South African wheelchair tennis player competing in the Quad division. He achieved significant recognition by winning the 2013 US Open wheelchair tennis quad championship and securing a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Lindiwe Mabuza

Lindiwe Mabuza was born in August 13, 1938 in Newcastle. She was a multifaceted South African politician, diplomat, poet, academic, journalist, and cultural activist. A staunch anti-apartheid advocate, she served as a member of South Africa’s first democratically elected parliament and subsequently enjoyed a distinguished career in diplomacy. She passed away on  December 6, 2021.

Yvonne Mbatha

Yvonne Thokozile Mbatha was born in July 19, 1960. She is a respected South African judge currently serving on the Supreme Court of Appeal. Prior to her appointment, she was a judge at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court from June 2011 to June 2019 and served as an acting judge in the Constitutional Court from August to December 2022.

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