From bold moves to viral moments: Enhle Mbali’s biggest headlines of the Year

South African actress Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa is one of those celebrities ending the year with the so far, so good portrait, including celebrating her freedom after the long-anticipated divorce with South African DJ and producer Black Coffee, born Nkosinathi Maphumulo.

The South African actress has been in the headlines since the beginning of the year because of her divorce, and is now celebrating a milestone in her fashion career.

Here are highlights of her major headlines and achievements this year:

Her Divorce from Black Coffee

Enhle Mbali’s divorce from Black Coffee has been the most notable thing about her life this year. Especially after working very hard to win it. Her fans were with her throughout the process as she was fighting for her freedom from that marriage; the spotlight was on her until she found her freedom and broke free.

She then shared on her status on Instagram, “Today, with great emotion, I write this. I am officially Miss Mlotshwa. I’m so grateful for this ugly journey that gave me so many lessons,” she said. That led to making people start assuming that since they married in community of property, Mlotshwa will walk away with 500 million.

R500 million pay-day

Following the ruling, rumors swirled that Mlotshwa could receive up to R5 million, based on the division of assets acquired during the marriage. While this figure was not officially confirmed, the ruling was rumoured to have entitled her to 50% of the marital estate, which could include homes, vehicles, and other investments.

The court validated the customary marriage with Black Coffee as valid and in community of property, overriding his claimed antenuptial contract. Black Coffee was ordered to pay R15 000 monthly spousal maintenance and R50 000 in child support.

Reports indicate Mlotshwa will eventually receive 50% of her ex-husband's assets, estimated to be around $60 million (R1.38 billion).

Partnership with Carlton Hair 

Mlotshwa was the first South African to collaborate with Carlton Hair, lost the partnership after her promotion for the brand sparked controversy on her Instagram story. She trended on social media for using a racial slur (the "k-word") in the video.

In the trending clip, Enhle stated, "Listen, it’s the new South Africa, and I’m allowed to say this. I’ve got k*ffir hare [Afrikaans for hair]. And the black people know exactly what I mean, and the coloured people know exactly what I mean as well." This was not one of the brightest in the list

Achievements as a stylist

At the 27th annual SA Style Awards in Johannesburg, influential figures and trendsetters from various sectors, including business, film, music, television, social media, and fashion, were celebrated. Mlotshwa was recognized as one of the recipients, specifically as the Most Stylish Performing Artist in Film/TV.

“I won my first international award for best designer this weekend in San Francisco! So proud of my team and thank you all for the support! Onwards and upwards, let's take up space.” Mlotshwa said.

During the period of the awards ceremony, Mlotshwa also graced the cover of JoburgStyle Magazine. This exposure further contributed to her stylist's career, diversifying their work beyond reliance on acting projects.

Acting career

South African award-winning actor and fashion designer is known for her breakthrough role on the South African television series, Tshisa, in 2006. Since she showed up in dramas and TV shows, including Mthunzini.com, iNkaba, Moferefere Lenyalong, Soul City, Sokhulu and Partners, Rhythm City, Rockville, and 7de Laan.

She has landed even a role to host shows like Young, Gifted and Black and ANN7’s Starbiz.

This year, she is finishing her role on 'How to Manifest a man' and gaining recognition for her role. Mlotshwa landed a starring role as Azania, a bold and complex character set to shake things up in the fictional world of the high-stakes oil industry to bring the heat to BET Africa’s hit drama series Black Gold.