We take a look at five inspiring South African father-son celeb duos.
Maps and Marks Maponyane
While millennials and Gen Zs are no-doubt familiar with dishy, uber-talented celebrity and businessman Masego “Maps” Maponyane, they may not be aware that his dad – an equally handsome silver fox – is Kaizer Chiefs’ all-time top goal scorer (85 goals!) and a celebrity sportsman in his own right.
Maps prides himself on being a self-made man, yet even though he did not follow in his father’s footsteps career-wise, his character has been shaped by his dad: “My dad's experiences have taught me how to deal with people and how to just behave and be motivated,” he told ZAlebs. “My dad is a fantastic man. He's generous and always has time for people and it’s been an honour to have him around.”
While millennials and Gen Zs are no-doubt familiar with dishy, uber-talented celebrity and businessman Masego “Maps” Maponyane, they may not be aware that his dad – an equally handsome silver fox – is Kaizer Chiefs’ all-time top goal scorer (85 goals!) and a celebrity sportsman in his own right.
Maps prides himself on being a self-made man, yet even though he did not follow in his father’s footsteps career-wise, his character has been shaped by his dad: “My dad's experiences have taught me how to deal with people and how to just behave and be motivated,” he told ZAlebs. “My dad is a fantastic man. He's generous and always has time for people and it’s been an honour to have him around.”
Johnny and Jesse Clegg
South Africa mourned when music icon and anti-apartheid activist Johnny Clegg passed away in 2019, but his music lives on in son Jesse, who is an accomplished musician and platinum selling artist in his own right. Speaking at his father’s memorial, Jesse said: “Despite his success, his role in his family was his most important... He believed the greatest gift a father could give his son is a strong moral compass”.
South Africa mourned when music icon and anti-apartheid activist Johnny Clegg passed away in 2019, but his music lives on in son Jesse, who is an accomplished musician and platinum selling artist in his own right. Speaking at his father’s memorial, Jesse said: “Despite his success, his role in his family was his most important... He believed the greatest gift a father could give his son is a strong moral compass”.
Dali Mpofu and Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh
His son has big shoes to fill considering that his dad is one of South Africa's most prominent activists, politicians and lawyers; but lecturer Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is showing he is just as passionate about politics and activism, having shaken things up at Wits (where he is a vocal supporter of free education), and publishing his first book on democracy at age 26. "Thanks for all your love, support, and guidance, Dad," Tweeted Sizwe in response to a proud-as-punch post by Dali on receiving his doctorate at Oxford: "You can call me Proud Father of the Doctor loading [sic]".
His son has big shoes to fill considering that his dad is one of South Africa's most prominent activists, politicians and lawyers; but lecturer Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is showing he is just as passionate about politics and activism, having shaken things up at Wits (where he is a vocal supporter of free education), and publishing his first book on democracy at age 26. "Thanks for all your love, support, and guidance, Dad," Tweeted Sizwe in response to a proud-as-punch post by Dali on receiving his doctorate at Oxford: "You can call me Proud Father of the Doctor loading [sic]".
Related article: Celeb dads who make parenting look easy
Atandwa and John Kani
If you haven’t seen actor Atandwa Kani teaching his legendary dad John Kani how to take a selfie, do yourself a favour and watch here! The Instagram video is accompanied by the caption: “Love this man! I strive, daily, to be a tenth of this man’s greatness!”
If you haven’t seen actor Atandwa Kani teaching his legendary dad John Kani how to take a selfie, do yourself a favour and watch here! The Instagram video is accompanied by the caption: “Love this man! I strive, daily, to be a tenth of this man’s greatness!”
Veteran actor and director John Kani’s illustrious career – spanning almost six decades, and which was recently refreshed on the global stage with a role in Marvel’s Black Panther as King T'Chaka – clearly inspired his son’s calling to ‘tread the boards’. While Atandwa has appeared in many theatre and screen productions both locally and abroad, his role as younger King T'Chaka in Black Panther had us all going ‘Awwww’!
Makhaya and Thando Ntini
Cricket runs in their blood. Makhaya Ntini was the first black South Africa to play for the South African national cricket team, and while he retired in 2011, his son recently made the cut for South Africa’s squad for the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Thando’s decision to follow in his dad’s footsteps was not a result of pressure from the old man: “We seldom talk about cricket and he allows me to make my own decisions when it comes to my cricket career,” he told YOU. “But I know I can always ask him for advice when I need it.”
Makhaya and Thando Ntini
Cricket runs in their blood. Makhaya Ntini was the first black South Africa to play for the South African national cricket team, and while he retired in 2011, his son recently made the cut for South Africa’s squad for the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Thando’s decision to follow in his dad’s footsteps was not a result of pressure from the old man: “We seldom talk about cricket and he allows me to make my own decisions when it comes to my cricket career,” he told YOU. “But I know I can always ask him for advice when I need it.”
Lucas Radebe and Ofentse ‘Primo’ Baloyi
Retired South African soccer player Lucas Radebe, who rose from the streets of Soweto to become a soccer superstar, is still a household name in South Africa – but did you know that his son is now a famous TikTok personality? Ofentse “Primo” Baloyi did indeed followed in his father’s footsteps for a while, pursuing a career in soccer up until 2018, when he hung his boots and went back to school. That isn’t his claim to fame, though. During lockdown, Primo, as he’s known, began making YouTube videos, which lead him to the social media platform TikTok, according to SundayWorld.co.za. His videos have clocked up over 1.5 billion views!
Retired South African soccer player Lucas Radebe, who rose from the streets of Soweto to become a soccer superstar, is still a household name in South Africa – but did you know that his son is now a famous TikTok personality? Ofentse “Primo” Baloyi did indeed followed in his father’s footsteps for a while, pursuing a career in soccer up until 2018, when he hung his boots and went back to school. That isn’t his claim to fame, though. During lockdown, Primo, as he’s known, began making YouTube videos, which lead him to the social media platform TikTok, according to SundayWorld.co.za. His videos have clocked up over 1.5 billion views!
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
June 06, 2022
Rating:
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
June 06, 2022
Rating:
