Anele Mdoda, the acclaimed South African radio and television personality, has navigated her romantic life with a blend of discretion and public milestones. Her journey has seen her embrace motherhood, engage in a significant long-term partnership, and most recently, enter into a traditional marriage, reflecting a personal evolution in her approach to relationships.
Mdoda became a mother to her son, Alakhe, in 2015. While she has consistently maintained a high level of privacy regarding the identity of Alakhe's father, often referring to him simply as her "baby daddy," reports have linked her to a man named Thandile during that period. This early relationship, assumed to have occurred between 2011 and 2015, laid the foundation for her family life, with Mdoda choosing to keep the specifics of their connection and his identity largely out of the public eye. She has spoken about their co-parenting arrangement, emphasizing the importance of her son's well-being and privacy.
Following this period, Anele Mdoda entered into a long-term relationship with Thoba Mkangisa. This romance became increasingly public, with their bond often discussed in media circles. The couple shared a life together, and Mkangisa was reported to have met Mdoda's son, Alakhe, indicating a serious commitment. Speculation about a potential engagement or marriage frequently surfaced, particularly around 2019, with reports suggesting Mkangisa was ready to take their relationship to the next level. Despite the public interest and apparent depth of their connection, this relationship eventually concluded, though the exact reasons and timeline of its end were not widely publicized.
In a significant development in her romantic journey, Anele Mdoda found love with Bonelela “Buzza” James, a respected lawyer and Xhosa royal from the AbaThembu tribe. Their courtship began to draw public attention in late 2023 and early 2024, with Mdoda confirming her new relationship status on her popular radio show, "Anele and the Club." The couple quickly became a subject of media interest, making public appearances together and sparking engagement rumors when Mdoda was seen wearing a diamond ring at high-profile events, including the screening of The Last Ranger and the Oscars.
Their relationship culminated in a beautiful and culturally significant traditional Xhosa wedding ceremony in April 2025. The union of the beloved media personality and the Xhosa prince was widely celebrated across South African media, marking a joyous new chapter in Mdoda's life. The couple has since been observed attending various family gatherings and social events, openly embracing their married life and showcasing a strong, public commitment to each other. This marriage signifies a blending of their personal lives with their respective public and cultural roles, as Mdoda embraces her new status within the royal family.