Sibusiso Leope, widely known as DJ Sbu, has been a prominent figure in South African entertainment for over two decades, captivating audiences as a radio host, musician, and entrepreneur. While his professional endeavors have often been in the spotlight, his romantic life has also garnered significant public interest. From high-profile relationships with fellow celebrities to more private engagements, DJ Sbu's journey through love has seen its share of public scrutiny and personal milestones.
One of DJ Sbu's earliest publicly documented relationships was with acclaimed South African actress Terry Pheto. The couple began dating in 2009, a union that quickly became a subject of media attention due to their respective statuses in the entertainment industry. Their relationship, however, was relatively short-lived, concluding in 2010.
Following their split, widespread speculation arose, with some reports suggesting that Terry Pheto's association with DJ Sbu and his perceived "bad publicity" was impacting her brand endorsements, particularly with L'Oreal. However, Pheto later clarified that their breakup was amicable and had nothing to do with external pressures. She emphasized that despite the end of their romantic relationship, they remained on good terms and continued to be friends.
After his relationship with Terry Pheto, DJ Sbu entered into a significant partnership with Disebo Makatsa. Their relationship became public in 2013 when it was confirmed that they were engaged and living together. This period marked a more private chapter in DJ Sbu's romantic life, though the engagement itself was a notable public event.
During their time together, DJ Sbu and Disebo Makatsa welcomed a daughter, Waratwa Leope, into their lives, solidifying their family unit. Disebo Makatsa was also noted for her business acumen, reportedly serving as the CEO of DJ Sbu's Sbusiso Leope Education Foundation (SLEF), further intertwining their personal and professional lives. However, their engagement abruptly ended in 2015, leading to further public discussion.
The reasons for their separation were not extensively detailed publicly, though some reports suggested that Disebo Makatsa moved on to a relationship with businessman Edwin Sodi. DJ Sbu has largely maintained a private stance on the specifics of their breakup, focusing instead on his entrepreneurial ventures and his role as a father.
In 2016, DJ Sbu was rumored to be dating a University of Johannesburg student named Boitumelo Mahlase. These rumors quickly gained traction in the media, but DJ Sbu swiftly denied them. He publicly stated that Boitumelo Mahlase was "a sister" he had never met and that he does not date students, clarifying that his interactions with students were primarily through his foundation, offering assistance and mentorship.
More recently, in 2020, speculation arose about a potential romance between DJ Sbu and acclaimed actress Thuso Mbedu after they were seen spending time together in Hollywood. However, Thuso Mbedu promptly debunked these rumors. Her representatives clarified that her time in Los Angeles was for work purposes, including writing, accent training, and acting workshops, and that their interaction was purely platonic, with a shared jet-skiing experience on her last day.
Currently, DJ Sbu is widely reported to be single. He has often spoken about his beliefs in love and his desire to build a family, indicating that he is open to finding a lasting partnership. Despite the public nature of some of his past relationships, DJ Sbu has consistently prioritized his privacy and the well-being of his family, particularly his daughter. His romantic history reflects a journey of public figures navigating personal connections amidst constant media attention, with a clear preference for confirmed facts over unverified rumors.