Minnie Dlamini is one of the youngest and most influential media personalities in South Africa. She has made a name for herself as a South African on-air personality, actress, and model.
In a significant career milestone, Minnie Dlamini was chosen as the new presenter for the SABC 1 Friday live-music show Live Amp in 2010.
Early Life
Minnie Dlamini was born on July 7th, 1990, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province, as the daughter of Jabulani Dlamini and Queen Dlamini. Her early education took place at Northlands Girls High School, and later, she enrolled at the University of Cape Town. However, Minenhle decided to leave school to pursue her career in the television industry.
From a young age of three, Minnie was involved in acting, showcasing her passion for the entertainment industry. She grew up in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, alongside her younger brother, Khosini Dlamini.
Her journey in the media industry began early, securing her first job as an intern at the age of 17. This early exposure to the world of media fueled her passion, setting the stage for her impactful career as a media personality, actress, and model.
Career
Minnie Dlamini's rise in the acting world began with a breakthrough guest role in the popular film Generations in 2010, where her considerable talent became evident. This marked the beginning of her recognition in the media industry, leading to subsequent roles in well-known productions such as The Wild and Rockville.
Debuting as a film actress in Generations, Minnie made a lasting impression with her guest appearance as Miranda. Following this, she took on roles as Zintle Lebone in The Wild and Nosipho Bogatsu in Rockville.
While pursuing her studies at the University of Cape Town, Minnie's on-screen journey began with a presenting role on LIVE in June 2010, covering events like "Youth Day" and "World Cup celebrations." She later co-hosted Mzansi Insider, an SABC 1 lifestyle show.
In September 2011, Minnie Dlamini expanded her influence by becoming the face of the South African departmental store LEGit, introducing her own fashion range known as the Minnie-Series.
Transitioning to acting in 2012, Minnie resigned from Mzansi Insider to focus on her acting career. In 2013, she entered the realm of sports broadcasting by co-hosting Soccerzone with Thomas Mlambo, a role she held until 2016 when the show's format underwent changes.
Beyond acting and presenting, Minnie has showcased her versatility by co-hosting various local and international award ceremonies, including the 14th Metro FM Music Awards, 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, the PSL Awards, and the South African Film and Television Awards.
Her presence on screen continued to expand as she took on the role of presenter for HomeGround in 2015 and Our Perfect Wedding in 2016.
Minnie Dlamini's impressive career has positioned her as a prominent figure in the South African entertainment industry, and her involvement in hosting prestigious events further solidifies her standing in the media landscape.
Filmography
Generations (2010)
The Wild (2011)
Rockville (2013)
Our Perfect Wedding (2015)
HomeGround (2016)
Becoming Mrs. Jones (2017)
Personal Life
On July 8, 2017, Minnie Dlamini entered into a traditional marriage with Quinton Jones in Glenn Hills, Durban North, followed by a white wedding on September 16. The exclusive coverage rights for the white wedding were sold to Multichoice for R6 million.
Like many celebrity couples, the Joneses faced public scrutiny, with rumors circulating about Minnie being pregnant. These speculations gained traction from photos where she appeared to have gained weight. In a TshisaLIVE interview, Minnie addressed these rumors, expressing that she didn't feel pressured to become pregnant and preferred to keep people guessing. She even received offers to document her pregnancy journey.
Despite the gossip, Minnie shared her excitement about her marriage, expressing her anticipation of seeing her husband become a father. Marriage, as she revealed in an interview with Destiny magazine, provided her with a sense of grounding, steering her away from the challenges of her past. Apart from pregnancy rumors, Minnie faced cyberbullying for various reasons, including claims of virginity and criticism for her post-wedding weight gain. Despite these challenges, she remained resilient, building a successful career with the support of her network.
In October, Minnie debuted the first episode of "Minnie Dlamini: Becoming Mrs Jones," a three-part reality docu-series on Vuzu Amp, documenting her pre-wedding and post-wedding journey. The series achieved remarkable success, becoming the highest-rated show in Vuzu Amp history.
In early 2022, reports surfaced about Minnie and Quinton filing for divorce after four years of marriage, amid rumors of her alleged involvement with businessman Edwin Sodi.
Beyond her entertainment career, Minnie Dlamini established the Minnie Dlamini Foundation in 2014, a charity organization aimed at providing young South African girls with access to quality education. She announced on July 15, 2015, via Twitter, that her foundation would sponsor 29 students' university fees, emphasizing her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of young individuals.