Zoleka Mandela’s Husband, Thierry Nkola Mulopu Bashala Biography: Parents, Siblings, Children, Net Worth, Instagram, Age

Thierry Nkola Mulopu Bashala is a Congolese-born businessman and social activist, who gained prominence through his marriage to Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, and his involvement in philanthropic endeavors.

His career spans finance, entrepreneurship, and activism, reflecting a commitment to societal betterment.

Profile

• Full name: Thierry Nkola Mulopu Bashala
• Date of birth: July 11, 1983
• Age: 42 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Kinshasa, Congo
• Nationality: Congolese
• Profession: Businessman, Social Activist
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Bashala Kantu Wa Milandu (father); mother’s name N/A
• Siblings: Six siblings
• Spouse: Zoleka Mandela (married 2014; divorced 2020)
• Children: Zanyiwe Zenziwe Bashala (born 2014), Zenzile Motuba Bashala (born 2019)
• Relationship status: Divorced
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: N/A
• Net worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

At 42 years old in 2025, Thierry Bashala was born on July 11, 1983, in Kinshasa, Congo. He grew up in a large family with six siblings, under the guidance of his father, Bashala Kantu Wa Milandu, a former minister and governor during Mobutu Sese Seko‘s regime. Details about his mother and siblings remain undisclosed.

Thierry pursued his primary and secondary education in Kinshasa before relocating to South Africa for higher studies. He enrolled at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in finance and accounting.

Furthering his expertise, he obtained professional certifications, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Personal Life

Thierry Bashala‘s personal life is notably marked by his marriage to Zoleka Mandela. The couple met in 2012 at a clothing store in South Africa, two months before Zoleka‘s first breast cancer diagnosis.

Their relationship flourished, leading to marriage in 2014, a ceremony attended by prominent figures such as Graça Machel and Thabo Mbeki. Together, they have two children: son Zanyiwe Zenziwe Bashala, born in 2014, and daughter Zenzile Motuba Bashala, born in 2019.

Zoleka also had three children from previous relationships, including a son, Zwelami Mandela, with whom Thierry shared a supportive relationship. After eight years of marriage, the couple divorced in 2020, with Zoleka stating the need to focus on personal growth as a reason for their separation.

Career

Thierry‘s professional journey began at Sanlam Investment Company, where he worked for four years, gaining experience in financial analysis and planning. In 2011, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, co-founding the Zoleka Mandela Foundation in 2013 with his then-wife. The foundation focuses on cancer awareness, road safety, and youth empowerment.

Thierry served as the CEO until 2020, stepping down following their divorce. He currently holds positions as an executive director at Brand Propeller, a digital marketing agency, and as the director of the Zanyiwe Group, overseeing ventures in real estate, fashion, entertainment, media, and hospitality.

Net Worth

Thierry Bashala‘s net worth is around $2 million. His income sources include his roles in various business ventures and previous involvement with the Zoleka Mandela Foundation.

Social Media

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