Zazi Kunene Denies Relation to Vusi Kunene: “He’s Just an Industry Dad

South African actress Zazi Kunene has addressed the ongoing rumors suggesting she is related to veteran actor Vusi Kunene. Despite the speculation fueled by their appearances together on-screen, the rising star clarified that their connection is purely professional.

The Origins of the Rumor

Zazi Kunene, known for her roles in *Smoke and Mirrors* and *Shaka ILembe*, recently joined the cast of *Generations: The Legacy*, where she plays Alice, a nanny. Her role alongside Vusi Kunene on the popular SABC1 soapie reignited claims of a familial relationship between the two.

The rumors gained traction after Zazi shared a clip of her performance on social media, captioning it humorously:

”Please do not invite me out this December, ngibuka (I’m watching) iGenerations. Thanks. Love u, mbyeiiii.”

In a recent interview with *Sowetan Live* on January 13, 2025, Zazi denied the claims, saying, “I still can’t believe how big this ‘relation thing’ has blown up. I was so nervous when I joined *Generations*, thinking that people would believe it even more now that I’m on the show.”

Not Related to Nhlanhla Kunene Either

Zazi also refuted claims that she is related to *Adulting* actor Nhlanhla Kunene, clarifying that he is just a friend in the entertainment industry.

The confusion might stem from their shared surname and their appearances together in productions like *Shaka ILembe*, where Zazi played Queen Nandi’s daughter, and Vusi portrayed a Tsonga king. Despite their professional collaborations, Zazi emphasized there is no familial connection.

Zazi Kunene: A Rising Star

Born on May 17, 1999, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Zazi Kunene’s journey to stardom is inspiring. As a child, she struggled with a stutter, which made her shy and a target of bullying. Her mother enrolled her in the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, a pivotal decision that helped her overcome her fears and discover her passion for acting.

Zazi went on to study drama at the University of the Witwatersrand, though she paused her final year to take on a role in a Netflix dance production. Her breakthrough came with her debut in the Mzansi Magic movie *Emlanjeni*, where she portrayed a young girl striving to attend university despite financial hardships.

Her acting career began in 2007, playing King Duncan in *Macbeth*. Since then, she has built an impressive portfolio, including performances in the *Sarafina* reenactment at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and *Ukuvuna* at the Soweto Theatre.

Vusi Kunene’s Move to Generations

In other entertainment news, veteran actor Vusi Kunene recently left *House of Zwide* to reprise his role as Jack Mabaso in *Generations: The Legacy*. His return to the SABC1 soapie has delighted fans who missed his iconic character.

Conclusion

Zazi Kunene continues to shine as a rising star in South Africa’s entertainment industry. Despite the persistent rumors about her connection to Vusi Kunene, she remains focused on her craft, proving that her talent and dedication are what truly define her success.