A former star of Diski Diva, a reality TV show about soccer wives and girlfriends, has died from a gallbladder infection. Thandeka Nhleko, who was once married to footballer Nkosinathi Nhleko, passed away on Saturday after being hospitalized several times.
A close friend of Thandeka confirmed her death and said the family was still in shock. “She was a businesswoman and a motivational speaker who had a lot of dreams. She will be buried this Saturday.” the friend said. Thandeka and Nkosinathi met at university and got married after six months of dating.
She was 19 and he was 23 when they tied the knot. He was playing for Jomo Cosmos at the time. They had two children in two years, but their marriage ended after 14 years amid accusations of cheating. Thandeka also revealed that she suffered abuse from Nkosinathi and that she was rescued by security guards from their luxury home in Meyersdal Estate many times.
Nkosinathi denied the allegations and said Thandeka was just jealous of his new wife. “She must just move on as I have already moved on with my life. Let her go and press charges against me, we will meet in court.” he said. Diski Diva, which ran for three seasons, showcased the glamorous and private lives of soccer stars and their partners.
Thandeka was not in the spotlight anymore, but the friend said she was a pioneer of reality TV in South Africa. “She was one of the first girls to get into reality TV before it was popular,” she said.