Romeo Kumalo Bio, Age, Career, Court Case, Children, Net Worth
Romeo Kumalo Biography
Romeo Kumalo, born on February 25, 1972, is a prominent South African entrepreneur and media personality. He holds a Master’s Degree in Commerce and executive management certificates from WITS, INSEAD, and Harvard Business School.
Kumalo’s career spans over two decades in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. He served as General Manager of Metro FM from 1997 to 2000 and later as General Manager of SABC TV until 2004.
In 2007, he joined Vodacom South Africa’s board as Executive Commercial Director and was a member of the Vodacom Group Executive Committee until 2015. After leaving Vodacom, Kumalo co-founded Washirika Holdings, a pan-African investment holdings and private equity company. As CEO, he oversees investments in communication, construction, clean energy, and ICT sectors.
In his personal life, Kumalo married former Miss South Africa, Basetsana Kumalo, in 2000. The couple has three children and celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary in December 2024. Kumalo’s extensive experience and strategic vision have significantly impacted South Africa’s ICT and media industries. His leadership continues to influence the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Romeo Kumalo Age | Birthday
How old is Romeo Kumalo?
Romeo Kumalo, born on February 25, 1972, is a prominent South African entrepreneur and media personality. As of January 2025, he is 52 years old. Throughout his career, Kumalo has significantly influenced South Africa’s ICT and media industries.
Romeo Kumalo Basetsana
Romeo Kumalo and his wife, Basetsana, have three children: Nkosinathi, uShaka Kgositsile Emmanuel, and Bontle ba Morena. Nkosinathi, their eldest son, turned 18 in 2023 and completed his matric year. Their second son, uShaka, is 11 years old, and their daughter, Bontle, turned nine in July 2023. The Kumalos are dedicated parents, actively supporting their children’s growth and development. In December 2024, the family celebrated Basetsana and Romeo’s 24th wedding anniversary, marking nearly a quarter-century of love and commitment. The Kumalo family often shares glimpses of their life together, highlighting their strong family bonds and the importance they place on family values.
Romeo Kumalo Children
Romeo Kumalo and his wife, Basetsana, have three children: Nkosinathi, uShaka Kgositsile Emmanuel, and Bontle ba Morena. Nkosinathi, their eldest son, turned 18 in 2023 and completed his matric year. Their second son, uShaka, is 11 years old, and their daughter, Bontle, turned nine in July 2023. The Kumalos are dedicated parents, actively supporting their children’s growth and development.
Romeo Kumalo’s Parents
Romeo Kumalo’s parents have maintained a private life, with limited public information available about them. However, his father-in-law, Philip Makgalemele, was a bus driver, and his mother-in-law, Beatrice Makgalemele, was a teacher. They instilled strong work ethics and values in their children, including Basetsana, Romeo’s wife. This foundation has significantly influenced Romeo and Basetsana’s commitment to family and community development.
Romeo Kumalo Siblings
Romeo Kumalo’s family background remains private, with no publicly available information about his siblings. In contrast, his wife, Basetsana Kumalo, has shared details about her family. She has two sisters and a brother, forming a close-knit family. Their strong family bonds have influenced both Romeo and Basetsana’s commitment to family and community development.
Romeo Kumalo Education
Romeo holds a Master’s Degree in Commerce. Additionally, he has executive management certificates from Harvard Business School, WITS, and INSEAD. These qualifications underscore his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. His educational background has been instrumental in his successful career in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Kumalo’s dedication to education reflects his drive for excellence and leadership in business.
Romeo Kumalo’s Qualifactions
Kumalo holds a Master’s Degree in Commerce. Additionally, he has executive management certificates from Harvard Business School, WITS, and INSEAD. These qualifications underscore his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. His educational background has been instrumental in his successful career in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Kumalo’s dedication to education reflects his drive for excellence and leadership in business.
Romeo Kumalo Career
What does Romeo Kumalo do?
Romeo Kumalo began his career in 1993 at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), focusing on sales and marketing. From 1997 to 2000, he served as General Manager of Metro FM. He then became General Manager of SABC TV until 2004. In 2007, he joined Vodacom South Africa’s board as Executive Commercial Director. He was also a member of the Vodacom Group Executive Committee until 2015. After leaving Vodacom, he co-founded Washirika Holdings, a pan-African investment holdings and private equity company. He currently serves as CEO of LLH Capital, focusing on ICT investments. His extensive experience spans telecommunications, media, and investment sectors. Kumalo’s leadership continues to influence South Africa’s business landscape.
Romeo Kumalo Vodacom
Romeo Kumalo began his career in 1993 at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), specializing in sales and marketing. Between 1997 and 2000, he was General Manager of Metro FM. He later served as General Manager of SABC TV until 2004. In 2007, Kumalo joined Vodacom as Executive Commercial Director and was part of the Vodacom Group Executive Committee until 2015. After leaving Vodacom, he co-founded Washirika Holdings, a pan-African investment firm. Currently, he is the CEO of LLH Capital, focusing on ICT investments.
Romeo Kumalo’s Cars
Romeo maintains a private lifestyle. Public information about his personal assets, including cars, is limited. However, he and his wife, Basetsana Kumalo, have been seen arriving at events in luxury vehicles, reflecting their successful careers. For instance, they were spotted exiting a car at a 50th birthday celebration. In his professional capacity, Romeo co-founded LLH Capital, focusing on investments in drone and car tracking industries. Despite his public prominence, he keeps his personal life, including details about his vehicles, away from the public eye.
Romeo Kumalo’s House
Romeo Kumalo and his wife, Basetsana, reside in a luxurious home located in Midrand’s Saddlebrook Estate. Their mansion is valued at around R25 million. This grand property boasts five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a triple-volume library, and a marble spiral staircase. It features a soundproof cinema room, walk-in wardrobes, and an entertainment pavilion with a jacuzzi and pool. The home also includes solar panels, offering both luxury and sustainability. The property reflects their success and commitment to high-end living standards.
Romeo Kumalo Court Case
Who did Romea Kumalo take to court?
Kumalo and his wife, Basetsana, took legal action against media personality Jackie Phamotse in 2023. The defamation case stemmed from false and harmful statements Phamotse made about the Kumalos. The Randburg Magistrate’s Court ruled in their favor. Phamotse was sentenced to house arrest and fined. Additionally, a five-year protection order was granted, prohibiting her from making defamatory remarks about the couple. This case reinforced the Kumalos’ commitment to protecting their reputation.
Romeo Kumalo Net Worth
Romeo Kumalo has an estimated net worth of $10 million. His wealth stems from his successful career in the telecommunications and media sectors. Notably, he served as the Chief Operating Officer for Vodacom, earning R4.26 million in the 2016 financial year. Additionally, he co-founded LLH Capital, an investment firm focusing on communications, construction, clean energy, and ICT sectors.
