Penny Ntuli is one of South Africa’s most beloved and energetic media personalities.
Known for her vibrant on-air presence, infectious personality, and bold stance on self-worth, she has become a household name in South African radio, television, and social media circles.
From humble beginnings in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, to hosting shows on major commercial and community radio stations, Penny’s rise is a story of talent, resilience, and determination.
Whether behind the microphone or in front of a camera, she captivates audiences with her authenticity and passion for entertainment.
Profile
| Full Name | Nontobeko Penny Ntuli |
| Stage Name | Penny Ntuli |
| Born | April 12, 1997 |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Birthplace | Umlazi, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Radio Presenter, DJ, Actress, Entrepreneur, Event Facilitator, Brand Ambassador |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Parents | Thandeka Ntuli (Mother) |
| Siblings | Kwazi Ntuli (younger brother) |
| Children | Two sons – Kendrick and Kenrick |
| Relationship | Single (as of 2026) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $80,000 – $120,000 USD |
Early Life
Nontobeko Penny Ntuli was born on April 12, 1997, in Umlazi, Durban, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She was raised in a single-mother household by her mother, Thandeka Ntuli, alongside her younger brother, Kwazi. Growing up in Umlazi, a township known for its vibrant culture, Penny developed a passion for communication and performance from an early age. She always dreamed of working on radio, and that dream was fueled by her natural talent for storytelling and her captivating voice. From her teen years, she began exploring ways to build a public presence, and her self-expression online and offline helped shape who she would become. Her upbringing in Umlazi, a community with a rich musical and cultural identity, heavily influenced her personality and work ethic.
Education
Penny Ntuli attended Velabahleke High School in Umlazi, Durban, where she completed her secondary education. After high school, she pursued her passion for broadcasting by enrolling at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), where she studied media and communication. It was during her time at DUT that she honed her broadcasting skills and began her radio journey at the campus radio station, Radio DUT, in April 2018.
Career
Penny Ntuli’s broadcasting career began at Radio DUT, the campus radio station of the Durban University of Technology, in early 2018. Her natural on-air charm quickly earned her recognition, and she transitioned to Vibe 94.7 FM, where she continued to sharpen her skills until September 2019. She also worked at community station Inanda FM, building a loyal local fan base along the way.
Her major career breakthrough came in May 2022 when she joined Gagasi FM, a leading regional commercial radio station in KwaZulu-Natal. At Gagasi FM, she hosted the popular weekend show Ziyakhala, which resonated with thousands of listeners. Her energy and on-air persona quickly made her one of the station’s most talked-about personalities. She also worked alongside veteran presenters and legends like Alex Mthiyane and Felix Hlophe. However, in March 2024, Penny publicly announced her resignation from Gagasi FM after the station reportedly offered her a contract she described as financially insufficient and disrespectful. Her public stance sparked widespread conversation about fair pay and the treatment of women in South African media.
Just days after her high-profile exit from Gagasi FM, she landed a new role at Jozi FM, a Soweto-based community radio station in Johannesburg, where she hosted the popular Mid Morning Chat with Penny Ntuli show from 9 AM to 12 PM on weekdays. Her move to Johannesburg also marked a new chapter in her personal and professional growth. In less than a year at Jozi FM, she had already won awards and solidified her brand nationally.
Beyond radio, Penny Ntuli has also built an impressive career as an event MC, television personality, and actress. In June 2020, she appeared in an episode of the popular SABC1 soap opera Uzalo. She has hosted major events including the Goduka Music Festival at King Zwelithini Stadium in 2019, the Spring Festival with Kabza De Small in 2022, and the All Varsities Social Picnic in 2023. She also appeared on the SABC1 reality show Too Hot To Be Single in November 2022. As a brand ambassador, Penny Ntuli has represented prominent brands including Volkswagen Golf (2019) and BMW Pinetown, for which she received a BMW M4 Series worth over R820,000 in September 2022. She is also a black business owner in the fashion and beauty sector.
Awards & Nominations
Penny Ntuli has received recognition for her contribution to South African media and entertainment. Some of her notable awards and nominations include:
- Shining Star Africa Awards 2024 – Best Star Radio Personality of the Year (Winner, within a month of joining Jozi FM)
- Two-time award winner at Jozi FM within less than two years at the station
- Sebenza Women Award – Nominated for Social Media Influencer of the Year (August 2022)
Social Media
Penny Ntuli has an extraordinarily massive following on social media, especially on Facebook, where she has amassed over 2.1 million followers as of 2025, making her one of South Africa’s most followed personalities on the platform. She boasts over 425,000 followers on Instagram under the handle @pennyntuli, where she regularly shares updates about her life, career milestones, and advocacy for self-worth. On TikTok, she has over 1.4 million followers under the handle pennyntuli126 and her videos have amassed millions of likes. She is also active on X (formerly Twitter) with around 4,200 followers. Her Facebook virtual shows during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, titled Lockdown Diary, helped her connect with celebrities and grow her audience significantly.
Personal Life
Penny Ntuli is not married but is a proud single mother of two sons named Kendrick and Kenrick, whom she featured on her Instagram in January 2022. She has kept the identity of her children’s father private. In February 2024, she made headlines when she revealed on Instagram that she had purchased a new home in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, with the caption “secured iKwami,” a milestone that resonated deeply with her fans. She is known for her strong personal values, including the fact that she abstains from alcohol. In 2022, she appeared on the SABC1 reality show Too Hot To Be Single, briefly making her relationship status a topic of public discussion, and was rumored to be dating South African artist uMfana kaGogo in 2023. As of 2026, her romantic life remains private. Penny is also a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and workplace fairness, as evidenced by her bold public resignation from Gagasi FM.
Net Worth
Penny Ntuli’s estimated net worth is in the range of $80,000 to $120,000 USD, though no official figure has been confirmed. Her wealth comes from multiple income streams including radio presentation salaries, acting fees, event hosting, brand endorsements, and social media influence. Her BMW brand ambassadorship and Volkswagen Golf deal in 2019 were significant additions to her income. As her profile continues to grow nationally and her media presence expands, her net worth is expected to increase steadily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Penny Ntuli?
Penny Ntuli, whose full name is Nontobeko Penny Ntuli, is a South African radio presenter, DJ, actress, entrepreneur, and social media personality born on April 12, 1997, in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.
What radio station does Penny Ntuli work for?
Penny Ntuli previously worked at Gagasi FM and joined Jozi FM in 2024, where she hosted the Mid Morning Chat show.
Does Penny Ntuli have children?
Yes, Penny Ntuli has two sons named Kendrick and Kenrick.
What is Penny Ntuli’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth ranges between $80,000 and $120,000 USD, though no official figures have been confirmed.
Why did Penny Ntuli leave Gagasi FM?
Penny Ntuli resigned from Gagasi FM in March 2024 after the station offered her a salary she described as insufficient and disrespectful for a three-hour Sunday show.
Conclusion
Penny Ntuli’s journey from a young girl in Umlazi with big dreams to a nationally recognized radio personality is a story of courage, talent, and authenticity. She has used her platform not only to entertain but also to advocate for fair treatment of women in the media industry. Her rapid rise, including her bold decision to walk away from an offer that didn’t match her worth and her quick pivot to a new opportunity, speaks volumes about her character. With a massive social media following, a growing list of career achievements, and an unwavering connection with her audience, Penny Ntuli remains one of South Africa’s most exciting and inspiring media voices today.