After eight years of dating and four years of marriage, actors Bonko and Lesego Khoza continue to grow stronger together—not just as husband and wife, but also as parents and best friends.
The couple, who are proud parents to their baby girl AmahuboAmahle (which means “beautiful psalms”), recently opened up to Batswadi Magazine about their journey through love, marriage, and parenthood. Their story is one of deep friendship, joy, and purpose.
When asked about the strong chemistry between them, both Lesego and Bonko agreed that friendship is the heart of their relationship.
“Friendship is a big, big foundation for us,” Lesego said. “It’s nice to be in a relationship with someone you like. When you like each other, the chemistry will always just be there.” Bonko added, “It’s a big part of it. We’ve always just gotten along. Laughter and joy play a huge role.”
The couple met years ago at drama school, and Bonko still remembers their first meeting clearly. “It was nothing short of love at first sight,” he shared. “It was like my life flashed before my eyes, and I saw a future I never imagined come alive. I just wanted to get to know her more and understand what that feeling meant.”
Lesego said she knew Bonko was the one when a deep feeling of “home” settled in her heart. “It’s a feeling that came and felt permanent. Marriage is just a way to put a stamp on it. But the feeling must exist, and we lived in that feeling for a long time.” So, what has kept them strong, even during busy seasons and parenting? “Quality time,” Bonko simply said. “Dinner, lunch, breakfast on a Sunday.”
When speaking about what Black love means to them, Lesego said, “Black love means being strong together. It’s about showing that we can be fruitful and still keep it within the family. My love for being a bold Black woman led me to want to build a healed and thriving legacy of Black love.”
Bonko added, “Black love is as good as any other love. Yes, we have trauma, but I want our love to prove that we can heal and love each other unconditionally.”
He also spoke out against the negativity often surrounding Black love today. “There’s a culture that’s harming Black love, but I want to inspire Black men to love out loud and faithfully. I don’t care about divorce stats being thrown at me. What’s that got to do with me?”
Although people may see them as a symbol of Black love, Bonko says they’re just being themselves. “We’re very grateful to be seen that way, but we’re simply loving each other the best way we know how.”
The couple also mentioned other Black celebrity couples who inspire them, including Tony and Sthandiwe Kgoroge and Bontle and Priddy Ugly. “They inspire us with their real love—without trying too hard,” they said.
Being in the public eye comes with its own challenges, but the Khozas say they support each other fully. “We affirm each other in public. That’s important in our industry,” said Bonko.
When asked for advice on love, Bonko kept it simple but powerful: “Thandanani bafwethu—love each other, guys. Love with truth. Don’t follow the hype. Listen to your heart and let it be guided by God. Stay away from places that test your commitment.”
Picture: @batswadimag
