Nombulelo Hlathi, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU) shined as a contestant in the first season of the much anticipated reality show Dancing With The Stars South Africa which premiered on 4 February 2018.

Nombulelo holds a BCom in statistics from the NWU and is a formidable and professional Latin American and ballroom dancer.

Nombulelo’s celebrity partner was Ebenhaezer Dibakwane, a South African comedian who’s fast becoming a household name in the comedic scene having performed in the same line-up as South African born and now American star, Trevor Noah.

The duo gave a show-stopping performance, but unfortunately could not gather enough votes from the public to save them from elimination. They were eliminated in the third episode on 18 February 2018.

Nombulelo’s passion for dancing has seen her be a contestant on various platforms including the critically acclaimed TV show Strictly Come Dancing in its sixth and seventh seasons. Nombulelo is also a dance instructor at Mmabana Arts Culture and Sports Foundation in Mahikeng.

“I was honoured to be one of the professional contestants in the first season of the all new Dancing With The Stars SA,” says Nombulelo “The experience was spectacular, even though we were sadly voted out on 18 February 2018. I would like to thank my family and friends for their continuous support. I don’t have many words except to be thankful for the journey – it was short but it was amazing. I wish to thank my partner Ebenhaezer Dibakwane for committing to the process and fighting like a champion,” says Nombulelo.

Dancing With The Stars SA is produced for M-Net by Rapid Blue and is sponsored by Lotto star. With the help of highly skilled professional Latin and ballroom dancers, 12 untrained local celebrities take part in various dance routines to win their way into the hearts of the voting public.

Members of the judging panel of Dancing with the Stars South Africa include South Africa’s Tebogo Kgobokoe and Debbie Turner, alongside BAFTA nominee Jason Gilkison, and professional World Latin Dance Champion, Bryan Watson.

NWU alumna Nombulelo Hlathi and her dance partner, Erbehaezer Dibakwane, gave their all.