Basetsana Khumalo (born Basetsana Julia Makgalemele) was born in Soweto and started her school years at Thabisang Primary School, before proceeding to Trinity Secondary School where she completed her secondary education. After school, she completed her BA Ed. Degree.

Basetsana Khumalo is a former Miss South Africa and co-owner of Tswelopele productions, which produces Pasella and Top Billing. An ordinary girl from Northern Province has gone on to become a woman of substance. It is her humility and beautiful smile that has endearedher to millions of South Africans.

She gained further recognition in 1994 when she became the second black woman to win the prestigious Miss South Africa pageant and went on to make the nation proud by clinching the first-runner up position in the Miss World Pageant. During her reign, Basetsana gained the respect of the nation and spent time and energy on key issues such as community up-liftment projects and fund raising for several charity organisations.

Bassie has her own clothing range, optical and sunglass range and cosmetic range. Bassie'sclothing range under the label, Stature Ladieswear by Bassie, is distributed by Ackermans department stores through 240 outlets.

Together with her partner, Patience Stevens, Bassie started Tswelopele Productions and in 1999 Tswelopele merged with Union Alliance Media and listed on the JSE Securities ExchangeSA, making Bassie one of the youngest black women directors to be part of the mainstream of the South African economy.

Basetsana strongly believes in making a difference and giving back to the community. It is something that makes her stand out she gives of herself without wanting something in return. It is a rare quality these days among celebrities

She married Romeo Kumalo, a popular South African broadcaster, in 2000. On the business side, Kumalo is also a Black Economic Empowerment partner in Tawana Resources, a diamond exploration and mining company.

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