In a world where people struggle to maintain one stable relationship, Themba Hope Radebe, affectionately known as Stara, is juggling two beautiful wives, nine children, multiple businesses, a controversial public profile — and somehow, still manages to keep his dope shades on straight.
If you’ve spent any time in the Vaal — especially around Sebokeng Zone 14 or the lush lawns of Emerald Casino — you’ve heard the name Stara. The 35-year-old socialite, businessman, and entertainment mogul is not only known for his lavish lifestyle, sharp fashion sense, and Mercedes fleet — he’s become a sort of urban legend. LeTadiana, leMilano.
But it’s his love life that has everyone talking. Not the scandalous side-chick-mistress kind of drama. No. We’re talking about full-blown, proudly polygamous marriage — with two gorgeous wives, five kids between them and the whole community watching, questioning: “How the hell did he do it?”
Well, grab your popcorn and your glass of…whatever you’re drinking — this one’s juicy.
A Star is Born
Raised in a comfortably middle-class home — a luxury by township standards — Stara says he has two fathers: his biological father, a soldier, and his stepfather, a policeman. His stepfather is a taxi owner in the Vaal, and his late mother was a sangoma. He was raised in a home where structure and hustle were the foundation. He went to Parkridge Primary and later, Prestigious Aureate High School in Vanderbijlpark — a quiet introvert with a cheeky charm and a natural ability to command attention.
But the name “Stara” didn’t come from nowhere. It was coined by equally popular Vaal socialite, a local chesanyama legend and successful businessman, who once asked young Themba to “organise some stoko.” Young Stara delivered. Literally. The businessman was so impressed he declared, “This one ke star.” From that moment on, the name stuck like glue.
Player? No. Planner.
Growing up, Stara was always that guy. Girls liked him. He didn’t chase — he magnetized. “Even in high school, I could manage multiple girlfriends. I was never messy,” he chuckles, sipping bottled water like it’s a 2008 Merlot.
But the road to love hasn’t always been smooth. His first marriage in 2015 ended in divorce by 2017. “I was young. I rushed into it. I regret it. But it taught me,” he reflects. Not long after, he met Basetsana — a woman he describes as gentle, grounded and supportive. The two got married in 2018 and welcomed three beautiful children. But just as life seemed to be settling, tragedy struck. In 2021, Basetsana passed away, leaving Stara devastated and caring for their youngest child, who was only two months old at the time. If that wasn’t enough, his mother passed away a week later.
“I never mourned properly. I had to keep going,” he says, his voice quiet for once.
Enter Naomi & Winnie: The Real MVPs
In the storm of his grief, two women became his anchor. Naomi a cop who had long been his side piece and Winnie, his rock during his darkest moments, stood by him loyally through car accidents, drama and trauma. The twist? His late wife had sensed the connection and before she passed, gave her blessing for Stara to explore something real with Winnie.
But the real soapie moment? Naomi and Winnie found out they were both dating Stara — at the same time.
Plot twist.
“Instead of lying or running, I sat them down. I told them the truth. I loved them both,” he says. “And somehow, they didn’t run.”
Stara married Winnie in 2020 (2 kids) and Naomi in 2024 (3 kids). He beams when he talks about them: “They’re God-sent. Or maybe sent by my amadlozi. It wasn’t an easy road, but it’s my road. And they chose to walk it with me.”
Polygamy: Common But Not Common
In a time when polygamy is often reduced to scandal and sugar daddies, Stara’s setup feels… functional? Dignified? Maybe even progressive?
“People misunderstand polygamy. It’s not just about smashing or collecting women. It’s about building a unit. A family. I took time to decide. I introspected. The streets are cold. These women are everything to me.”
His wives are said to have a mutual respect and understanding. “It’s not perfect. There are fights. There are emotions. But we work through it. Together.”
Business Mogul, Gospel Man & Public Figure
Beyond love, Stara is a serious businessman. He owns:
2 minibus taxis that transport Eskom staff in Lethabo.
Properties in both Vanderbijlpark and Pretoria.
And the biggest event in the Vaal: Gospel Meets Soul — a sold-out annual affair at Emerald Resort.
His wives? “They know this life comes with noise. They support me.”
Faith, Legacy and More Wives?
Stara believes deeply in God, his ancestors and the spirit of his late mother. He credits her for his spiritual grounding and success.
And the big question… Is two enough?
“Well,” he smiles, “the spirit wants me to have four. My wives are against it… for now.”
Legacy in the Making
Stara may be controversial, but he’s no fraud. He’s a family man. A hustler. A cultural icon. A walking contradiction: traditional yet modern, flashy yet deeply spiritual. His firstborn, Botlhale, came before all the others and holds a special place in his heart. Today, his nine children attend Curro, one of the top private schools in the area. During the week, he’s with his family. From Thursday to Sunday? He’s on the grind.
“I’m not perfect. But I’m present,” he says.
And maybe, just maybe, in a world of emotional ghosting, financial gaslighting and spiritual emptiness — being present is the biggest flex of all.
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