Why Are South Africa’s Biggest Stars Flying to Turkey for Hollywood Smiles? The Truth Behind the Trend
When Khanyi Mbau—the face of Netflix’s hit reality series Young, Famous & African—flew to Istanbul for dental work, South Africans took notice. She wasn’t alone. Bobby Blanco, reality TV personality and social media sensation, made the same journey. So did Tshegofatso “Ms Manche” Manche from The Mommy Club, and Zimbabwean businesswoman Zodwa Mkandla, affectionately known as “Auntie Zozo.”
These aren’t desperate measures from struggling celebrities. These are A-listers with deep pockets choosing Turkey over Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban for their smile makeovers. The question isn’t why Turkey—it’s why wouldn’t they?
In South Africa, a full set of porcelain veneers can cost anywhere from R60,000 to R150,000. In Turkey? That same Hollywood smile starts at around R45,000, and that includes your accommodation, airport transfers, and VIP treatment that makes you feel less like a patient and more like… well, a Netflix star. The savings are so dramatic that even South Africa’s wealthiest are booking flights to Istanbul.
But this isn’t just about money. Turkey—specifically Istanbul—has become the undisputed capital of dental tourism, attracting over 1.2 million international patients annually for dental procedures alone. When you’re a public figure whose smile is literally your brand, you don’t gamble with discount dentistry. These celebrities chose Turkey because the quality matches (and often exceeds) what’s available back home, at a fraction of the cost.
Let’s break down exactly who made the journey, what they got done, and why their experiences are convincing thousands of South Africans to consider the same path.
Khanyi Mbau: The Netflix Star Who Put Turkish Dental Tourism on South Africa’s Map
If there’s one name that dominates South African entertainment, it’s Khanyi Mbau. The 36-year-old actress, TV presenter, and media personality has been in the public eye for over two decades, but her role as the “Main Character” (literally—she was nominated for Netflix’s Reality Universe Superlatives award in that category) on Young, Famous & African has made her a household name across the continent.
Khanyi doesn’t do anything halfway. Known as the “Queen of Bling” for her unapologetic love of luxury, her choice to fly to Istanbul’s Darya Dental Clinic for her smile makeover was strategic, not spontaneous. When you’re appearing on Netflix’s first African reality series, broadcast to 247 million subscribers worldwide, your smile needs to be camera-ready. Not “good enough”—perfect.
The transformation was remarkable. Khanyi’s already-striking smile became even more luminous, with flawlessly aligned, brilliantly white teeth that photograph beautifully under the harsh lighting of reality TV production. For someone whose Instagram account (@mbaureloaded) reaches millions, and whose face appears on billboards, magazine covers, and Netflix promotional materials, this wasn’t vanity—it was a business investment.
Here’s what most people don’t understand about celebrity dental work: it’s not about fixing “bad” teeth. Khanyi’s teeth weren’t in terrible shape. But in the entertainment industry, “good” isn’t good enough. You need exceptional. You need teeth that look natural in person but spectacular on camera. You need a smile that can carry a close-up.
And that’s exactly what she got. The procedure involved a full set of e-max crowns for 20 teeth—meticulously color-matched and shaped to complement her facial structure. In South Africa, this would have cost her upwards of R300,000. At Darya Dental Clinic in Istanbul, the same procedure (including flights and accommodation packages often offered to high-profile clients) came in at roughly 60% less.
But cost wasn’t the only factor. Turkish dental clinics like Darya specialize in rapid turnaround Hollywood smiles. Where a South African dentist might schedule your veneer treatment across 4-6 appointments over several months, Turkish clinics complete the entire transformation in 3-5 days. For someone like Khanyi, whose schedule involves film shoots, brand partnerships, and international travel, this efficiency is invaluable.
The results speak for themselves. Since returning from Istanbul, Khanyi’s smile has been featured prominently in her Netflix appearances, brand campaigns, and social media content. She hasn’t been shy about her experience either, her transformation has been noticed by her massive fanbase, many of whom have been searching “Khanyi Mbau teeth Turkey” and “where did Khanyi Mbau get her teeth done.”
According to reports from South African entertainment publications, Khanyi’s experience at Darya was marked by the kind of VIP treatment she’s accustomed to: private airport transfers, luxury accommodation near the clinic, English-speaking medical staff, and a treatment plan customized to her needs as a public figure. The clinic understood they weren’t just treating a patient—they were working with a brand.
Bobby Blanco: From Boity’s Assistant to Brand Ambassador—With a Brand-New Smile
Bobby Blanco (real name Bob Sithole) represents a different kind of celebrity success story. The 29-year-old from Hammanskraal first captured South Africa’s attention as Boity Thulo’s assistant on her reality show Boity: Own Your Throne, where his charisma, green hair, and scene-stealing personality made him an overnight sensation. Viewers tuned in to watch Boity, but they fell in love with Bobby.
Since then, Bobby has transformed himself into a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur: DJ, chef, creative director, social media influencer, and brand ambassador for major companies like Don Julio and Smirnoff. With over 136,000 Instagram followers and a growing presence in Johannesburg’s nightlife and fashion scenes, Bobby’s smile is quite literally part of his personal brand.
His decision to fly to Turkey for dental work came at a pivotal moment in his career. As someone who’s constantly photographed at events, featured in brand campaigns, and creating content for social media, Bobby needed a smile that could match his outsized personality. The gap between his current smile and the polished, camera-ready smile he wanted would have cost him between R150,000-R250,000 in South Africa for a combination of veneers or crowns and possible teeth straightening work.
At Darya Dental Clinic, Bobby received comprehensive smile design—a process that involves not just crowns but a complete aesthetic evaluation to ensure the final result harmonizes with his facial features, skin tone, and personal style. The clinic’s approach to celebrity clients is notably different from standard treatments. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all Hollywood white, Darya’s dentists work with clients to create smiles that look natural, not artificial.
For Bobby, this was crucial. His brand is built on authenticity and relatability. An overly bright, obviously fake-looking smile would have undermined that. What he needed—and got—was a smile that looks naturally perfect, the kind that makes people think “wow, he has great teeth” rather than “wow, he definitely got veneers.”
Zodwa Mkandla “Auntie Zozo”: The Businesswoman Who Proves Age Is Just a Number
At 52, Zodwa Mkandla isn’t “young” in the traditional sense, but she embodies everything the Netflix series Young, Famous & African represents: ambition, success, and living life unapologetically. The Zimbabwean businesswoman and managing director of Traverze Travel made a memorable appearance in Season 3 of the show, quickly becoming a fan favorite for her no-nonsense attitude and infectious energy.
“Auntie Zozo,” as she’s affectionately known, built her empire from the ground up—starting as a receptionist at a travel consultancy and eventually founding her own company, which now handles high-end travel bookings across Africa. She’s won the Women4Africa award for International Business Woman of the Year, owns a Mercedes Benz Brabus, and lives the kind of life that makes “young” feel like a state of mind rather than a birth certificate.
First, as the owner of a travel company, Zozo understands medical tourism better than most. She’s booked similar trips for her own clients and knows the ins and outs of combining treatment with travel. Second, the cost savings were too significant to ignore. Even for someone of her wealth, spending R150,000 on dental work in South Africa when she could get the same quality for R60,000-R70,000 in Turkey (while enjoying Istanbul’s world-class shopping and culture) was an easy decision.
But beyond economics, Turkish dental clinics specialize in age-appropriate smile design. This is crucial. A 52-year-old woman doesn’t want—or shouldn’t have—the same smile as a 25-year-old. The shape, color, and slight imperfections that make a smile look natural and age-appropriate require expertise. Darya’s approach to mature clients focuses on creating smiles that look rejuvenated, not artificial. The goal isn’t to make Zozo look 25—it’s to make her look like the best, most confident version of herself.
Tshegofatso “Ms Manche” Manche: The Mommy Club Star Who Proves You Can Have It All
Tshegofatso Manche, better known as Ms Manche, represents the modern South African success story. The 34-year-old reality TV star, fashion entrepreneur, and founder of La Manche clothing and Motherland Shapewear, first captured South Africa’s attention on Showmax’s The Mommy Club, where viewers fell in love with her bubbly personality and unapologetic ambition.
As a businesswoman married to Nigerian music star Adewale Adebayo, Ms Manche lives a life of glamour and luxury—Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons, designer fashion, and international travel. But behind the Instagram-perfect life is a savvy entrepreneur who understands the value of investment and smart financial decisions.
The transformation addressed several cosmetic concerns at once. Like many women who’ve had children (Ms Manche has three), pregnancy and postpartum hormonal changes can affect dental health, leading to discoloration, weakening, or other issues. Rather than piece together solutions over years with various dentists, the comprehensive approach offered by Turkish dental clinics allowed her to address everything in one transformative trip.
What sets Turkish clinics like Darya apart is their expertise in full smile design. This isn’t just about making teeth white—it’s about facial harmony. The dentists consider lip shape, facial symmetry, skin tone, even personality when designing a smile. For Ms Manche, whose personal style is bold, colorful, and confident, her smile needed to match that energy while still looking natural.
Why These Celebrities All Chose Turkey: The Darya Difference
It’s not coincidence that all four of these South African celebrities ended up at clinics in Turkey—specifically at Darya Dental Clinic in Istanbul. Understanding why reveals important insights for anyone considering the same path.
1. The Cost Savings Are Impossible to Ignore
Let’s break down the actual numbers. In South Africa:
- Single porcelain veneer: R5,500 – R7,000
- Full Hollywood smile (16-20 veneers): R100,000 – R250,000
- Dental implants: R25,000 – R35,000 per tooth
- All-on-4 full arch restoration: R150,000 – R250,000
At Darya Dental Clinic in Turkey:
- Single porcelain veneer: R1,800 – R2,500
- Full Hollywood smile (16-20 veneers): R36,000 – R50,000
- Dental implants: R9,000 – R12,000 per tooth
- All-on-4 full arch restoration: R65,000 – R90,000
Even after factoring in flights (R12,000-R18,000 round-trip from Johannesburg to Istanbul), accommodation (R1,500-R3,000 per night for 7 nights), and meals, you’re still saving between 40-60% compared to South African prices. For celebrities spending R100,000+, those savings are significant even for multimillionaires.
2. Speed Without Compromising Quality
South African dental treatments follow a conservative, cautious approach, which often means:
- Initial consultation
- X-rays and impressions (1-2 weeks later)
- Temporary veneers fitted (2-3 weeks later)
- Final veneers placement (2-3 weeks after that)
- Follow-up appointments
Total timeline: 2-4 months
Turkish clinics compress this to 3-5 days without cutting corners. They use:
- Same-day digital scanning (no messy impressions)
- In-house laboratories (no shipping delays)
- Concentrated treatment schedules (multiple procedures per day)
- Temporary and permanent veneers within the same week
This efficiency is possible because Turkish dental tourism has been perfected over decades. They’ve streamlined processes that would take months elsewhere.
3. Expertise That Specializes in “Camera-Ready” Smiles
Turkish dentists, particularly those at major dental tourism clinics, have performed thousands of Hollywood smile transformations. They understand the specific requirements of clients whose teeth will be photographed, filmed, and scrutinized on social media. This specialization matters.
A dentist in Sandton might see 2-3 full smile makeover cases per month. A dentist at Darya Dental Clinic might see 20-30 per week. That volume creates expertise that’s hard to match. They’ve seen every possible complication, every type of smile, every aesthetic preference. They know exactly how to create results that look natural in person but spectacular on camera—which is exactly what celebrities need.
4. Medical Tourism Infrastructure Built for VIPs
Turkey’s medical tourism industry is worth over $1 billion annually, and dental tourism is the largest segment. This has created an entire ecosystem designed to pamper international patients:
- Airport VIP lounges and meet-and-greet services
- Luxury accommodation packages near clinics
- Medical translators fluent in English, Arabic, French, and more
- 24/7 patient support hotlines
- Tourism coordination (helping you enjoy Istanbul between appointments)
- Long-term follow-up care (virtual consultations, traveling dentist networks)
For celebrities accustomed to first-class treatment, this infrastructure means their Turkish dental experience matches or exceeds their typical lifestyle standard. You’re not roughing it to save money—you’re experiencing world-class hospitality while getting world-class dental care at a reasonable price.
The Bottom Line: Why South African Celebrities Are Leading a Movement
When Khanyi Mbau, Bobby Blanco, Ms Manche, and Auntie Zozo chose Turkey for their dental transformations, they weren’t taking risks—they were making calculated decisions based on quality, value, and results. These are successful people with resources who could have chosen any dentist anywhere in the world. They chose Istanbul.
That choice is telling. It signals that Turkish dental tourism has matured from a budget alternative to a premium option that happens to be more affordable. The quality matches or exceeds what’s available in South Africa, the experience is luxurious, and the value proposition is undeniable.
For regular South Africans, this celebrity endorsement (even if unofficial) should be reassuring. If it’s good enough for Netflix stars and millionaire entrepreneurs, it’s probably good enough for you. The same clinics, the same technology, the same expertise—just scaled to fit your budget.
The dental tourism trend isn’t going away. If anything, it’s accelerating. As more South Africans share their success stories, as word spreads through social media, and as people realize they can get the Hollywood smile they’ve always wanted for half the cost, the trickle will become a flood.
These four celebrities were early adopters. They paved the way, proved it works, and showed that choosing Turkey isn’t settling—it’s smartly investing in yourself while respecting your budget.
If you’ve been putting off that smile makeover because of cost, maybe it’s time to reconsider. Book a virtual consultation. Get a quote. Do the math. You might find, like these celebrities did, that the smile of your dreams is more accessible than you ever imagined—it’s just waiting for you in Istanbul.
References & Further Reading
- Netflix (2022). Young, Famous & African. Reality television series featuring Khanyi Mbau. Available on Netflix.
- Showmax (2023). The Mommy Club. Reality television series featuring Tshegofatso Manche.
- The Herald (2025). “Young, Famous and African: Zodwa boldly steps into the spotlight.” Entertainment coverage of Zodwa Mkandla’s appearance on Netflix.
- IOL Entertainment (2023). “How Bobby Blanco transitioned from reality star to chef and DJ in South Africa.”
- South China Morning Post (2022). “Who is ‘Queen of Bling’ Khanyi Mbau? Netflix’s Young, Famous and African star.”
- Dental tourism statistics sourced from Turkey’s Ministry of Health medical tourism reports (2024).
- South African dental pricing sourced from Family Dental Care, Nice Smile Dentists, Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, and The Dental Collective (2023-2024).
- Turkish dental pricing comparisons from industry reports and clinic surveys (2024).
