As she marks her 40th birthday, Khanyi Mbau pays homage to her younger self

Khanyi Mbau celebrated her 40th birthday in a way that was distinctly her own—not with glamour and flash, but with self-respect, thankfulness, and time for introspection.

Rather than celebrating with champagne and confetti, she placed a spotlight on herself, acknowledging the path that helped her become the person she is today.

The actress posted a picture from years ago on Instagram, before she was well-known for her skin makeovers and cosmetic surgery. It was an ode to her younger self, Khanyisile Mbau, the woman who grew stronger by enduring silence, laughter, and storms.

“I honour you today in abundance Khanyisile Mbau,” she wrote. “Today, I bow before the vessel. Khanyisile, the body that carried my light, the name that walked through storms, laughter, and silence so that my spirit could learn, burn, and rise.”

Mbau explained that birthdays aren’t really about celebrations for her. They’re about acknowledging endurance, growth, and becoming:

“I do not celebrate birthdays; I honour endurance. Four decades of breath, beauty, and becoming. Thank you, Khanyisile, for housing my essence, for keeping the flame alive while my soul remembered its wings.”

She closed her post with a powerful affirmation of self-love and abundance: “Here’s to the vessel that made it possible for the spirit to return home. In abundance Queen RISE! Forever wealthy, kept, and soft, I love you. You are my true manifestation and perfect creation. FOREVER THE QUEEN OF BLING.”

Her brother and YouTuber Lasizwe Dambuza also shared a touching tribute.

He posted a video compilation of their memorable moments together:  “Happy Birthday @mbaureloaded! We’ve been through so much, yet we always find our way back to each other, makes sense why you are my Bri to your Bry!

"Wishing you joy and peace in everything you do! You are loved, Khanyisile.”

Mbau’s birthday reminds us all of the power in honouring our past selves. Taking a moment to reflect on where we started, the struggles we survived, and the lessons we’ve learned can be just as meaningful as any celebration.

Research notes that reflecting on the past can enhance gratitude and self-compassion. Instead of judging our younger selves for mistakes or imperfections, we learn to honour the courage, endurance, and effort it took just to keep going.

This practice can improve mental well-being, foster a healthier self-image, and even increase motivation for the future.

In other words, taking a moment to reflect is a psychologically powerful way to celebrate growth, honour resilience, and embrace the person we’ve become.