Tender Mavundla was born in Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal, but grew up in a little village called KwaNositha. She completed her primary schooling in Durban while staying with her aunt, but went back home to Gamalakhe in 1996 to start Grade 6. During her high school years she was actively involved in stage plays and at one point was part of a gospel choir. In 1997 she won SABC 1’s “Jam Alley Megastar” competition and realised that she should pursue her singing career seriously. Tender moved to Johannesburg, sang backing vocals for various artists, worked as a waitress, and participated in singing contests. After taking a long break from the industry, Tender is currently studying TV and film production at the Esayidi TVET College outside of Port Shepstone. After garnering three out of four coach turns, with her blistering rendition of the Brenda Fassie classic “Vulindlela”, Tender chose to join #TeamLira.