Dawn Thandeka King reflects on her journey as Mkabayi ka Jama
Mapaballo Borotho

Acclaimed South African actress Dawn Thandeka King has expressed deep gratitude for the life-changing role she played in Shaka iLembe.
The former Uzalo star, celebrated for her commanding performances on Mzansi screens, portrayed Mkabayi ka Jama, the Zulu princess who persuaded her father, King Jama kaNdaba, to remarry and later served as regent during the reign of her half-brother, Senzangakhona.
Reflecting on the role, King shared an old picture of herself dressed in Zulu regalia, accompanied by a heartfelt caption:
“From Shakaland to Shaka iLembe… Ngiyabonga Zinyandezulu 🙏🏾.”
She revealed that one day she intends to write about her journey with the series, but, for now, remains humbled by what she describes as divine alignment.
“I am in awe of what God and my ancestors have done for me. Ngiyabonga 🙏🏾👑,” she wrote.
King’s portrayal of Mkabayi has been widely praised, with many crediting her powerful storytelling for carrying both seasons of the historical drama.
Fans and colleagues flooded her post with admiration. One supporter wrote:
“You carried the soul of the story and shared it with us. You are immensely talented! Looking forward to reading what you would have written for us.”
Industry peers echoed the sentiment, saying the role was destined for her, with some adding that the stars truly aligned to place her at the center of such a monumental production.
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