Katlego Sekhu
South African telenovela Shaka iLembe has made history, winning a record-breaking 12 SAFTAs this past weekend—the most awarded drama series in the event’s history.
One of Shaka iLembe’s standout achievements was Thembinkosi Mthembu’s win for Best Actor for his portrayal of King Dingiswayo. Thembinkosi faced strong competition, not only from his own role as Bonga in Adulting but also from his co-star in the Showmax Original bromance, Nhlanhla Kunene, who played Tsiki Tsiki. He was also nominated for Best Actor in a Telenovela for his role as Bandile Biyela in Outlaws, which tied for second place overall at the SAFTAs, earning eight awards, including Best Telenovela.
Despite losing the Best Actor in a Telenovela category to Presley Chweneyagae, who portrayed Cobrizi in The River, Thembinkosi’s recognition continued, as he was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor in The River as Mabutho. This award, however, went to The Estate’s Mpho Sebeng, who tragically passed away in a car accident in May 2024.
Thembinkosi, who received his first SAFTA nominations this year, led all actors with four nominations, capping off a remarkable year. Alongside his SAFTA nominations, he also won Hunk of the Year at The Feather Awards, the People’s Choice Award at the GQ Men of the Year Awards, and Best Actor at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and TV Awards, also for Shaka iLembe.
When asked if he had a sense of which nomination might convert to a win at the SAFTAs, Thembinkosi replied, “All of them,” with a laugh. He continued, “Joking aside, definitely Dingiswayo in Shaka iLembe. I love that character. He pushed me to a level I never thought I’d reach as a performer, breaking through my limits.”
Reflecting on his four nominations, Thembinkosi said, “I’m truly happy. When you love your work, you keep pushing every year. Even when I wasn’t getting nominated, I told myself to keep working hard—not just for awards, but to improve in my craft.”
Winning a SAFTA was a deeply meaningful moment for Thembinkosi. “Being recognised by the NFVF at the SAFTAs is a huge honour. I’m grateful that they see and appreciate the work I put into the character of Dingiswayo. I feel blessed and thankful.”
Quick to share his gratitude, Thembinkosi said, “Thank you to everyone I’ve worked with, and to my loved ones for their support—from the executives to my family, especially my mum and my wife. Special thanks to Kabelo [Chalatsane Mokoena], the stunt coordinator at Shaka iLembe, and his team, who helped me build Dingiswayo from the ground up. I also want to acknowledge my colleague Mondli Makhoba [Ngomane in Shaka iLembe].”
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