What a night! The atmosphere was electric at the Market Theatre in Newtown yesterday as two of South Africa’s most treasured actresses, Thembi Mtshali and Leleti Khumalo, were awarded prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2nd Annual Golden Elephant Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony. These incredible women have left an indelible mark on the South African entertainment industry, and this recognition is truly well-deserved.
THEMBI MTSHALI: A TRAILBLAZER IN THE ARTS
Let’s start with Thembi Mtshali-Jones, a powerhouse of talent born on November 7, 1949. She’s not just an actress; she’s a multi-faceted artist who has charmed audiences for decades. From her memorable role as Thoko in the 1986 sitcom Sgudi ‘Snaysi to her powerful performances in Stokvel and Imbewu, Thembi’s contributions to television are widely recognized.
Her artistic journey kicked off when she caught the eye of legendary playwright Welcome Msomi, performing in Umabatha, which set her on a path that included the iconic musical Ipi Tombi, and saw her take center stage in productions across the West End and Broadway.
Thembi isn’t just about acting, though. She’s a versatile singer, playwright, and even serves as an Associate Teaching Artist with Global Arts Corps. Her resume boasts a heap of accolades, including a Fringe First at the Edinburgh Festival and that unforgettable moment in 1998 when she serenaded Nelson Mandela for his 80th birthday live on CNN.
LELETI KHUMALO: A STAR WITH UNMATCHED GRACE
Then we have Leleti Khumalo, born on March 30, 1970, whose presence on the stage has been nothing short of magical. Best known for her leading role in Sarafina!, she captured hearts not just in South Africa but also on Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. The impact she made with Sarafina! is monumental, as it was the biggest film produced on the African continent during its release, featuring powerhouses like Whoopi Goldberg and Miriam Makeba.
But Leleti’s talent doesn’t stop there. She has also dazzled in films like Hotel Rwanda, Yesterday, and Invictus. Currently, she’s making waves on small screens, portraying the strong character of Nokubonga “MaZulu” Bhengu on Imbewu: The Seed and the feisty MaNzuza on Uzalo.