‘The River’, ‘Outlaws’ and ‘Adulting’ actor Thembinkosi Mthembu opens up about winning a Safta for ‘Shaka iLembe’.

Adulting actor Thembinkosi Mthembu received a SA Film and Television Awards (Safta) for his portrayal of King Dingiswayo in Shaka iLembe.

THEMBINKOSI MTHEMBU: ‘IT’S A GREAT DEAL’

The Outlaws star Thembinkosi Mthembu tells Showmax that cracking not just one, but four SAFTA nominations meant a lot to him.

“I’m truly happy. When you love your work, you keep pushing every year. Even when I wasn’t getting nominated, I kept telling myself that I needed to work hard not just for the awards, but to keep improving in my job.”

Mthembu says being recognized by the NFVF for the SAFTAs is a big deal for him. He’s grateful that they see him and acknowledge the work he puts in.

“The time, the love and passion I poured into this character of Dingiswayo. I feel blessed. I’m grateful.”

The award-winning actor also thanks everyone he’s worked with and to those close to him for their support, from the executives to my family, including my mom and my wife.

“I also thank myself for pushing through,” adds the actor.

When asked why the series has done so well, he says that it’s a story that truly speaks to our roots and honours the heroes who came before us, those who paved the way for us.

“We’re here because of them, especially the Zulu nation. Thank you to Bab’ Zulu, Oyi-Nkosi Siyakhothama, for blessing this show, and also to our King Misuzulu for his support and for allowing it to continue. It means a lot to us. Our kids will grow up watching this show again and again. When they want to learn about the history of Shaka Zulu, they’ll turn to this show,” says the actor.

The popular drama series, Shaka iLembe scooped 12 awards at this year’s Saftas.

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ThembiNkosi Mthembu secured four nominations at the SAFTAs 18 for his roles in the following shows:

– Mabutho Dimba in ‘The River’ Season 5 ( Best Supporting Actor In A Telenovela)

– Dingiswayo in ‘Shaka iLembe’ Season 1 (Best Actor In A TV Drama)

– Bonga in ‘Adulting’… pic.twitter.com/yp0xwwmQjp

— Jabulani Macdonald ⚡️ (@Jabu_Macdonald) September 5, 2024

NOMINATED: FOUR SAFTAS
The River star Thembinkosi Mthembu previously revealed to Sowetan that he had a mix of excitement and shock.

“I’m still shocked but excited at the same time. It’s been a long time coming.”

He adds that he’s put in the work for over five years and these nominations are just affirmations that he’s on the right track when it comes to his craft.

“Since the awards are not voted for by the public, I hope the judges will reward us accordingly. I’ll be happy with any award they give me, from any category. To me, there’s no big or small award, a Safta is a Safta. It’s actually a South African Oscar and I’m ready to own one.”

He received Best Supporting Actor nominations in The River and Best Actor nomination in Outlaws in the telenovela category.

Mthembu also received nominations for Best Actor in a TV drama for his roles in Adulting and Shaka Ilembe.

The Safta winning actor is currently filming the second seasons of Adulting, Outlaws and Shaka Ilembe.