‘Sarafina’cast: Where are they now?

More than 30 years after its release in 1992, the acclaimed film Sarafina continues to be a significant part of Youth Day celebrations in Mzansi. But what have the cast been up to in 2024?It has been three decades since the iconic movie hit the screens, but what has happened to the cast members since then?

Leleti Khumalo, known for her role as the titular character in Sarafina, has pursued a career in film and TV. She has appeared in other award-winning films like Yesterday, Invictus, and Hopeville. Recently, she was a cast in the e.TV telenovela Imbewu: The Seed.

Whoopi Goldberg, who portrayed Teacher Mary Masembuko, has built a successful career with roles in numerous films, including Sister Act, Ghost, The Colour Purple, and more. Today, she co-hosts the US talk show The View.

Several other cast members have remained active in the industry and are still recognizable figures. These include Dumisani Dlamini (Crocodile), Sindi Dlathu (Sarafina’s student friend), Somizi Mhlongo (Fire), Baby Cele, John Kani (Principal), and Mbongeni Ngema (Sabelo).

Recently, Sarafina received a standing ovation lasting five minutes at the Cannes Film Festival. This was a poignant moment for the cast and crew, as the film had made its international debut at the same festival 31 years earlier, including acclaimed filmmaker Anant Singh and the rest of the production team.

Both Leleti and Anant were present at the screening, which had garnered attention from international distributors. Anant shared in an Instagram post: “The audience consisted of individuals who had attended the screening back in 1992.”