Thembinkosi Mthembu is riding high after securing four nominations at the prestigious SA Film and Television Awards (Saftas), while also celebrating a significant milestone in his personal life—his umembeso (pre-wedding traditional ceremony) just two weeks ago.
Speaking to Sowetan Live after the nominations were announced, Mthembu expressed his joy and surprise at the recognition for his work. “I’m still shocked but excited at the same time. It’s been a long time coming. I’ve put in the work for over five years, and these nominations are just affirmations that I’m on the right track when it comes to my craft,” said Mthembu.
The actor earned nods for his roles in The River, Adulting, Shaka iLembe, and Outlaws, including two nominations for Best Actor in a TV Drama. Mthembu’s humour and confidence shone through as he shared his hopes for the awards: “I’m hoping to take all the Saftas,” he joked, before adding, “even if I walk away with one award, that will make me happy. Since the awards are not voted for by the public, I hope the judges will reward us accordingly.”
For Mthembu, each award holds significant meaning. “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 said proudly.
Despite the recognition, Mthembu emphasised that his passion for acting goes beyond winning awards. “I don’t necessarily do what I do for awards or accolades. I just do what I have to and deliver the best performance. I’m more focused on telling the story as genuine and authentic as possible. It’s so heartwarming to be received this way by South Africans,” he shared.
Reflecting on his journey, Mthembu looked back on 2023 with fondness. “I must say, I enjoyed 2023. I feel like I owned that year, and this year I’m just reaping the rewards.”
Turning 30 this year, Mthembu revealed that playing Dingiswayo in Shaka iLembe was a dream come true. “Obviously like you, everyone loves Bonga (Adulting) , but I’m leaning more towards Dingiswayo. I remember learning about Shaka in high school and how badly I wanted to play the role.”
Another role dear to his heart is Mabutho from The River, his very first TV role. “I learnt a lot about the industry and how set life works. I got to be exposed to quite a lot playing that role,” he recalled.
On the personal front, Mthembu also shared details about his relationship with his long-term partner and mother of his six-year-old daughter. “What people don’t know is that I’ve been off the market for years now. I’ve been in a relationship for close to a decade,” he revealed. With their traditional wedding on the horizon, Mthembu brushed off talk of disappointed admirers. “As much as people say that women are crushed that I’m taken, I just feel that they’re pretending. All these women have people, so what are they really sad about? Don’t I also deserve to have my person?”
Balancing his demanding career and family life remains a priority for the actor, who embraces fatherhood. “I enjoy fatherhood. I’m trying to raise my daughter the right way. I want her to be more free-spirited than me and be a well-rounded young woman. I wish her nothing but the best in life,” he said with pride.
