South African actress, human rights activist, and brand ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha has reached another milestone in her career after being named in the prestigious 2025 TIME100 Next list. This recognition celebrates the world’s most influential rising stars who are shaping the future, and Nomzamo’s name stands tall among them.
Sharing her excitement with fans, Nomzamo posted about the achievement, saying:
“Speechless… Your girl made the 2025 #TIME100NextList and all I have in my little hands are a million thank you’s. Still in complete disbelief! What a season. What gratitude to live through all my vision board whispers. @time This one is for KWAMASHU.”
The star received an overwhelming wave of love and congratulations from fellow celebrities and fans alike. Presenter and host Pamela Mtanga proudly wrote, “Are we shocked? No! Are we proud? Extremely!” Radio host Zanele Potelwa added, “Oh Nomzamo!!! You are EVERYTHING and more. CONGRATULATIONS BEAUTIFUL.”
Veteran actress Dawn Thandeka King also shared her admiration for Mbatha, writing:
“Congratulations darling, you my dear are a true inspiration, I love you so much and may God continue to show up for you and continue to show off through you.”
Nomzamo’s recognition by TIME Magazine is not only about her success on screen but also about her impact off screen. TIME explained the reason behind her inclusion, saying:
“There are few women in the world who have so fiercely carved lanes that both elevate African regalness in film and television and shine a light on the plight of refugees. Nomzamo Mbatha does just that, embodying advocacy through action. From field missions in Malawi, Kenya, and South Sudan with UNHCR—which led to her appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador in 2019—to global platforms like TED Kakuma, she has amplified refugee voices with empathy and courage. Onscreen, she has brought African narratives to the world, from the comedy Coming 2 America to Shaka iLembe, the critically acclaimed historical epic where she also serves as executive producer. Nomzamo has proved she doesn’t just use her platform. She is the walking manifestation of it.”
With this recognition, Nomzamo Mbatha joins a global community of trailblazers whose work is changing the world. From her acting career to her humanitarian work, she continues to inspire and prove why she is one of South Africa’s brightest stars.
Picture: @glamour_sa
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