Shaka iLembe Says Goodbye to King Dingiswayo and Actor Thembinkosi Mthembu in Powerful Episode

Viewers were left heartbroken this past Sunday after Shaka iLembe aired one of its most emotional episodes ever, marking the tragic death of King Dingiswayo, the respected leader of the Abathethwa. The powerful scene also marked the end of actor Thembinkosi Mthembu’s journey on the show, a moment that left fans deeply moved.

The show’s official Instagram account posted a touching tribute to the beloved character and actor on Sunday, 27 July.

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“Tonight we bade farewell to our beloved character, King Dingiswayo, portrayed with extraordinary depth and dignity by @thembinkosi__mthembu,” the post read.

“A great king. A visionary leader. A man of unwavering honour. Even in his final moments, he stood as a true Mthethwa king: proud, resolute, and noble. We pay tribute to the character and to the remarkable actor who brought him to life from season 1 through to season 2, episode 7. We salute you, Thembinkosi.”

Fans and fellow stars also showed their love for Thembinkosi’s performance in the comments. Musician Zulu Mkhatini praised him, saying, “Your performance was world class, highly impressed! Well done bafo usebenzile!”

Another fan added, “@thembinkosi_mthembu u deserve an Oscar for this role.”

Actress Zola Nombona also joined in the praise, writing, “Congratulations, champ. Your performances were truly impeccable! Makwande!”

Thembinkosi’s powerful acting as King Dingiswayo didn’t go unnoticed in the industry. In June 2024, he was nominated for Best Actor at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards. A few months later, he won the South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Actor — a major moment that confirmed his status as one of South Africa’s top talents.

While fans say goodbye to his role in Shaka iLembe, they won’t have to wait long to see him on screen again. Thembinkosi is set to star in a brand-new drama called Homecoming, which premieres on 28 July 2025 at 18:30 on Mzansi Wethu.

In Homecoming, he plays Sifiso Kubheka, a man who is both a police officer and a traditional healer. The show is set in the rural town of Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, and follows the story of Zethu, a smart medical graduate played by Mpume “Six” Nyamane. When Zethu struggles to find a job in the city, she moves back to her village, where she meets Sifiso. Her life changes in unexpected ways as she finds herself torn between modern medicine and traditional healing, and possibly, new love.

With such powerful performances and exciting new roles, it’s clear that Thembinkosi Mthembu continues to rise as one of South Africa’s finest actors.