South African Actors

Cynthia Shange, trailblazing actress and beauty queen, dies at 76

From Miss World contestant to celebrated actress, Cynthia Shange’s life traced the evolution of South African entertainment across generations

Kibo Ngowi

3 min read

Actor, comedian, playwright and television presenter Soli Philander has died at the age of 65 after battling cancer.

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER SOUTH AFRICA

5 MAR 2026

Soli Philander, beloved South African entertainer and storyteller, dies at 65

The actor, comedian, playwright and presenter leaves a legacy of humour, storytelling and decades of work across theatre, television and radio

Kibo Ngowi

3 min read

Spectacular: The Lion King production in London recently won the best musical production in the Black British Theatre Awards and boasts a crew of
over 150 people, which includes many South African actors such as Thenjiwe Nofemele (above) who plays the role of Rafiki. Photo: Supplied

AFRICAN CULTURE

16 JAN 2026

South African stars roar in London

From the opening Circle of Life to the final roar, South African performers make every moment of The Lion King resonate deeply

Aarti Bhana

9 min read

Serial success: The KwaZulu-Natal-born actress Thuso Mbedu as Aleah in Task, which is set to premiere on HBO on 7 September and on Showmax the following day.

BRAD INGELSBY

6 SEP 2025

Thuso Mbedu’s more than up to this task

HBO series Task brings together action, emotion and moral complexity. The actress talks accents, preparation and why this new role pushed her to the limit

Rolland Simpi Motaung

5 min read