Latest news with #ShakaiLembe
TimesLIVE
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
'You're a giant': Thembinkosi Mthembu lauded for 'Shaka iLembe' performance
Viewers have been left in awe of Thembinkosi Mthembu's performance in Shaka iLembe as he made his exit in episode 7, playing the role of King Dingiswayo. The latest episode showcased the cold spectacle of his execution by the Ndwandwes, where his body is trampled by cattle while Zwide (played by Wiseman Mncube) stares at his body with his mother Ntombazi (played by Khabonina Qubeka). This moment leaves Shaka (played by Lemogang Tsipa) overcome with sadness and fury when he arrives too late to intervene. Since his debut on the show, Thembinkosi has had many viewers captivated by his portrayal of the character. His stint also won him the Best Actor in a TV Drama award at the 18th annual South African Film and TV Awards in October.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Arrest in Magaqa murder case
Here's your daily news update for Monday, 28 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, police have made another major breakthrough in the Sindiso Magaqa murder case. Meanwhile, legendary singer Simphiwe Dana has taken to her social media platforms to blast actress Nomzamo Mbatha for allegedly appropriating her hairstyles. Furthermore, a bus brawl left several people injured after a bus veered across the M1 South onto the M1 North, colliding with six other vehicles. Weather tomorrow: 29 July 2025 The weather service warns of high fire danger in parts of the Western Cape, with cool and dry conditions elsewhere. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Police make major breakthrough in Sindiso Magaqa murder case Police have made another major breakthrough in the Sindiso Magaqa murder case. The South African Police Service's (Saps) Political Killings Task Team on Monday arrested the former municipal manager of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality. ANC Youth League Secretary-General Sindiso Magaqa. Picture: X/@Online Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the 55-year-old suspect was re-arrested on Monday in Malvern, Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). 'He was previously arrested in 2018 alongside the late mayor of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, a businessman, two former police officers and a hitman,' Mathe said CONTINUE READING: Police make major breakthrough in Sindiso Magaqa murder case 'I'm fed up': Simphiwe Dana accuses Nomzamo Mbatha of appropriating her hairstyle Legendary singer Simphiwe Dana has taken to her social media platforms to blast actress Nomzamo Mbatha. The Ndiredi hitmaker, popularly known for embracing Afrocentric hairstyles, is accusing Mbatha of appropriating her hairstyle without acknowledging her as the inspiration. From left to right: Simphiwe Dana and Nomzamo Mbatha. Pictures: Instagram 'Honey, there's a difference between appreciation and appropriation. You're not the only one. I'm fed up. It's deeply disconcerting and cringe,' Dana wrote, reposting Mbatha's picture on Instagram. Mbatha, who stars in the Mzansi Magic historical drama Shaka iLembe, has been showcasing various traditional hairstyles both on-screen and during promotional appearances for the show. CONTINUE READING: 'I'm fed up': Simphiwe Dana accuses Nomzamo Mbatha of appropriating her hairstyle Bus brawl causes 6-car pileup, closes major Joburg highway Several people have been injured in an accident after a passenger on a bus fought with the driver, causing the vehicle to veer across the M1 South highway to the M1 North and collide with six other vehicles. The accident occurred near Booysens Road on Monday as the new work week got underway. It has caused severe traffic congestion, with motorists stuck for hours, and emergency services and officials attending to the scene. Picture: iStock Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said though multiple injuries were reported, no fatalities were reported. 'Preliminary information suggests the bus was travelling south on the M1 towards the Booysens Road off-ramp when a passenger reportedly had an altercation with the driver and grabbed the steering wheel,' Fihla said. CONTINUE READING: Bus brawl causes 6-car pileup, closes major Joburg highway FlySafair strike drags on with more than 90% of pilots rejecting offer The stand-off between FlySafair and its pilots has intensified after more than 90% of unionised pilots rejected the airline's final wage and working conditions offer. This now casts doubt over operations and deepens an already fragile relationship between the flight crew and management. Picture: Flysafair Facebook page Last week, The Citizen reported that pilots who continue to operate may run out of legal flying time, which could result in more FlySafair planes being parked. A revised offer from trade union Solidarity is expected to be tabled on Monday. A FlySafair pilot told The Citizen that they reckon FlySafair will win the battle but lose the war. CONTINUE READING: FlySafair strike drags on with more than 90% of pilots rejecting offer 'I don't see white people here': Malatji laments lack of diversity in the ANCYL ANC Youth League (ANCYL) president Collen Malji says he would like to see more diversity in the party. He was addressing youth league members in the Eastern Cape over the weekend. Malatji said the ANC has to live up to its non-racial character by ensuring that all races are represented in the ANCYL. ANCYL president Collen Malatji. Picture: Nigel Sibanda 'I am seated here, and I do not see the proper spreading of the demographics of this country. I do not see white people here. I do not see coloureds here. I do not see Indians,' he said. Malatji said it is essential for all races to be represented in the ANCYL, as it produces future leaders of the ANC. CONTINUE READING: 'I don't see white people here': Malatji laments lack of diversity in the ANCYL Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Zondo blasts Ramaphosa | Dada Morero on Kenny Kunene | Gupta compound tour
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Khabonina Qubeka on Shaka iLembe role: ‘My aim as an artist is to make you feel'
Qubeka says the hate she receives for the character is reminiscent of some fictional characters she also hated when watching TV. Actress Khabonina Qubeka has played her role as Queen Ntomazi so well on Shaka iLembe that viewers of the show have openly expressed their dislike for her. 'For me, the hate is energy. Love and hate, for me, are the same energy,' Qubeka tells The Citizen. lol 😂 personally I love You Bruuuu🤣❤️ — KHABONINA™ (@Khabonina_Q) July 27, 2025 Qubeka plays the role of Queen Mother in the Ndwandwe family. The Ndwandwes are antagonists on the show, with her character pulling strings in the background, all to strengthen her nation and her son's reign. ALSO READ: Wiseman Mncube on portraying King Zwide kaLanga in season 2 of Shaka iLembe Qubeka on being a villain She says the hate she receives for the character is reminiscent of some fictional characters she also hated when watching TV. 'When I was growing up, I used to watch The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of Our Lives. I used to hate Sheila [Carter] with all my heart. On Days of Our Lives, there was Sami [Brady],' shares Qubeka. She mentions The Game of Thrones' character King Joffrey, portrayed by Irish actor Jack Gleeson, as one of the villains she intensely despised. 'I never understood how this human being can be alive. Like, how can someone be so evil? So [the viewers' hate] took me back to the hate that I had for those people. It showed me that they [the actors] understood the assignment.' Qubeka's performance incites hatred, not just because of the script. It's in her villainous laugh, the striking look she gives her enemies, her decisiveness to go for what she wants and how unflinching she is despite being called a witch. Come tell me here you beauty 🫵🏾🥹 July 27, 2025 'My aim as an artist is to make you feel. I need you to feel something. The fact that they [viewers] feel this hate, I love that.' She says some people who have personally known her for years are sceptical about whether she gets up to Ntombazi's mischievous ways in real life. ALSO READ: From heartbreak to triumph: Amanda Seome's journey to starring in Shaka iLembe's Ndwandwe clan Preparing for the role Qubeka initially turned down the role because she couldn't speak the kind of Zulu you'd hear in KwaZulu-Natal. 'When you're an actress, there are some things that, of course, you can make it work, which I've done most of my career. But when this one came across, when I looked at the character, I imagined her speaking real isiZulu from KZN. I'm a girl from Orlando West.' 'But Angus [Gibson] said that there was something particular that we're looking for from you.' She decided to take the role after being assured that there would be language advisors to assist the cast with their dialogue. 'If you look at the actresses in this country that you know and love, all of us can play the character of Ntombazi. But what sets us apart are the decisions that we make for the character,' shares Qubeka. She says small details, like the character's mannerisms, are what build up the character. 'Because I'm a dancer and I also do Yoga, some of the movements and the posture I use are fuelled by my background as a dancer. There are ways that I would turn, and the director [Kathrine] understands that.' 'I had to imagine her [Ntombazi] when she was a young girl, what was she up to, what was she thinking about…what made her such a great witch and a great scientist. 'At the end of the day, she's a woman. What is this woman doing? She's protecting her nation, and at the same time, she's protecting her children. This is a woman like me. She just became extreme in how she was fighting for her kids, but she's a woman.' ALSO READ: 'Most are excited about the Shaka guy, in theatre I'm a different guy' – Calvin Ratladi after winning award Similarities with Ntombazi Qubeka has a foundation where she teaches young actors about how to carry themselves in the industry. Her approach to developing the next generation of actors is a trait she shares with her character, Queen Ntombazi, in that she is proactive and does not wait for things to happen. 'Actors are reacting, we are reacting. We don't get paid on time, we're not being paid our worth-and we are reacting to that. What are we actively doing?' She acknowledges the challenges of her industry, noting that they often struggle to plan their lives properly because they are only paid for their appearances. 'You can't do anything; you don't even have medical aid. You have a contract for three months; after those three months, it's over. A year later, if there's no gig that's coming in, you are screwed.' 'The most important thing that I'm teaching these kids is that it's not just about the script. Even if you get the script, you need to bring the script to life-you need to make decisions for the character.' 'To make a difference in the industry, I need to step out and make a difference,' she says, adding that she hasn't been part of any other production since shooting the current season of Shaka iLembe. 'Because my duty now is to make sure that we groom the next generation of actors. But these actors need to be different. They need to understand how to negotiate a contract; they need to understand what acting is, they need to understand being on time, they need to understand respecting the crew, decorum.' 'Things are not going to change if we keep complaining. When we start grooming the next generation, who are coming with a different mind, coming as full professionals, understanding the industry can be dark, but this is how you make the industry work.' NOW READ: 'I'm fed up': Simphiwe Dana accuses Nomzamo Mbatha of appropriating her hairstyle
IOL News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Actor Thembinkosi Mthembu bids farewell to 'Shaka iLembe' with a memorable performance
Thembinkosi Mthembu, Shaka iLembe, SAFTA Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo in Shaka iLembe. Image: Supplied Another South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) could be loading for actor Thembinkosi Mthembu following his riveting performance on season two of "Shaka iLembe". Mthembu's portrayal of the legendary Mthethwa king, Dingiswayo, an esteemed son of King Jobe, came to an end on the latest episode of the award winnning Mzansi Magic drama series. His final episode moved audiences, with him receiving praise from afar. The talented actor is known to deliver his utmost best for all his roles and for "Shaka iLembe," he has set the bar once again. Mthembu's nuanced portrayal of this complex ruler continues to resonate with audiences, earning him accolades from critics and reinforcing his position as a formidable actor in the entertainment industry. Fans have taken to social media to praise the actor for his talent, portraying the strong character, who is a mentor and father figure to Shaka. @Tumiie_Kharetsi said: "Can we please give this man right here his flowers🙌🏽🔥He deserves nothing but the best 🙌🏽A great actor indeed❤Dingiswayo." @Jabu_Macdonald said: "ThembiNkosi Mthembu's talent is truly God-given, destined for powerful roles like Dingiswayo. "What he brought to Shaka iLembe is nothing short of iconic and will forever be part of South African television history. A brilliant performance across both seasons, and rightfully the role that earned him both a SAFTA and a Sabela Award for Best Actor in a drama series." @TvblogbyMLU said: "Thembinkosi Mthembu, take a bow👏 Season 2 you were just showing OFF🔥 Your range as an actor is truly impressive ✊🙏🏽🙌Brilliant doesn't even begin to describe you. Fingers crossed for that SAFTA nomination🤞🏽" Viewers will still be seeing Mthembu on screens as from Monday July 28, he will make his debut in Mzansi Wethu's groundbreaking new telenovela, "Homecoming". In the compelling series, he takes on the role of Sifiso Kubheka, a character who embodies a complex duality as a dedicated police officer by day and a traditional healer by night. IOL Entertainment
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Simphiwe Dana accuses Nomzamo Mbatha of copying her hairstyle
Simphiwe says she is disappointed in Nomzamo and the 'Shaka iLembe' crew for not acknowledging her as the inspiration. From left to right: Simphiwe Dana and Nomzamo Mbatha. Pictures: Instagram Legendary singer Simphiwe Dana has taken to her social media platforms to blast actress Nomzamo Mbatha. The Ndiredi hitmaker, popularly known for embracing Afrocentric hairstyles, is accusing Mbatha of appropriating her hairstyle without acknowledging her as the inspiration. 'Honey, there's a difference between appreciation and appropriation. You're not the only one. I'm fed up. It's deeply disconcerting and cringe,' Dana wrote, reposting Mbatha's picture on Instagram. Mbatha, who stars in the Mzansi Magic historical drama Shaka iLembe, has been showcasing various traditional hairstyles both on-screen and during promotional appearances for the show. Dana said Mbatha, along with the Shaka iLembe team, should have 'at least acknowledged' her as the inspiration. 'Together with the Shaka iLembe crew. I'm so disappointed. Because I love you,' she said in a now-deleted post on Instagram. She added on X: 'I don't know if it's a lack of creative thinking or what. I don't mind being appreciated. But stealing my brand ideas and not acknowledging me is foul, appropriative and exploitative. Stop. The Citizen has reached out to the Shaka iLembe team and Nomzamo Mbatha for comment. This article will be updated once a response is received. ALSO READ: From haircare to cars: Five SA celebs who recently secured major brand deals Nomzamo Mbatha celebrates African hair globally In June this year, Nomzamo Mbatha was announced as the first South African ambassador for iconic ethnic haircare brand Creme of Nature. Zandi Zinganto, Brand Manager for Creme of Nature South Africa, said Nomzamo is a perfect fit for the brand's 'Rooted in Radiance' campaign. 'Nomzamo embodies the essence of our Rooted in Radiance message. She is powerful, graceful, and celebrates African authenticity in all expressions of her brand image. 'Her partnership with us is not just another beauty campaign, but an ode to authentic African beauty, culture, and the beauty of textured hair in women.' NOW READ: WATCH: Makhadzi takes it back to where it all began 15 years ago ahead of December One Woman Show
