Lunathi Mampofu
South African actress and filmmaker
Lunathi Mampofu (born 7 March 1987) is a celebrated South African actress and filmmaker, best known for her roles as Emma on The River and Zoleka in Inimba. A graduate of AFDA and the New York Film Academy, she has also starred in Ingozi and The Queen. She is an entrepreneur, founder of the My Defense initiative, and sister to actor Oros Mampofu. Key Facts & Career Details Born: Cape Town, March 7, 1987. Education: Graduated from AFDA (2010) and the New York Film Academy (2013). Breakthrough Roles: Gained prominence as Zikhona in Ingozi and as the villainous Emma on The River (2020–2023). Television Roles: She has featured in Isikizi, The Queen, 1802: Love Defies Time (as Athi), Fatal Seduction (as Brenda Grootboom), and Inimba (2025). Off-Screen: She worked as a casting director at Gersh Studios in Los Angeles and Scout's Honour in Cape Town. She is co-owner of a production company and started the women’s safety initiative, My Defense. Family: Sister of popular actor Oros Mampofu.