Thembinkosi Mthembu

Thembinkosi Mthembu (born 31 July 1994) is a multi-award-winning South African actor and style icon, best known for his breakthrough roles in major television dramas like Shaka iLembe, The River, and Adulting. Early Life and Education Birthplace: Born in the township of KwaNdengezi, Durban, South Africa. Education: He earned a diploma in Drama and Production from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in 2017. Professional Career Mthembu’s rise to prominence began in 2019, transitioning quickly from minor roles to leading television characters. Early Roles: He made his television debut with a minor role in the SABC2 soapie Muvhango and appeared as a Shift Manager in MTV Shuga: Down South 2 (credited as Brian Mthembu). Breakout Star: He gained national fame starring as Junior in the Mzansi Magic drama series The Republic in 2019. Major Television Work: The River: Played the popular character Mabutho from 2020 to the series' conclusion, eventually being promoted to the starring cast. Adulting: Stars as Bonga, one of the four leads in the hit Showmax original. Shaka iLembe: Portrayed Dingiswayo, a role he had dreamt of since his university days. His performance earned him the Best Actor award at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA). Recent Projects: Features as Bandile Biyela in Outlaws and Sanele "Ferrari" Zulu in Champions. Awards and Recognition SAFTA Winner: Won Best Actor for his role as Dingiswayo in Shaka iLembe. Style Icon: Awarded Most Fashionable of the Year at the Briefly News Entertainment Awards (2026). Personal Life Family: He is a father to a daughter and frequently shares moments celebrating fatherhood alongside his own father. Nickname: Often referred to by the nickname "Zidane".