How Thembinkosi Mthembu became the face of King Dingiswayo

The name Thembinkosi Mthembu is now etched into the rich tapestry of South African television history. With his unforgettable portrayal of the revered Mthethwa king, Dingiswayo, in the record-breaking series Shaka iLembe, Mthembu has firmly cemented his status as one of Mzansi’s most accomplished actors.

The Crown Jewel of Shaka iLembe

From the moment Shaka iLembe premiered on Mzansi Magic, it captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling, grand cinematography, and exceptional performances. The series went on to become the most awarded drama in SAFTA history, scooping up an impressive 12 accolades – a milestone that redefined excellence in South African drama.

Among the many talents who brought the historic epic to life, Thembinkosi Mthembu shone the brightest. His layered and powerful portrayal of King Dingiswayo – the legendary son of King Jobe and key mentor to Shaka Zulu – earned him four nominations and ultimately the prestigious SAFTA for Best Actor. It was a performance that blended authority with humanity, strength with vulnerability, and strategy with compassion.

A Fond Farewell to a Warrior King

Season two of Shaka iLembe marked the final chapter of Mthembu’s journey as Dingiswayo. His last episode aired to overwhelming emotional responses from fans, critics, and fellow creatives alike. His performance not only moved viewers but also sparked social media tributes that celebrated his incredible contribution to the series and the industry as a whole.

Fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with heartfelt praise:

“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.” – @TvblogbyMLU

“Can we please give this man his flowers? He deserves nothing but the best. A great actor indeed. Dingiswayo.” – @Tumiie_Kharetsi

“Thembinkosi’s talent is truly God-given. What he brought to Shaka iLembe is nothing short of iconic.” – @Jabu_Macdonald

However, not all reactions were joyous. Podcaster Sol Phenduka found himself in hot water with fans after pre-emptively commenting on the king’s death before it aired. While some defended his statements as historically accurate, others accused him of spoiling a deeply emotional episode for unsuspecting fans.

A New Chapter Begins

Though the sun has set on Dingiswayo, Thembinkosi Mthembu’s journey is far from over. Beginning Monday 28 July, viewers can catch him in a completely new light in Homecoming, a fresh telenovela on Mzansi Wethu. Here, he steps into the shoes of Sifiso Kubheka – a man of dual worlds: a diligent police officer by day and a traditional healer by night. This role promises to stretch Mthembu’s acting prowess even further and deepen his connection with audiences across the nation.

A Star Beyond Measure

Outside of Shaka iLembe, Mthembu continues to prove his versatility. From The River to Outlaws to Adulting, his talent knows no bounds. Every character he inhabits brings something new and compelling, and fans are eager to see what he does next.

As Shaka iLembe continues to air every Sunday at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161), with repeats on Fridays at 21:30 and Saturdays at 20:00, Mthembu’s performance as King Dingiswayo will live on – a legacy captured in frames, celebrated in awards, and cherished in hearts.

You can stream season 1 on Showmax or DStv Catch Up. Join the online conversation using #ShakaILembeS2 across Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Thembinkosi Mthembu: the king we didn’t know we needed, but the one we’ll never forget.