Born on July 31, 1994, in KwaNdengezi, Durban, Thembinkosi Mthembu is a South African actor renowned for bringing depth and charisma to leading TV roles. Known for his compelling performances in Shaka iLembe, Adulting, and The River, he’s quickly become one of the nation’s most compelling on-screen talents.
Early Beginnings/Career
Thembinkosi experienced early hardship, losing his parents young and navigating a challenging teenage life that included informal mining and labor. Despite the adversity, he found purpose in performance arts, eventually earning a Diploma in Drama and Production from Durban University of Technology in 2017.
After graduation, Thembinkosi relocated to Johannesburg and worked odd jobs, including dancing at retail stores, while auditioning. His persistence paid off when he landed the role of Junior in the 2017 Mzansi Magic series The Republic. He soon secured roles in MTV Shuga Down South 2, followed by playing Mabutho in The River.
In 2023, Thembinkosi was cast as King Dingiswayo in Shaka iLembe, a historical drama that became the most-awarded series in SAFTA history. For this role, he earned the Best Actor in a TV Drama award at the 2024 South African Film and Television Awards. He also plays Bonga Tembe, a leading role in the Showmax series Adulting, which premiered in March 2023 and aired through multiple seasons.
Read More: Nomzamo Mbatha Biography
Awards
Claimed Best Actor–TV at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and TV Awards for Shaka iLembe.
Won Best Actor in a TV Drama at the SAFTAs, while also receiving multiple acting nominations across categories.
Family Life/Wife/Daughter
Residing in Johannesburg, Thembinkosi is a devoted father to a daughter born in 2019. He has kept his romantic life private but has celebrated traditional pre-wedding ceremonies with his long-term partner. Known affectionately as “Mr. Dimples” for his trademark left-cheek dimple, he’s also a fervent Manchester United fan and cites Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as one of his inspirations.
Social Media Accounts
His Instagram account has accumulated more than 600,000 followers.
