Thembi Mtshali-Jones and Leleti Khumalo. (Supplied/Kwathole Conexion)
- Legendary actors Thembi Mtshali-Jones and Leleti Khumalo were awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2nd annual Golden Elephant Ceremony.
- The awards ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Dr John Kani Theatre (Market Theatre, Newtown).
- The pair have starred in multiple productions dating back to the 90s.
On Wednesday, legendary actors Thembi Mtshali-Jones and Leleti Khumalo were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2nd annual Golden Elephant Ceremony.
The awards ceremony was held at the Dr John Kani Theatre (Market Theatre, Newtown).
The Golden Elephant Lifetime Achievement Awards celebrate South African and international talent, whose contributions have been shaping African arts for over two decades.
The award is presented by Word Of Mouth Pictures and Duma Ndlovu Academy to people who have made a lasting impact on the creative industry.
The pair join the ranks of John Kani, the award’s first recipient.
Mtshali-Jones is one of South Africa’s most celebrated actors. She is known for her roles in popular television series such as Sgudi ‘Snaysi, Stokvel, Silent Witness, and Imbewu.
“We are deeply honoured and grateful to receive the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2ND ANNUAL Golden Elephant Ceremony. It’s a recognition of our years of dedication to the arts, and we hope to continue inspiring others through our work,” said Mtshali-Jones.
Thembi Mtshali-Jones. (Supplied/Kwathole Conexion)
Leleti Khumalo. (Supplied/Kwathole Conexion)
Duma Ndlovu, Executive Producer of Word of Mouth Pictures and DNA Academy, stated that the awards recognise people for their exceptional contributions and impact on the creative industry.
“Creativity is the heartbeat of the industry, and we must recognise and celebrate those who bring extraordinary contributions to keep it alive,” said Ndlovu.
Khumalo is best known for her iconic role in the movie and stage play Sarafina! She also starred in films like Hotel Rwanda, Yesterday, and Invictus and in television series like Imbewu: The Seed and Uzalo. She currently leads the rebooted Muvhango.
Khumalo said:
We are humbled by this prestigious award and thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the creative industry. This recognition motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and telling meaningful stories through our art.
Khumalo was announced as one of the new additions to the long-running Tshivenda soapie last month when it was renewed for a 26th season. She stars as Dr Nonhlanhla Ximba, the CEO of Siyabusa Construction.
READ | Fancier, younger and bold: Muvhango unveils new look, faces and storyline
“I know that people expect a lot from me, so my biggest focus is on my deliverables. This role is new to me, and I’m enjoying it so far,” she said.
“I’m also back on the SABC, so it’s like a full circle moment.”
Speaking further about her character, the former Imbewu: The Seed actor said Dr Ximba, who hails from KZN, honours her roots.
“I cannot say this character is the same as those I’ve played years ago. It’s so different, and that’s why I said yes to it,” she said, adding that she looked forward to her character’s debut.
READ MORE | ‘It’s so different’: Leleti Khumalo makes ‘full circle’ return to the SABC in Muvhango reboot
