A big round of applause to Thembinkosi Mthembu for winning Best Actor in a TV Drama for Shaka iLembe at #SAFTAs18! 🎬🏆 #BackToBasics
Bio
Thembinkosi Mthembu is a South African actor who rose to fame with a starring role as Junior in the Mzansi Magic drama series The Republic.
He was born in the village KwaNdengezi in Durban. In 2017, he obtained a diploma in drama and production studios from the Durban University of Technology.
His first television role was recurring as the Shift Manager on the MTV Base drama series MTV Shuga: Down South 2, first appearing on Season 7, Episode 7 (which aired on 2 April, 2019).
A couple of months later he began starring in The Republic, which revolves around the fictitional president of South Africa as she fights the corruption wrought upon the country by her predecessor.
It was his first starring role in television.
The following year he was cast as Mabutho on the 1Magic soapie The River, making his first appearance in Season 3, Episode 21 (which aired on 24 February, 2020).
Initially recurring, he was promoted to starring cast for the Season 4 premiere in 2021.
Television Roles
Education
Mthembu studied for a diploma in drama and production studios from the Durban University of Technology in 2017.
Career
After receiving his diploma, he relocated to the City of Gold in Johannesburg to practice what he had learned. He got a job as a dancer at Checkers and Cell C as a dancer. He then landed a minor role as Junior in the TV series The Republic.
In 2019, he landed a recurring role as Shift Manager on the MTV ShugaL Down South 2, an MTV Base drama series. His debut, on Season 7, Episode 7, aired on 2 April.
Mthembu played Mabutho in season three of the 1Magic soap opera The River. He appeared first in season three, episode twenty-one, on 24 February 2020.
The actor started as a recurring cast but later became a starring cast for the Season 4 premiere in 2021.
However, he gained prominence for starring as Junior in the Mzansi Magic drama series The Republic. The show follows a fictional president who fights the corruption wrought upon the country by her predecessor. It was the first starring role on TV.
In 2020, he played Malusi in the short television film Ngeculo. Kwa-Zulu Natal Entertainment Awards nominated him for Best Male Actor, Male Villain, and Outstanding Newcomer for his contributions to South African television in 2020.
Personal Life
Thembinkosi Mthembu has a partner Sibulele Ndaba. He lives in Johannesburg with his daughter he had in 2019.
At first, the actor battled with finance but dreams of providing education for his daughter. He also wants to teach her to lead a life of independence and success.
Social Profile
Mthembu shares engaging posts on social media. He often posts about his current or upcoming work, family, or a time-out. He has amassed a massive follower base. He also posts about his daughter, who he says he can’t sleep thinking about.
On 7 July, he posted a framed picture of his daughter on Instagram to inform followers of her birthday.
Show
Character
Adulting – Season 1
Bonga
Champions – Season 1
Sanele “Ferrari” Zulu
MTV Shuga – Season 7 (Down South 2)
Shift Manager (as Brian Mthembu)
Outlaws – Season 1
Bandile Biyela
Shaka iLembe – Season 1
Dingiswayo
The Republic – Season 1
Junior (as Thembinkosi Brian Mthembu)
The River – Season 3
Mabutho
The River – Season 4
Mabutho
The River – Season 5
Mabutho
The River – Season 6
Mabutho