‘Shaka ILembe’ Star Mpilo Mbatha: “I Never Imagined Myself Acting”
- Champions actor Mpilo Mbatha, who plays the fan-favourite character of Mzilikazi, reflects on his latest role and acting career
- Mbatha, who received praise for portraying the character, says he's thankful that Shaka ILembe creators gave him the opportunity
- Fans of the award-winning TV show took to social media after the Sunday, 10 August 2025, episode to applaud the rising star
Source: Twitter
Former The Estate actor Mpilo Mbatha recently opened up about his popular character Mzilikazi on Mzansi Magic's award-winning TV show Shaka ILembe.
Mbatha, who recently had social media talking when legendary actress Khabonina Qubeka applauded him for his role, reveals that he never imagined himself as an actor.
The actor, who stars opposite his Shaka ILembe co-star Thembinkosi Mthembu in HomeComing, shares how he landed his popular character Mzilikazi.
The rising star, who is currently studying a teaching degree at Wits, reveals in an interview with Daily Sun that he never had a career choice when he was growing up.
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"Acting was never my career choice. It found me as I was growing older," says Mbatha.
The star also thanks Bomb Productions' producer, Angus Gibson, for allowing him to showcase his skills as an actor on the award-winning drama series.
Mzansi Magic recently shared a snippet of Mbatha playing Mzilikazi on the second season of Shaka ILembe.
Shaka ILembe fans praise the actor
@karaboo_peggy reacted:
"You paid rent for the whole year! Damn!"
TAUKUNKOMO said:
"Siyabonga ngoMsebenzi omuhle. (Thank you for the wonderful work.) You breathed life (iMpilo) into the character kaMashobane. 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿."
@Buyile21212335 commented:
"Yo, I have no words, but you kill every role given to you. I love you on Home Coming too."
@ndivhuwothenga wrote:
"You have a great future in acting."
@babmahlasela said:
"Yho, bhuti you did some exceptional work yho."
@SirGamede said:
"You’re not just acting bafo, you’re showcasing the life of a Zulu warrior in character and language. I could go on, but I'm sure you know you killed that role."
@NdumisoDanisa1 said:
"Indeed, you embodied the character of Mzilikazi kaMashobane. 🔥🔥🙌🏿 Damn you killed it 🔥."
@vusumuzi_76 wrote:
"You embody the character so powerfully. Your art is truly imitating life. Shout out to you. 👊."
@malecia27 reacted:
"Meaning the "Mbatha" people are gifted in acting, hence you're the 5th one that I know of."
@sihlefortunate said:
"Grateful for the brilliance Mpilo Mbatha brought to Shaka iLembe. A performance of the highest calibre."
@makhado_ratombo commented:
"You are doing too much. They need to limit your talent a little bit because Mzilikazi is now looking more dangerous than Shaka. But even in real life, some say Mzilikazi is stronger than Shaka.🔥🔥🔥."
Source: Twitter
SA actors chuckle at the number of G-strings on Shaka iLembe
In more entertainment news, Briefly News previously reported that Mzansi Magic shared how many G-strings were made for the actors of the Shaka iLembe TV show.
The channel shared on its Instagram post on Sunday, 22 June, evening that over 5000 G-strings were created.
South Africans and actors in the popular drama series couldn't contain their laughter over the post.
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Source: Briefly News
