Thami Mbongo
 | This article is an orphan, as no other articles link to it. Please introduce links to this page from related articles; try the Find link tool for suggestions. (May 2025) |
Thami Mbongo | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 29, 1979 Mbekweni, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Alma mater | University of Cape Town |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, theatre director, educator |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | Shooting Stars |
Thami Mbongo (born 29 January 1979) is a South African actor, theatre director, educator,[1] drama facilitator and poet.[2] He is best known for his role as Moses Gumede in the e.tv soccer drama series Shooting Stars and for his extensive work in community theatre.
Early life and education
[edit] |
Mbongo was born in Mbekweni, a township in Paarl, Western Cape. He attended Langabuya Primary School and matriculated from Desmond Mpilo Tutu High School in 1997. In 1998, he enrolled at the Community Arts Project (CAP) in Cape Town, now known as the Arts and Media Access Centre (AMAC). From 1999 to 2001, he pursued a Performer’s diploma in Speech and Drama at the University of Cape Town.
Career
[edit]Television and film
[edit] |
Mbongo began his acting career with a KFC commercial titled Ayavaya Amafong Kong that aired on SABC in 2001 and 2002. He gained national recognition for his portrayal of Moses Gumede in the e.tv soccer drama series Shooting Stars. His television credits also include appearances in Madam & Eve, Khululeka, Interrogation Room, Stokvel, Mazinyo Dot Q, and Black Butterflies.
Theatre
[edit]Mbongo is a stage actor and director. His theatre credits include performances in A Plague of Heroes, Karoo Moose[3], The Tempest, King Lear, and The Trojan Women. He has directed numerous productions and workshops, focusing on developing young and emerging talent in community-based theatre. In 2024, he directed the Zwakala Festival at the Market Theatre, one of South Africa’s premier platforms for grassroots theatre.[citation needed]
Awards
[edit]- Durban Theatre Award – Best Solo Performance for A Plague of Heroes (2011)
- Aardklop Best Actor in an Ensemble Award – for Karoo Moose (2007)
- Brett Goldin[4] Bursary Award (2008), which enabled him to study with the Royal Shakespeare Company[5] in Stratford-upon-Avon
References
[edit]- ^ "Artists want independent audit of NAC's handling of Covid-19 funds".
- ^ "Acting as he likes it". IOL.
- ^ Niekerk, Garreth Van. "Karoo Moose will change you forever". City Press.
- ^ "A Goldin opportunity for two young actors". www.news.uct.ac.za.
- ^ "Seeing the world just part of job". IOL.