Young actress Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu nominated for prestigious Simon Mabhunu Sabela Award
Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu, 12, has been nominated for a Simon Mabhunu Sabela Award KZN Film and Television Award.
Image: Supplied
The phrase that big things come in small packages rings true for 12-year-old Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu who has been nominated for a coveted Simon Mabhunu Sabela Award KZN Film and Television Award.
The Reddam House pupil won the hearts of viewers when she made her acting debut on the small screen with the local series One Weeks.
Her nomination for Best Newcomer Actress was announced on June 11, alongside Avela Cele and Dineo Nxumalo of the film Sent fame.
Mthembu said, “Being nominated for the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards makes me feel very excited because the effort that the crew, cast, director and I put in One Weeks is being recognised. After finding out who he was; he was a director, actor and playwright who was highly respected and well- known, so being in the awards ceremony named after him makes me feel really, really respected”.
The young actress, from Ballito, plays the role of Angie in One Weeks, a family situational comedy about Fana played by Zakhele Mabasa-Mokone of Isibaya fame, a charming high-school dropout from the streets of Soweto, who can't believe his luck when he finds himself dating Lihle (Sihle Ndaba)– a very successful lawyer.
He then has to rely on the help of Lihle's sharp-witted 10-year-old daughter, Angie, to avoid losing her to rich men. Created and written by Chris Q Radebe (Icala, Isifiso) the comedy also stars Siphiwe Mtshali (Entangled, Tsha Tsha, Rhythm City) and Mpho Malatsi (Backstage, Scandal!).
Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu, from Ballito, plays the role of Angie in One Weeks, a family situational comedy.
Image: Supplied
Mthembu secured the lead role in One Weeks after a video she and her mother Zama had posted on social media grabbed the attention of the show’s producers.
Her mother, Zama, said she was ecstatic when she got the news of her nomination.
“I initially couldn’t believe it. I am so excited for her, she has done the work and now she is being rewarded for it,” she said.
Mthembu has had to strike a balance with school work and filming her scenes, an act Zama said she was able to do well.
“Her school is very supportive of her and when there are instances of her missing out on lessons in class, her teachers provide her with the work she needs to cover. I used to be a teacher so I am able to assist her when she needs help,” said Zama.
Mthembu has also recently appeared as a guest presenter on the Play Room, a children’s entertainment show on DTSV.
Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu has also recently appeared as a guest presenter on the Play Room, a children’s entertainment show on DTSV.
Image: Supplied
And while Mthembu has become easily recognisable in public spaces following her TV roles, Zama said her daughter remained grounded.
“She still has to do the chores at home, like do the dishes, take out the trash when it's her turn, and also wash her own socks,” she said.
Hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Award KZN Film and Television Awards celebrates outstanding talent and creativity in the province’s film and television industry.
Under the theme, “Africa’s Champions of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages,” the nominees reflect the vibrant, diverse and growing talent emerging from KZN and beyond.
With over 30 categories, the awards celebrate the actors, directors, writers and the behind the scenes professionals who shape South Africa’s cinematic identity. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on July 19.