South African film industry is infested with bad actors and actresses (i.e Ranthumeng from Muvhango...Karishma from Generations the legacy, gosh they are terrible!), it feels like casting directors love torturing their viewers with bad acting, which makes you wanna gouge your eyeballs out or rather appreciate those who deposit their energy and talents into their given roles.
In 2011, SowetanLIVE ran an article Top 10 SA Actresses revealing the best actresses who grace our local Television screens, the list was rather disappointing as Sowetan overlooked some of the most remarkable actresses in Mzanzi. Below is a redeeming list with best actresses curated for you to scrutinize:
Top 10 Best Actresses on South African TV
10. Sonia Mbele (Ntombi Khumalo-Dlomo on Generations)
You will remember this beauty as the wife of controversial businessman/gangsta, Sibusiso Dlomo on Generations. Although she hasn't done much acting recently except on golddiggers, her work in the soapie still speaks volume about what a talented actress she is.
9. Sindi Dlathu (Nomthandazo Mokoena on Muvhango)
She had a small part in the critically acclaimed Apartheid film Sarafina then emerged as an actor on one of South Africa's most watched tv shows, Muvhango. Although her character is currently rumoured to be attending an all-white party which is expected to end sometime in December 2017, there is no denying that her and some few characters( not Ranthumeng or Mankosi) are God's gift to Duma Ndlovu's mystical show.
8. Michelle Botes (Cheryl De Villiers on Isidingo: The need)
7. Lydia Mokgokoloshi (Koko Mantsha on Skeem Saam)
Almost two decades after she starred in the Sepedi tv drama Bophelo ke Semphekgo as Mma-Nkosheng, Lydia returned to our tv screens as Koko Mantsha, the overprotective grandmother of Katlego Pietersen. Just like wine, this oldie's acting has just gotten finer with time.
6. Dawn Thandeka King (Lindiwe Xulu on Uzalo)
Just one stare at her and you can already presume what kind of character she portrays on Uzalo. She is the bad-ass, fearless Alpha-woman and wife of villain-gangster Muzi Xulu AKA Gxabhashe. This lady nails her role well enough together with notorious husband that makes Generations the legacy gangsta couple Kumkani and Tshidi Phakade's acting look insignificant.
5.Joyce Skefu (Maletsatsi Khumalo on Scandal)
She is currently known for her as Malematsi from eTV Scandal but before that, she was Catherine's outspoken sister(Doris) on Muvhango. Every fan of the soapie would remember and love her character's signature line "you must never..!". This lady is one of the all-time outstanding local actresses that's why she is on this list and also SowetanLive's list.
4. Manaka Ranaka (Lucy Diale on Generations the legacy)
Manaka acted as the soft, sweet wife of Mojo on Stokvel years ago and now she portrays the gangsta mother of Namhla Diale. Her character is the most entertaining on Generations the legacy. The fact that she isn't a one-dimensional actress exhibits what a talented actress she is.
3. Maumela Mahuwa (Vho-Susan Mukwevho on Muvhango)
What did you think I was gonna do.....Leave Vendas out of this?. Okay I didn't include her just because she is Venda but because she is a talented actress. One thing I like about Maumela's acting is that its natural. She doesn't try too hard as an artist. If you are watching a show and can no longer tell whether a character is acting or being their natural self it can only mean they are really good at what they do. I salute you "Sosana"(Masindi's voice)
2.Shoki Sebotsane (Celia Kunutu on Skeem Saam)
Her role in Muvhango years ago nearly assassinated her acting talent, you can spot this by the amazing work she does on Skeem Saam. MaKunutu is my fave! She can evoke the viewers emotions just by uttering one line. Lets toast to this woman's brilliant acting please ( /click click!/ )
Honorable mentions:Candy Moloi (Vho-Makhadzi on Muvhango), Connie Fergusson( Karabo Moroka-Mogale-Radebe on Generations the legacy), Murabeli Rasalanavho (Mukondeleli on Muvhango), Diaan Lawrenson (Paula Van der Lecq-de Bruyn on 7de Laan)
1. Brenda Bongiwe Ngxoli (Vuyo on Home Affairs)
Her brilliance at her craft shines through in every role she portrays (esp Tsha Tsha and Home Affairs). Brenda is such an extraordinary performing artist , she even murdered it as an MC on Our Perfect wedding. HATS OFF to you Brenda (And the Drama school you attended). South African Television can use more actresses of your caliber.
So if you've read the list and you agree or disagree make that visible in the comment section! or perhaps suggest other best actresses I might have missed.
Thanks for reading lovies :-) Ndo livhuwa
