Winston-Salem North Carolina, USA – In a momentous celebration of talent and freedom, Dr Thembi Mtshali Jones, a trailblazing veteran South African actress and activist, has been awarded the Best Actress accolade for her stunning performance in the movie “Blind Eye.” Her remarkable achievement in South Africa’s film industry marks a personal victory and a significant stride for female artists worldwide.
Renowned for her unwavering commitment to freedom and social justice, Mtshali-Jones has dedicated her career to breaking barriers and forging paths for the next generation of actors. Her groundbreaking work both on and off the screen has empowered young artists to pursue their dreams, presenting a picture of what is possible through hard work and tenacity.
Her time at the International festival opens with Thembi Mtshali-Jones being part of an important dialogue titled The Legacy of Freedom: A Nelson Mandela Celebration of Freedom where she will be giving important remarks as an artist and form part of a panel discussion highlighting the cross-international legacy of Madiba, powered by Brand South Africa, on the 30th of July 2024 at Kaleideum from 16:00. As part of the call for the international community to continue embracing and living in line with the ethos of Nelson Mandela, Brand South Africa deemed it necessary to partner with the iconic Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones. The message for Mandela Month this year is “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality”, and that is the message Dr Mtshali-Jones will be sharing with international audiences as part of the partnership with Brand South Africa,” says the Head of Global Markets, Mr Jimmy Ranamane.
In recognition of her extraordinary talent and influence, Mtshali-Jones has been invited to showcase her exceptional skills on the main stage at the esteemed International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This prestigious invitation highlights her international appeal and the universal resonance of her work.
Reflecting on her journey, Thembi Mtshali-Jones shared, “Winning this award is not just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the resilience and strength of female artists everywhere. Our voices matter, our stories matter, and through our art, we can inspire change and celebrate freedom.”
Her participation in the International Black Theatre Festival will further amplify her mission to promote freedom and equality within the creative industries. As she takes the stage, Mam’ Thembi will continue to shine a spotlight on the vital role of women in the arts, advocating for greater representation and opportunities for all.
This milestone is a powerful reminder of the strides female artists have taken in the creative industries. Mtshali-Jones’s dedication to her craft and her activism have paved the way for countless others, creating a legacy of empowerment and inspiration.
The international community eagerly anticipates her performance at the International Black Theatre Festival, where she will undoubtedly captivate audiences and continue to champion the cause of freedom through her artistry. “These international synergies have been made possible by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Brand South Africa and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, to create platforms and space for dialogue and creative innovation. It is an honour to be part of such a prolific festival, I will continue to champion for African stories to be told”
Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones:
Thembi Mtshali-Jones is a celebrated actress and activist known for her impactful roles and unwavering commitment to social justice. With a career spanning over 40 years, she is an advocate for freedom and equality through her work, using her platform to inspire and empower the next generation of artists.
Multi-talented Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones is recognised as one of South Africa’s most celebrated artists, renowned for her contributions as a singer, actress, producer, and playwright. Her distinguished career has placed her in the League of South African Legends. She co-founded Spirit Sister Productions in 2006, producing the women’s television magazine program ‘The Power Within’ for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Since 2009, Thembi has served as a juror for the International Emmy Awards for Film and Television. Additionally, she has been a member of the Advisory Board for the Chelsea Film Festival in New York, USA, since 2015.
Board Memberships
– Gauteng Film Commission: November 2014 – December 2017
– Council Member and Deputy Chair, Playhouse Co.: December 2014 – November 2017
– Baxter Theatre, Cape Town: December 2017 – November 2020
– Living Legends Legacy Fraternity Trust (LLLFT): December 2019 – Present
Early Life and Career
Born in Durban and raised in KwaMashu Township, Thembi began singing in school concerts. Her professional career as an actress started in the early 70s with the original Umabatha (a Zulu adaptation of Macbeth), which was invited to the World Theatre Season in London. She later moved to Johannesburg and joined the musical Ipi Tombi, where she played the lead role of Mama Tembu, touring the world, including performances on London’s West End and New York City’s Broadway.
While in the US, Thembi collaborated with Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. Upon returning to South Africa, she formed the band Peace with Sipho Gumede and joined the Market Theatre Company, working on productions such as Black And White Follies and Have You Seen Zandile, the latter co-written with Gcina Mhlophe and Maralin Vanrenen. She also co-wrote and performed in Eden and Other Places and Inyanga Women of Africa, and toured with Malcolm Purkey’s musical Marabi in the UK and the US.
Theatre Highlights
In 1999, Thembi co-wrote and starred in A Woman in Waiting, a one-woman play based on her life story, created and directed by Yael Farber. The production won a Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival and later transferred to London’s New Ambassador Theatre. A Woman in Waiting has been performed in South Africa, Tunisia, Canada, the USA, Bermuda, Paris, Azerbaijan, Dubai, and Hong Kong.
In 2006, Thembi participated in Michael Lessac’s international theatre production Truth In Translation, which premiered in Rwanda and toured the US, Europe, and South Africa. The American Time Magazine praised her performance, highlighting her extraordinary impact on audiences.
In 2009, she created a one-woman play adapted from Sindiwe Magona’s novel Mother to Mother, which premiered at the Baxter Theatre in South Africa and toured Rwanda, Europe, the UK, Bermuda, and the US. In 2014, she created Gogo and Big Sister, a musical revue that also performed at the National Black Theatre Festival in 2015 and 2017.
Television and Awards
Thembi has led award-winning television dramas such as Imbewu The Seed for ETV as MaNdlovu and starred in hit sitcoms Sgudi’Snayis and Stokvel, the latter receiving an International Emmy nomination in 2004.
In 2019, she released her autobiographical book Theatre Road and celebrated her Platinum birthday by receiving the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 2020, she won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) for her monumental contributions to the industry. In 2022, she was honoured with a Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Arts from the Durban University of Technology.
Recent Achievements
In 2023, Thembi represented South Africa at the Berlinale in Germany for the global premiere of the anti-apartheid film Mapantsula, directed by Oliver Schmitz. The event, where she mingled with industry giants like Euzhan Palcy and Steven Spielberg, marked another milestone in her illustrious career, showcasing her enduring influence and commitment to South African arts and culture.
