South African actors are increasingly appearing in global productions. The latest example is the casting of Danica De La Rey Jones and Masasa Mbangeni in the action thriller Sniper: No Nation, a new instalment in the long-running franchise.
The film, released on 17 April 2026, follows elite sniper Brandon Beckett, played by Chad Michael Collins. After being disavowed by his government, Beckett goes underground as a mission unravels. A rescue operation becomes central to the plot, with his father, portrayed by Tom Berenger, returning to assist in confronting a mercenary threat.

Danica De La Rey Jones – Instagram

Jones plays Skylar, while Mbangeni takes on the role of Angel, both appearing as part of the supporting cast within the film’s network of operatives.
Both actresses have established careers, with earlier visibility on the South African soap Scandal!. Mbangeni’s role as Thembeka Shezi became widely recognised during her time on the show, while Jones appeared in a later era of the production.
The end of Scandal! in 2025 marked a shift in the local television landscape. Since then, more actors have moved into shorter, internationally distributed projects. Roles in films such as Sniper: No Nation reflect that transition.

Masasa Mbangeni – Instagram

For Jones, the role aligns with her recent work in action-focused productions, including Unseen. Mbangeni, known for character-driven performances, has also appeared in film projects such as Heart of the Hunter, and this role adds to her work in the action genre.
The wider cast includes Ryan Robbins, Josh Brener and Jason K. Ralph, alongside South African actor Sizo Mahlangu.
The casting reflects a broader trend of South African actors appearing more frequently in international productions, particularly across streaming platforms.

Sniper: No Nation follows the established format of military action films, while its casting highlights ongoing changes in how international projects source talent.

The Berlin premiere of Michael was widely covered internationally for its scale, but coverage from outlets including IOL and NovaNews focused on the presence of South African talent on an international red carpet where that level of representation is still uncommon.

When Berlin hosted the world premiere of Michael, the focus was expected to remain on the film’s subject and its lead, Jaafar Jackson. Instead, Bontle Modiselle, Bobby van Jaarsveld and Chad Jones became a talking point, bringing a visible South African presence to a major international premiere.

Bontle Modiselle Instagram

Modiselle, known for her work across dance, television and choreography, arrived in a look that drew on Michael Jackson-inspired elements, including structured tailoring and military-style detailing, adapted into a modern look. In media interviews, she described the invitation as an “absolute dream.”

Van Jaarsveld and Jones were also part of a broader South African group that included actors and digital creators, reinforcing the country’s presence at the event.

Photo Credit: Instagram

The premiere drew large crowds in Berlin, with exclusive screenings and a series of events held over several days. The film follows Michael Jackson’s rise from his early years with the Jackson 5 to his solo career, recreating key moments from his life and work.

The red carpet also featured members of the Jackson family, including Prince Jackson and Bigi Jackson, alongside established international figures. Within that setting, Bontle Modiselle, Bobby van Jaarsveld and Chad Jones were among the most noticeable on the carpet.

Bobby van Jaarsveld – Instagram

For Modiselle, the appearance marks one of her appearances on an international platform. Her career has moved from dance into television and brand partnerships, with increasing visibility beyond South Africa.

Magazine coverage has focused on the presence of South African creatives at the event, alongside the fashion and overall reception.

The Berlin premiere of Michael was designed as a tribute to one of music’s most recognisable figures, but attention also turned to Bontle Modiselle, Bobby van Jaarsveld and Chad Jones, who drew interest on the night.

Buntu Petse steps into Inimba at a stage where its storyline is widening beyond its initial focus. Season 2 builds on an established audience and shifts from family-driven conflict to themes of power, control and ambition.
Petse’s role is not minor. She takes on the character of Portia Khiswa, a senior engineer placed at the centre of Khusela Tech, a key battleground within the series. The character holds influence over major company decisions, placing her in a position where her actions carry immediate weight.

Buntu Petse – Instagram

Portia arrives in an environment already marked by internal conflict. The ongoing tension between Khusela Tech and Zondo Tech drives much of the story, and her presence complicates that balance rather than stabilising it. She is not positioned as a mediator or observer. Instead, she operates as someone who plans to change how the system works from within.
This casting aligns with the direction Inimba is taking in its second season. While the series began with a strong focus on family ties and identity, it is now placing more emphasis on corporate power and institutional influence. The shift allows new characters to enter with clear authority and defined stakes.

Buntu Petse – Instagram

Petse has previously played complex characters, and here that experience is applied within a corporate setting. Authority is contested through strategy instead of personal conflict, with Portia positioned as a character who operates with confidence in her role and decision-making.

Her introduction changes existing storylines rather than simply extending them. It creates uncertainty in areas where control seemed settled, particularly within the structures that previously appeared stable.

Season 2 of Inimba is still developing, but Petse’s addition points to a change in how the series plans to progress. The focus is not only on what is revealed, but also on who is in a position to act on it.
Portia Khiswa enters already in a position of influence.