Lifestyle
Women’s Month: How Thuso Mbedu Became a Global Force in Film
For years, South African actors have built successful careers locally before moving into international productions. Few have made that transition as quickly as Thuso Mbedu, whose performances have taken her from local television dramas to leading roles in acclaimed Hollywood productions.
As Women’s Month recognises the achievements of women across different industries, Mbedu’s journey stands out as one of South Africa’s most notable success stories in film. Her international profile has been built on carefully chosen roles that have earned critical recognition.
Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu
Born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Mbedu entered the industry through South African television, gradually establishing herself as one of the country’s brightest young actors. Her breakthrough came with Is’Thunzi, where her performance earned an International Emmy Award nomination. She received a second consecutive nomination the following year for another season, becoming one of the few African actors to achieve that distinction so early in their careers.
The nominations also increased her international profile, introducing her to casting directors looking for actors capable of leading demanding productions.
Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu
That opportunity arrived when Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins cast her as Cora in The Underground Railroad, the television adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Playing a young enslaved woman escaping brutality across the American South required remarkable emotional depth. Many critics praised Mbedu’s restrained performance, describing it as one of the series’ strongest. The role also made history, as she became the first South African actress to lead an American television series of that scale.
Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu
Success in Hollywood often comes with pressure to prove that a breakthrough performance was not a one-off. Mbedu answered those expectations with The Woman King.
Sharing the screen with Viola Davis, she portrayed Nawi, a determined young recruit in the Agojie, the elite all-female warrior unit of the Kingdom of Dahomey. The role demanded months of combat training, weapons practice and physical conditioning before filming began.
She delivered a performance that attracted widespread critical praise alongside an experienced cast. Reviews consistently highlighted her chemistry with Davis, whose mentor and student relationship became one of the film’s central storylines.
Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu
Beyond critical acclaim, the film also demonstrated that stories centred on African women could reach global audiences while succeeding commercially.
Despite her growing profile, Mbedu has remained selective about the projects she accepts. In interviews, she has repeatedly said that meaningful storytelling matters more than simply appearing in high-profile productions. She has spoken openly about wanting roles that create conversation, encourage empathy and leave audiences thinking long after the credits roll.
Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu
She has also been candid about the challenges behind her success. Raised by her grandmother after losing both parents at a young age, Mbedu has shared how financial hardship, self-doubt and personal loss shaped her outlook. Instead of portraying her success as straightforward, she often highlights persistence, preparation and continuous learning as the foundations of her progress.
Her influence now extends beyond acting. Mbedu has expressed a desire to help create more opportunities for African storytellers and to support projects led by African voices with first-hand perspectives. That ambition reflects a wider shift across global entertainment, where African creatives are increasingly shaping their own stories instead of having them told by others.
Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu
Women’s Month is a fitting time to recognise achievements that continue to reshape the film industry. Thuso Mbedu’s career reflects that progress. She has earned international recognition without losing sight of the values that shaped her career. Her success also reflects the growing influence of South African performers on the world stage.
Mbedu is now recognised as one of South Africa’s most internationally recognised actors, with a career that continues to expand across borders. Her achievements also provide an example for young actors hoping to build successful international careers while remaining connected to their South African roots.
South Africa will attempt to win a Guinness World Records title for the most people braaiing at the same time. The World’s Biggest Braai is scheduled for Heritage Day on 24 September 2026 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
The event is organised by Big Save in partnership with 5FM. Big Save head of marketing Dylan Jardim said the SA attempt was beaten last year by Japan.
Because not all the people in SA were at their stations, Guinness considered that the braais were not simultaneous.
“It’s frustrating, because this is not how South Africans do a braai,”
“The whole purpose of a braai is socialising, so we did it the way we do it, but that’s not how they wanted it. We need to do things differently this year if we want to break the record.”
Everyone is expected to be there at 10.00am.
Photo: Jacaranda FM
Guests will remain at their assigned stations for some period. There will be tighter stewarding, wristband controls and station arrangements.
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The event will bring together people from different parts of the country. The braai is linked with South African social life. Guinness World Records documented South Africa’s connection with the tradition.
Those expected at the event are Shekhinah, Mafikizolo, Matthew Mole, Lady Zamar, Zaan Sonnekus and Ben Rodrigues.
Photo: Jacaranda FM
Tickets are priced at R255, according to published event information. Participants will receive a bread roll or pap, tongs, and a branded apron Guinness World Records has a separate South African barbecue record.
The event offers another opportunity to turn last year’s unsuccessful attempt into an officially recognised achievement. The main challenge will be keeping thousands of participants at their assigned braai stations while the record awaits verification.
Tamar Braxton will headline the Ndlala Grandeur Season 1 in Pretoria, South Africa. She will perform on the opening night of the four-night event. This event is scheduled at Ndlala Arena from December 16 to 19, 2026.
Braxton was a member of The Braxtons, the R&B group formed with her sisters. She later pursued a solo career and released her self titled debut album, Tamar, in 2000.
Her breakthrough came with her second album, Love and War, released in 2013. The album reached number two on the Billboard 200 and topped the US Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. It also earned Braxton three Grammy nominations.
Photo: Instagram/@tonibraxton
The album features songs like “Love and War,” “The One” and “All the Way Home”. The title track was No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart for nine weeks.
Braxton has also remained active outside music. She and her family were on the reality series Braxton Family Values and later joined the daytime talk show The Real as a co-host. In 2019, she won the second season of Celebrity Big Brother in the United States.
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The first Ndlala Grandeur in 2025 featured American R&B singers Joe Donell Jones alongside South African television personality Somizi.
Photo: Instagram/@tonibraxton
Actor Ricco Ross is also part of the Season 1 programme. The Beauty in Black actor will co-host with Braxton. This is his first visit to South Africa.
Ndlala Arena CEO Thami Ndlala described the event :
“Ndlala Grandeur Season 1 promises to be one of the best events that will remain in people’s memories for a lifetime, and it is not to be missed,”
“We have built this season to be the biggest celebration yet of the artistry, culture, and unforgettable nights that Ndlala Grandeur is known for”.
A quiet glass of wine after work, a well-made cocktail with friends, or a relaxed drink overlooking the city can all make a weeknight in Cape Town worth stepping out for. These six bars offer different ways to spend an evening, from intimate spots suited to conversation to lively venues for cocktails and casual outings.
The Gin Bar
Hidden behind Honest Chocolate Café on Wale Street. The courtyard provides a setting for an evening drink. The Gin Bar occupies a heritage building that was once a mortuary. Its menu features more than 100 gins, including over 80 made in South Africa, alongside signature cocktails such as The Heart, The Soul and The Ambition.
ANTHM
Photo: Getty Images
ANTHM interior combines Japanese elements with dark timber, low lighting and Tokyo-made décor. Visitors can enjoy their drinks in a serene environment. For jazz and Amapiano lovers, this is where to be.
The House of Machines
The House of Machines functions as a coffee shop, a garage and a boutique. Located at the centre of the city, the bar is a lively social hub that hosts live gigs and events. For drinks, there are local beers and cocktails such as the Sidecar and Smoked Old Fashioned.
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Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen
Photo: Getty Images
Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen is a spot to hang out in the city. It boasts quality drinks with a food menu that includes tapas and mains. There is also an outdoor courtyard where guests can enjoy their drinks.
Chinchilla
Photo: Getty Images
Chinchilla brings a seaside feel to a weeknight drink. You can find it at Camps Bay, and it has an ocean-side view. Those who enjoy nightlife can do so while watching the ocean.
Talking To Strangers
Photo: Getty Images
Talking To Strangers on Loop Street is an option for cocktail fans. The bar opens at 6pm and stays open till 2 a.m. The venue has WiFi and parking space.
Cape Town gives visitors many choices for a drink. If you are looking for a luxury experience, The Gin Bar stands out. ANTHM and Cause Effect are suited to cocktails, while The House of Machines offers a casual atmosphere. Chinchilla is the choice for an ocean-facing evening, and Talking To Strangers works well for dinners.
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