Mapaseka Koetle has officially closed a major chapter in her television career as she exited the character Dintle Nyathi from the soap opera Scandal!. The development is the end of a journey that has spanned years of performance within the fictional newsroom of the show.

She bid farewell on Instagram, where she wrote about how her career has evolved,

“Dear Dintle, 13 years ago, I met a character who would change my life forever. I didn’t just play you; I grew up with you.”

“Through every triumph, mistake, heartbreak and victory, you taught me resilience, strength and the power of starting over. You helped me shape the woman and actress I am today,” she wrote.

Photo: Instagram

She thanked everyone for giving her the chance to portray the character and said she won’t forget it.

“Thank you for opening doors I once only dreamed of walking through. Thank you for giving me a home, a purpose and memories I will cherish forever,” she added.

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Some of her co-actors said their goodbyes. Brighton Ngoma, who played Quinton Nyathi, bid farewell,

“To all my colleagues, past and present, well done fam”

Sivenathi Mabuya, who portrayed Xolile Langa (and later Medupe), said:

“Ohhh man.. No words. I just never thought this day would come when we’d say goodbye to one of South Africa’s most ICONIC shows. It all began with Xolile Langa Medupe… IYKYK!!!!”

Koetle said in several interviews over the years in which she discussed the demands of portraying a long running character, and the pressures of adapting to changing scripts. While she didn’t see the exit as a retirement from acting, she is open to new roles.

Photo: Instagram

For Scandal!, the exit of Dintle Nyathi closes a storyline era that has shaped the show’s identity. For audiences, it marks the end of a familiar presence in a fictional world that mirrors contemporary urban life in South Africa. .

The departure is being viewed as a structured transition, reflecting both the natural lifecycle of long-running television characters and the evolving direction of one of South Africa’s most watched soap operas.

Teyana Taylor dominated the 2026 BET Awards, as she won four awards. Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the annual event rewarded entertainers who contribute to Black culture. Although an actress, she won laurels in fashion and production categories. This showed how far Taylor has come and how much she is appreciated in the industry.

Taylor earned the Best Actress award for how she performed in One Battle After Another. The movie was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. She came first ahead of Angela Bassett, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Quinta Brunson, Regina Hall, Coco Jones, and Chase Infiniti.

Photo: Instagram

Her second award was in the Video Director of the Year category. Taylor was recognised for directing the Escape Room, a 38 minute visual project  in 2025. The movie was produced through her production company, The Aunties. Those nominated in these categories were Patience Foster, Benny Boom and Cardi B, but she came on top.

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Taylor’s also went home with the Fashion Vanguard Award, which honours individuals with a huge cultural style. She got this because of her bold editorial looks, and red carpet appearances. This category recognised her fashion sense and how it was used to inspire trends. Despite being in a category with Beyoncé, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Cardi B, she succeeded.

Photo: Instagram

Janet Jackson presented Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award. It honors those with influence in multiple creative fields. Taylor became emotional as she explained that the award represented years of persistence. She  spoke about the importance of creating opportunities for others and leaving a meaningful legacy.

Photo: Instagram

Taylor’s four awards showed how talented she is in the entertainment industry . By earning these honours, she reinforced her status as one of the entertainment industry’s most accomplished multi-talented creatives.

Before Thapelo Maseko helped South Africa reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time, he had already established himself as one of the country’s rising football talents. His journey has included success at youth international level, a move to Mamelodi Sundowns and a breakthrough with the senior national team.

Born on 11 June 2003, Maseko grew up in Eatonside, Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg. He began playing football at a young age, with the support of his family. His father, a truck driver, helped him attend training sessions and matches as he progressed through the youth ranks.

Thapelo Maseko – Instagram

Maseko’s talent became widely recognised during his time in junior football. He represented South Africa at youth level and made a significant impression at the 2022 COSAFA Under-20 Championship, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer and won the Golden Boot.

His performances at youth level opened the door to senior football with SuperSport United. Comfortable on either wing, Maseko established himself as a quick and direct attacker who enjoys taking on defenders and creating chances in wide areas. His performances in the Premier Soccer League earned him a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2023.

Joining a squad filled with experienced internationals meant competition for places was intense, and regular first-team opportunities did not come immediately. He continued his development while competing for opportunities in the first team.

Thapelo Maseko – Instagram

His progress was interrupted by injury during the 2024-25 season, limiting his appearances for Sundowns. Despite the setback, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos continued to include him in the national team squad.

That decision proved significant during South Africa’s final Group A match at the FIFA World Cup.

South Africa entered the match against South Korea needing a positive result to keep their World Cup campaign alive. In the 63rd minute, Tshepang Moremi broke into space and delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Maseko timed his run and guided the ball into the bottom corner to score the only goal of the match.

The strike secured a 1-0 victory and sent Bafana Bafana into the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history. It became the defining moment of Maseko’s international career to date.

Thapelo Maseko – Instagram

After the final whistle, Maseko described the achievement as “unbelievable” and thanked supporters who had backed the team throughout the tournament. He also credited the team’s collective effort for the historic result.

At 23, Maseko has already experienced success at youth level, competition for places at club level, injury setbacks and a historic moment in South African football. His winning goal against South Korea secured his place in Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup story.

As South Africa prepare for the knockout stage, Maseko heads into the next phase of the tournament following the defining moment of his international career.