Leleti Khumalo is a versatile and talented South African actress, model and television personality best known for her leading roles in the iconic film and stage play Sarafina!
Her performances in famous films such as Hotel Rwanda, Yesterday, and Invictus Gamble also deeply attracted the audience.
In addition to her success on the big screen, Kumalo has also risen to fame on television, playing the roles of Nokubonga “MaZulu” Bhengu in the hit soap opera Imbewu: The Seed and MaNzuza in Uzalo.
Her outstanding acting skills and charming temperament have made her one of the most respected and admired actresses in South Africa.
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- Full name: Leleti Khumalo
- Stage name: Leleti Khumalo
- Date of Birth: March 30, 1970
- Age: 54
- Place of birth: KwaMashu
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: South African actress, model, television personality,
- high:
- Parent: Theressa Tanyiso-Khumalo,
- Siblings: 3
- Spouse: Skuthazo Winston Khanyile (married 2012), Mbongeni Ngema (married 1992-2005)
- Children: 2, Ulwenzile Khanyile and Yamukelani Khanyile.
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $1 million
Early life and education.
Leleti Khumalo is a South African actress. She was born on March 30, 1970 in KwaMashu. She was raised by her mother, Theressa Tanyiso-Khumalo. She has three siblings but their names are unknown to the media.
Kumalo’s father has also not been revealed to the public. Kumalo is of African descent and is a Christian. However, the media is not aware of her early life and educational background.
Profession
Kumalo’s career began in the mid-1980s when she played the lead role in the stage play “Sarafina!”, an activist musical about a young woman in apartheid-era South Africa.
Her performance received critical acclaim and earned her a Tony Award nomination. In 1992, Kumalo reprised the role in the film Sarafina!, further cementing her status as a rising star in South African entertainment.
Over the years, her career has flourished, with memorable performances in films such as Yesterday (2004) and Hotel Rwanda (2004). Kumalo’s talent and dedication have made her one of South Africa’s most respected and loved actresses.
Leleti Khumalo continues to achieve success and has made significant contributions to various projects in the entertainment industry. Her talents have been showcased in television, film, and other fields. She played a role in the soap opera Generations from 2005 to 2008 and has since starred in other hit shows.
Kumalo has also played challenging roles in films such as Hotel Rwanda (2004) and Invictus (2009), showcasing her ability to portray complex characters and convey strong emotions. In addition to her acting career, she has been involved in various charitable initiatives and has used her platform to raise awareness about social issues.
Kumalo’s recent credits include starring as Nokubonga Bhengu in the hit South African soap Imbewu: The Seed (2018-2023) and as Zandile Mdletshe in Uzalo (2015).
Awards and nominations
theater:
- Tony Award Nomination (1988): Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in the Broadway musical “Sarafina!”
- NAACP Image Award (1987): Best Actress in a Play, Drama, for “Sarafina!”
Movie:
- South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA):
- Nominated for Best Actress in a Television Series for Imbewu – The Seed (2020)
- Nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for Free State (2017)
- Nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Film for “Corner of Faith” (2006)
- Academy Award Nomination (2005): She won the Best Foreign Language Film Award for her role in Yesterday.
Other awards and nominations:
- African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA):
- Nominated for Best Actress for Yesterday (2005)
Golden Horn Award (South Africa):
- Multiple roles were nominated
Social media.
- Instagram account: @leletikhumalo
Personal life
Leleti Khumalo is a South African actress who has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Mbongeni Ngema, the director of the hit musical Sarafina!
They got married in 1992 but unfortunately, their marriage ended in 2005. In 2012, she married businessman Skhuthazo Winston Khanyile and had twins named Ulwenzile and Yamukelani Khanyile.
Despite the personal challenges she faced, including the loss of her father at a young age and her poverty-stricken background, Kumalo persevered and achieved great success in her career, a true testament to the power of resilience and talent.
Record/Movie Works
Filmography
- Sarafina! (1992)
- Yesterday (2004)
- Hotel Rwanda (2004)
- The Undefeated (2009)
- The Lion King (2019) (Dubbing)
- The Queen(2022)
Discography
- Although Leleti Khumalo is primarily known as an actress, she has also released music. Her albums include:
- Leleti and Sarafina (1993)
net worth
Leleti Khumalo is a versatile and talented South African actress, best known for her starring role in the iconic film and stage play Sarafina! She has also appeared in many other films and television shows throughout her career.
Kumalo’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, making her one of South Africa’s most successful actresses. She continues to inspire and entertain audiences with her amazing talent and passion for show business.
