Zethu Dlomo-Mphahlele, born on March 31, 1989, in Lenasia, Gauteng, South Africa, is a celebrated actress known for her remarkable roles in both local and international productions. Raised in Mmesi Park, Dobsonville, Soweto, she attended The National School of the Arts, where she developed her passion for drama. In 2010, she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree Honours in Dramatic Art from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Zethu Dlomo
| Born |
Zethu Dlomo
March 31, 1989 Lenasia, South Africa
|
|---|---|
| Nationality | South African |
| Alma mater | National School of the Arts University of the Witwatersrand |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Spouse | Lebogang Mphahlele (m. 2018) |
Personal Life
In September 2018, Zethu Dlomo married her longtime partner and fellow actor, Lebogang Mphahlele.
Career
Dlomo began her acting career in 2012, playing the lead role of Detective Alice Kunene in the sci-fi television series Room 9 on SABC 1. Her international debut came in 2008 with a role in HBO’s Number One Ladies Detective Agency as Baone Magasane. In 2013, she appeared in the feature film Mary and Martha, directed by Phillip Noyce.
Her film debut was in 2013 with Fanie Fourie’s Lobola, playing Dinky Magubane, a role that earned her nominations for Best Actress in a Feature Film at both the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) and the South Africa India Film and Television Awards (SAIFTA).
In 2014, she appeared in The Book of Negroes, a co-production by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and BET International (BET), portraying the pregnant slave Sanu. The same year, she played a supporting role in the TV series Ayeye as Sibongile.
Dlomo’s breakthrough role came in 2015 when she joined the cast of Black Sails in its third season. She played Madi, the daughter of Mr. Scott, for 16 episodes until the end of the fourth season, gaining international recognition.
In 2017, she joined the South African telenovela Isibaya, playing Nonhlanzi, also known as LethuHlatshwayo. Her performance in stage plays like Jero and Have You Seen Zandile? earned her the Brett Goldin Best Newcomer award at the Naledi Theatre Awards for 2014/2015.
Dlomo starred in South Africa’s first western film, Five Fingers for Marseilles (2017), playing Lerato. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was later released in U.S. cinemas. In 2018, she portrayed Winnie Mandela in Mandela’s Gun, which premiered in New York. She also starred in the Mzansi Magic drama The Herd as Lwandle.
In 2020, Dlomo appeared in the short film Hotel on the Koppies, the mini-series Amazing Grace as Sarah, and the drama series Erased as Lindo Cele.
Filmography
Film
- 2008: Number One Ladies Detective Agency as Baone Magasane (TV series)
- 2013: Mary and Martha as Patience (TV movie)
- 2013: Fanie Fourie’s Lobola as Dinky Magubane
- 2014: Leading Lady as Model Photographer
- 2017: Five Fingers for Marseilles as Lerato
- 2018: Mandela’s Gun as Winnie Mandela
- 2020: Hotel on the Koppies as Winnie Mandela (Short film)
Television
- 2012–2013: Room 9 as Alice Kunene
- 2014: Ayeye as Sibongile
- 2015: The Book of Negroes as Sanu (TV mini-series)
- 2016–2017: Black Sails as Madi
- 2017: Isibaya as Nonhlanzi aka LethuHlatshwayo
- 2020: Amazing Grace as Sarah
- 2020: Erased as Lindo Cele
Conclusion
Zethu Dlomo-Mphahlele’s career is a testament to her versatility and talent as an actress. From local South African productions to international acclaim, she has captivated audiences with her compelling performances. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to embody diverse roles continue to establish her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.