Bongile Mantsai
Bongile Mantsai | |
|---|---|
| Born | 3 February 1982[1] Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, theatre practitioner, musical director |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Notable work | Inxeba: The Wound, Knuckle City, Scandal!, Mies Julie |
| Awards | SAFTA Best Actor (2020), Durban International Film Festival Best Actor (2019) |
Bongile Mantsai[2] is a South African actor and theatre practitioner[3] known for his work in film, television, and stage. He gained widespread acclaim for his performances in Inxeba: The Wound (2017), Knuckle City (2019), and the television soap opera Scandal!. He has won multiple awards for his performances[4] and is recognized for his contributions to South African theatre and storytelling.
Early life and education
Mantsai was born in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, and raised in the township of Kayamandi, where he completed his high school education at Kayamandi High School in 1998. He initially faced challenges in pursuing higher education due to a language barrier, as Stellenbosch University predominantly offered courses in Afrikaans. Undeterred, he approached theatre directors to express his passion for acting, leading to an opportunity to join a physical theatre programme that included language and movement classes. This experience enabled him to participate in university productions and laid the foundation for his acting career.[5]
Career
Mantsai[6] began his artistic career in theatre, where he became a prominent performer and musical director. He worked with the Baxter Theatre Centre and was appointed artistic director of the Zabalaza Theatre Festival. Notable stage roles include Mies Julie, Amaza, Marat/Sade, Karoo Moose, and Woyzeck.
He transitioned into film and television, earning critical acclaim for his role as Vija in Inxeba: The Wound (2017), a film that received international recognition. His leading role in Knuckle City (2019) further cemented his reputation, earning him Best Actor at the 2019 Durban International Film Festival and the 2020 SAFTA awards.[7]
He is also well known for his role as Mthunzi Mayiza in the television drama Scandal!, where his performance as a manipulative and complex antagonist drew critical praise.[8][9]
Filmography
Film
- Inxeba: The Wound (2017) – as Vija
- Knuckle City (2019) – as Dudu Nyakama
- Number Number Jozi Gold (2023) – as Jozi Gold
- The Republic – supporting role
Television
- Scandal! – as Mthunzi Mayiza
- Nkululeko – as Poncho
- Gqeberha: The Empire – as Hlumelo Mxenge
- Blood Psalms – as Hlengu
Theatre
- Mies Julie – lead role
- Woyzeck
- Marat/Sade
- Karoo Moose – musical director
- Ityala la Mawele – musical director
- Elke Duim 'n Koning
Awards
- 2020 – SAFTA Best Actor in a Feature Film for Knuckle City
- 2020 – SAFTA Best Actor in a TV Soap for Scandal!
- 2019 – Durban International Film Festival, Best Actor for Knuckle City
- 2018 – SAFTA Best Supporting Actor for Inxeba: The Wound
- 2014 – Naledi Theatre Award, Best Lead Actor for Mies Julie
- 2001 – FNB Vita Award, Best Supporting Actor for Elke Duim 'n Koning
References
- ^ Ngenyane, Andiswa. "Mzansi loves Scandal! actor". Daily Sun.
- ^ Mpapu, Hopewell. "Award-winning actor Bongile Mantsai on Mthunzi's return to Scandal!". Drum.
- ^ "'I'm a soft guy and God-fearing person, different from Mthunzi': actor Bongile Mantsai". Sunday Times. South Africa.
- ^ Birjalal, Alyssia. "Bongile Mantsai discusses the challenges of family loyalty in 'Family & Rugby'". IOL.
- ^ Mdaka, Zintle (7 March 2025). "Bongile Mantsai returns on Scandal! with new characters unlocked". bona.co.za.
- ^ Mpapu, Hopewell. "Actor Bongile Mantsai is gearing to star in a Scandal! Spin-off". Drum.
- ^ Sithathu, Nomathamsanqa. "'Gqeberha: The Empire' cancelled after two seasons". IOL.
- ^ Sithathu, Nomathamsanqa (8 November 2012). "Mzansi reacts to Mthunzi's return to 'Scandal!'". IOL.
- ^ Mdaka, Zintle (3 February 2025). "Gqeberha: The Empire cast to star in a new TV drama". bona.co.za.