Nomzamo Mbatha
Birth nameNomzamo Nxumalo Mbatha
Birth date13 July 1990 (age 36)
Birth placeKwaMashu, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
EducationBechet High School
Alma materUniversity of Cape Town
TelevisionMiss South Africa 2020
One Night With Mzansi
SAMA Awards 2019
OccupationActress · television personality · businesswoman · accountant · human rights activist
Years active2012–present
Organization
AgentCAA
Notable works
FatherSkuta Nxumalo
RelativesZamani Mbatha (brother)
Awards

Nomzamo Nxumalo Mbatha (born 13 July 1990) is a South African actress, accountant, television personality, businesswoman and human rights activist.[2] She is best known for portraying Thandeka Zungu on Mzansi Magic telenovela Isibaya (2013–2020)[3] and Mirembe on Paramount's Coming 2 America (2021) [4] and Queen Nandi KaBhebhe OkaSenzangakhona KaJama on Shaka iLembe (2023–2025).[5][6]

Early life

Nomzamo Mbatha was born on 13 July 1990 in KwaMashu Township,[2] approximately 21 kilometres (13 mi), by road, north-west of the city of Durban, in KwaZulu Natal Province[7] and is of Zulu ethnicity.

She attended Rippon Primary School in Durban and Bechet High School, where she obtained her High School Diploma. In 2018, she graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Commerce degree specialising in accounting.[2]

Career

Mbatha auditioned for a television show in July 2012. She has also started acting on Isibaya in 2013 and also became the main character, this marked her acting debut and was praised by critics for playing Thandeka Zungu.[8] The search, which was held at Cape Town, attracted over 600 contestants. She placed in the top 70 and later the top 10. She was one of the three top finalists. In 2015, she made her film debut in Tell Me Sweet Something with Maps Maponyane, which was released on 4 September that year, and also appeared in the television show Umlilo from 2015 to 2016. That same year, she began hosting a reality travel show called Holiday Swap, on South African Broadcasting Corporation.[2]

In April 2021, it was announced that she was cast in Saban Films new movie Soul Assassins [9] alongside Bruce Willis which was later filmed under a new name Die Like Lovers but was released as Assassin and became Bruce Willis's last movie.[10] In 2022, Mbatha revealed she has been cast as Nandi on the Mzansi Magic biopic TV series Shaka Ilembe, which she also co-produced.[11]

The previous year, Mbatha signed with talent management agency Creative Artists Agency.[11][12][8][13][6]

Hollywood & Activism

After successfully cementing her name in the entertainment industry in South Africa, Mbatha quickly started building her Hollywood name with film projects like Coming 2 America[4][14] alongside Eddie Murphy, and Assassin[10] alongside Bruce Willis. She is a long-standing Global Ambassador of UNCHR[15] serving as Continental Ambassador, and also served as the host for Global Citizens Concert in 2024.[16]

Philanthropy

Nomzamo Light House Foundation

Mbatha is the founder of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation,[17] a non-profit organisation established in 2015 to address socio-economic challenges affecting marginalised communities. The foundation focuses on improving access to education, promoting youth empowerment, and supporting women’s economic participation. It was founded as part of Mbatha’s broader humanitarian efforts and has since partnered with various corporate and philanthropic organisations to expand its programmes and national reach.[18]

Through the foundation, Mbatha has overseen initiatives such as bursary programmes for disadvantaged students, youth development summits that provide mentorship and skills training, and the EmpoweringHER programme, which supports women entrepreneurs through funding and business development opportunities. The foundation has also implemented community outreach projects, including the distribution of school uniforms and social relief packages to vulnerable households, contributing to improved access to education and economic opportunities in underserved communities.[19]

In March 2026, the foundation, in partnership with Cotton On Foundation and The Bookery, launched the first library under the Beyond Words project at Masivuke Primary School, Philippi, Cape Town. An initiative aimed at combating illiteracy in local communities.[20]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
2013The Jake's are MissingPageFilm debut role
2014Tell Me Something Sweet[21]Muratiwa
2017All About Love [22]VivianRomance
2017A Hotel Called Memory [23]TinaDrama
2021Coming 2 AmericaMirembeComedy / Music
2023AssassinAlexaAction / Crime / Thriller

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
2013—2020IsibayaThandeka / Thandeka Zungu7 Seasons
2017UmliloKhwezi Simelani4 episodes
Holiday SwapHost / HerselfTelevision documentary
2023Shaka iLembeNandi12 episodes

Other achievements

In 2018, Mbatha was recognized as one of the OkayAfrika 100 Women 2018 Honorees, by OkayAfrica Digital Media.[24]

In 2018, she spent time touring Kenyan refugee camps, in her role as UNHCR Ambassador.[25]

She received an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress nomination for playing "Moratiwa" in Tell Me Sweet Something (2015).[26][27]

In January 2019, she was appointed a UNHCR goodwill ambassador.[28] In October 2019, she was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society as one of its honorary members.[29]

[30] In 2025 Mbatha was announced as the first South African ambassador of Creme of Nature.[31][32]

Mbatha is a long time supporter of Orlando Pirates F.C. as she says she considers herself the team's number 1 fan since she could tell.[33]

Awards and nominations

Simon Sabela KZN Film & TV Awards

! Ref. |- |2024 |Shaka iLembe |Best actress | |rowspan=2| [34]

South Africa Film and Television Awards

! Ref. |- |2024 |style="text-align:center;"|Herself |Best Actress In A TV Drama | |style="text-align:center;"|[35][36]

National Film and Television Awards

! Ref. |- |2024 |style="text-align:center;"|Herself |Celebrity Personality of the Year 2024 | |style="text-align:center;"|[37][38]

Personal life

Family

Mbatha is the sister of fellow Shaka iLembe actor Zamani Mbatha,[39] and the media personality Wendy Mbatha. In 2023 Mbatha revealed that she spent most of her time on projects, but makes enough time for her family.[40][41][42]

Relationship

In 2014 Mbatha announced that she was in a relationship with Idols season 8 Winner Khaya Mthethwa before calling it quits in December that year due to Mthethwa allegedly cheating with Nomzamo's then best friend and Isibaya co-star Jessica Nkosi.[43] This ended the duo friendship and ruined their working collaboration from many TV shows to MC Events.[44] Although Nkosi denied allegations of having any affair with Mthethwa, the two have never spoken to each other ever since and do not support or follow each other on socials.[45]

In 2015 during the filming of Nomzamo's first lead role in film (Tell Me Sweet Something ), Mbatha met co-star Maps Maponyane on set. In a month's time, the two started dating and quickly became South Africa's favourite celebrity couple.[46] In 2015, the couple made headlines when cheating allegations surfaced claiming Maponyane cheated on Mbatha.[47][48] The couple eventually broke up with Nomzamo ending up unfollowing Maponyane on all social media platforms.[49]

References

  1. ^ "Under 30 Creatives - Forbes Africa". 4 June 2018.
  2. ^ "Nomzamo Mbatha Biography". Bloemfontein: 105.8 CUT FM Radio Station. 10 November 2018. Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  3. ^ Maune, Bernice (2020-02-19). "This is what's next for Nomzamo Mbatha after 'Isibaya' exit" (in en-ZA). The South African. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  4. ^ "Nomzamo Mbatha Embodies True Royalty and Queendom in 'Coming 2 America'". Hypebae. 2021-03-29. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  5. ^ Makhura, Kamogelo (2024-09-10). "Nomzamo Mbatha, Wiseman Ncube and producers proud as 'Shaka iLembe' secures 17 SAFTAs nominations". The Star. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  6. ^ "Nomzamo Mbatha is both actress and executive producer of historical drama 'Shaka Ilembe'". The Namibian. 2023-06-15. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  7. ^ "Distance between Durban, eThekwini, Kwazulu Natal, ZAF and KwaMashu, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, ZAF". Globefeed.com. 13 January 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  8. ^ Tjiya, Emmanuel (2023-08-07). "The evolution of Nomzamo Mbatha". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  9. ^ Hopewell, John (2021-07-09). "Saban Films Takes 'Soul Assassin' Starring Bruce Willis, Nomzamo Mbatha (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  10. ^ "Nomzamo Mbatha bags an international role alongside Bruce Willis" (in en-ZA). TimesLIVE. Archived 2024-08-25 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  11. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (July 9, 2020). "CAA Signs 'Coming 2 America' Actress Nomzamo Mbatha". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  12. ^ Ngqabe, Xabiso (13 May 2024). "Nomzamo Mbatha on working with Bruce Willis in Assassin". Showmax. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  13. ^ "Becoming Queen Nandi". DStv. 2023-06-19. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  14. ^ "'Coming 2 America' starring Nomzamo Mbatha will be released in March 2021". www.glamour.co.za. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  15. ^ Ramalepe, Phumi. "'It's a calling': Nomzamo Mbatha's philanthropic journey from the age of 14 to the world". News24. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  16. ^ Dipa, Karishma (2024-08-29). "Nomzamo Mbatha will once again grace the 2024 Global Citizen Festival as a presenter". IOL. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  17. ^ "Nomzamo Mbatha". The Earthshot Prize. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  18. ^ Tana (2021-08-17). "#HopeIsPower - Lighthouse Foundation". Hollywood Foundation. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  19. ^ Tleane, Lebo (2025-03-18). "Nomzamo Awards Businesswoman R100k and Machinery". Youth Village. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  20. ^ Hlahane, Reabetswe (2026-03-24). "Nomzamo Mbatha opens library to fight illiteracy in Cape Town" (in en-ZA). The South African. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  21. ^ Digital, Drum. "Watch: Trailer of Nomzamo Mbatha and Maps Maponyane's new movie". News24. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  22. ^ Rangaka, Rea & Ugah, Adze (2017-04-21), "All About Love" (Romance), Diamond Groove pictures, retrieved 2024-12-16
  23. ^ Omotoso, Akin (2017-09-01), "A Hotel Called Memory" (Drama), Temple Productions, retrieved 2024-12-16
  24. ^ "100 Women: Nomzamo Mbatha Wants Black Women to Know That They "Don't Have to Be Polite"". Okayafrica.com. 23 March 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  25. ^ Sowetan Live (27 February 2018). "Nomzamo Mbatha gets hands on as UN refugee ambassador in Kenya". SowetanLIVE. Sowetan Live south Africa. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  26. ^ "Nomzamo slays at the African Movie Academy Awards". Johannesburg: Channel 24 South Africa. 13 June 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  27. ^ "Nomzamo Mbatha nominated for AMAA!". Daily Sun cut. 2 June 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  28. ^ Catherine Wachiaya (28 January 2019). "Nomzamo Mbatha becomes UNHCR's newest Goodwill Ambassador". UNHCR. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  29. ^ Nelly Mhlanga (23 October 2019). "Nomzamo Mbatha made an honorary member of the Golden Key Society". ZambiaNews365. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  30. ^ Vikilahle, Luthando (2024-12-08). "Introducing all the #MOTY2024 honourees". GQ South Africa. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  31. ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (2025-05-07). "Nomzamo Mbatha channels African elegance in MmusoMaxwell for the Met Gala". Daily News. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  32. ^ "Nomzamo Mbatha named first African brand ambassador for Creme of Nature". Bizcommunity. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  33. ^ Mokhesi, Tokelo (2024-12-09). "Nomzamo Mbatha shares heartfelt message with award-winning Rele Mofokeng" (in en-ZA). FARPost. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  34. ^ Birjalal, Alyssia (2024-06-13). "Look: Nominees for the 11th Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela Film and Television Awards revealed". Independent Online. Retrieved 2024-07-20.
  35. ^ Ferreira, Thinus (2024-09-05). "2024's SAFTA nominations announced: See all the dominators and new categories at this year's event" (in en-ZA). South Africa: News24. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  36. ^ Ferreira, Thinus (2024-10-26). "18 SAFTAs full winners list: Shaka iLembe crowned king with 12 wins" (in en-ZA). South Africa: News24. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  37. ^ Khanyile, Nokuthula (2024-10-01). "SA's 2024 National Film and Television Awards: Lawrence Maleka leads nominations list with four nods" (in en-ZA). South Africa: News24. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  38. ^ "Best of local talent named at the National Film &TV Awards South Africa 2024". Bizcommunity. 2024-11-11. Retrieved 2025-04-06.
  39. ^ Maako, Keitumetse. "'I've grown': Zamani Mbatha on working with big sis Nomzamo in 'riveting' Shaka iLembe S2". News24. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  40. ^ Zwane-Ejike, Nokuthula. "Nomzamo Mbatha opens up about life in Hollywood and what it was like making an action movie with Bruce Willis". News24. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  41. ^ Nkonki, Anita (2024-12-10). "Nomzamo Mbatha on balancing a dazzling career with summer skincare secrets". IOL. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  42. ^ Sibiya, Sibongumenzi. "Nomzamo Mbatha reveals all!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  43. ^ Nyhaba, Theo. "'Nomzamo and Jessica split over Khaya'". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  44. ^ Digital, Drum. "Jessica Nkosi and Nomzamo Mbatha working together on yet another show". News24. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  45. ^ "'I've never dated Khaya' says Jessica Nkosi". News24. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  46. ^ "Nomzamo Mbatha and Maps Maponyane split' cheating rumours emerge" (in en-ZA). SowetanLIVE. Archived 2023-12-11 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  47. ^ Magadla, Mahlohonolo. "Nomzamo Mbatha and Maps Maponyane react to cheating allegations". News24. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  48. ^ Rose, Lily (2020-03-16). "Nomzamo Mbatha threatens to 'expose' Maps Maponyane". The Citizen. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
  49. ^ "Nomzamo Mbatha: 'Maps Maponyane, you made your bed. Lie in it'". IOL. 2020-03-13. Retrieved 2025-06-22.