Thami Mbongo


Thami Mbongo is a South African actor, theatre director, educator, drama facilitator and poet. He is best known for his role as Moses Gumede in the e.tv soccer drama series Shooting Stars and for his extensive work in community theatre.

Early life and education

Mbongo was born in Mbekweni, a township in Paarl, Western Cape. He attended Langabuya Primary School and matriculated from Desmond Mpilo Tutu High School in 1997. In 1998, he enrolled at the Community Arts Project in Cape Town, now known as the Arts and Media Access Centre. From 1999 to 2001, he pursued a Performer’s diploma in Speech and Drama at the University of Cape Town.

Career

Television and film

Mbongo began his acting career with a KFC commercial titled Ayavaya Amafong Kong that aired on SABC in 2001 and 2002. He gained national recognition for his portrayal of Moses Gumede in the e.tv soccer drama series Shooting Stars. His television credits also include appearances in Madam & Eve, Khululeka, Interrogation Room, Stokvel, Mazinyo Dot Q, and Black Butterflies.

Theatre

Mbongo is a stage actor and director. His theatre credits include performances in A Plague of Heroes, Karoo Moose, The Tempest, King Lear, and The Trojan Women. He has directed numerous productions and workshops, focusing on developing young and emerging talent in community-based theatre. In 2024, he directed the Zwakala Festival at the Market Theatre, one of South Africa’s premier platforms for grassroots theatre.

Awards