This week, CNN’s African Voices Changemakers takes a look into the life of one of the continent’s most luminous stars: Nomzamo Mbatha.
In an exclusive interview with anchor Larry Madowo, the South African actress, producer, and humanitarian shares a candid look at her meteoric rise from KwaMashu to Hollywood. Set against the breathtaking, ancient backdrop of the Cradle of Humankind outside Johannesburg, the setting serves as a powerful metaphor for Mbatha’s own journey—one rooted in deep ancestral history while reaching toward a global future.
A central focus of the conversation is the cultural juggernaut Shaka iLembe. Mbatha, who both stars in and executive produces the series, discusses the weight of responsibility that comes with portraying Southern African history.
Mbatha provides an insider’s look at the filming of the final season, explaining how the show aims to reclaim the Zulu narrative.
She highlights how the series has resonated across the continent, proving that African audiences are hungry for high-production epics that reflect their own heritage.
Mbatha’s transition to the international scene hasn’t been a matter of luck, but of meticulous grit. She reflects on her breakout role in Coming 2 America and the “culture shock” of navigating the Hollywood machine. However, she makes it clear that while her zip code may change, her identity remains firmly planted in South African soil.
“It’s not just about being on a global stage; it’s about what you bring to that stage from home,” Mbatha notes during the program.
Perhaps most poignant is Mbatha’s discussion of her humanitarian work. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, her commitment to advocacy is not a side project—it is her “why.”
She speaks passionately about her work with refugees and her focus on girl-child education.
The “Changemaker” Spirit: Mbatha explains that IMDb credits will not measure her legacy, but by the doors she opens for the next generation of African creatives and leaders.
