The veteran actress recently won the Simon Mabunu Sabela KZN Film and TV Awards.
With a career spanning decades, Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones is one of the titans of South Africa's entertainment industry.
Recognised for her exceptional contributions across theatre, television and music, Dr Mutsohali Jones recently won the Best Supporting Actress (Film) award at the 2024 Simon Mabunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards.
She has received numerous lifetime achievement awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Durban and the Province of KwaZulu-Natal in 2009 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arts and Culture Trust in 2015.
talk CitizenDr Mutsohali Jones said he was grateful for these accolades as they reaffirmed to him that his contributions are recognised and significant.
“This recognition means that everything I have been a part of and worked hard for has been worthwhile. There was a time when I acted in stories that could have landed me in prison, but I had no choice. Everyone is on a mission to fight for freedom and art is no exception.”
“I've been through so much in my life, but some of those difficult experiences have been made worthwhile because this honor reflects that I am recognized, that my contributions matter, and that the world is hopefully a better place because I'm in it. It humbles me and inspires me,” she added.
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A career spanning decades
After several international tours with musical shows, Dr Mutsohali Jones returned to South Africa in 1987 and began a new chapter in his career by joining the Market Theatre.
She said her involvement with Market Theatre had allowed her to explore different aspects of creativity, including scriptwriting, and deepened her appreciation of the arts.
“The great thing about being at the Market Theatre back then was that it allowed me to branch out into the realm of writing. Being a playwright and co-writer allows me to understand the creative process from a different perspective when creating a world for my characters to live in. As you can imagine, it deepened my understanding of good writing,” she said.
Dr Mutsohari Jones eventually landed one of her most significant on-screen roles. Sugudhi Sunaisi.
The first episode of the sitcom aired in January 1989, with the actress playing the character of Toko.
She said one of the highlights for her was hearing the late Nelson Mandela tell her how much he enjoyed the show.
She added: “It shows how important what we do is.” Sugudhi Sunaisi was an iconic show, and I, and the other cast members, never imagined that the show's popularity would take us from being regular actors working on set to not being able to go to the mall.
“South Africans fell in love with Sdumo's light-hearted stories and his antics that made people laugh. Our country has been through a lot of trauma and this show allowed people to see themselves reflected on screen.”
Since then, the actress has played a number of iconic characters, including playing Madiba's mother. Wooden CameraHazel Stokes FellSimelani said: Cape of Good Hope Mandlov Bhengu Imbeu.
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Beyond acting
Dr Mutsokhari Jones' music career began before her acting career, with her breakthrough performance in a groundbreaking musical. Ipi Tombi In the 70s she became a leading actress playing the role of Mama Thembu.
and Ipi TombiShe has been able to tour all over the world, including on Broadway.
“On tour Ipi Tombi It was a life-changing event because for a young black woman at that time, she would never have had the opportunity to do that outside of the arts.
“What I remember most is performing on an international stage and gaining confidence as an artist. Theatre is the biggest gym for an actor, so my experience in that production really helped me grow and broaden.”
She later moved to the United States to further her music career, where she met legendary popular musicians such as the late Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela.
“My connection, love and respect for Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba is very special. Working with them I have learnt that music is a powerful activism tool that has an international resonance,” she said.
Dr Mtshali Jones said growing up in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, he was surrounded by the community's rich cultural traditions, which strengthened his love for the creative arts, particularly music.
“Growing up in Umlazi, I think my love for all things creative, especially music, started at an early age when I would sing in school concerts.
“I come from a singing family, so music has always been in my blood. Like any other black family, we grew up singing and it was a part of our lives.”
Dr. Thembi Mtshali-Jones' current projects
She said she recently finished filming an international movie and will be heading to North Carolina soon.
“I'm going to be performing in a theatre production at the International Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina, which I'm honored to have been invited to do. I've also just finished shooting an international film. I'm fortunate to be involved in projects that allow me to use my talents.”
The veteran actress said she wants artists to be involved in profiting from the art business.
She added: “I hope that together we and other countries can tell powerful stories and help our people to come alive and celebrate themselves even more.”
“Young artists should never underestimate the power of their story. They live in the information age, so they have access to every opportunity and can use it to compete on the world stage. Keep reinventing yourself and don't focus on one piece of work. You might be surprised by your potential.”
“I want to be remembered as a tenacious woman who never gave up and was always focused on her goal. This is a tough job. It's not always rosy,” Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones said.
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