Bonga won the Best New Actor award at the 2024 Simon Mabunu Sabela KZN Film and TV Awards.
Budding talent Bonga Mhlongo attributes much of his success to his supportive parents and renowned film director Tumelo Lekena.
At just 13 years old, this young actor has already achieved critical acclaim both at home and abroad. Father's Day.
In the film, Bonga plays Alake, a 12-year-old boy raised by a single mother who discovers an unexpected truth when he goes against his mother's wishes to find the father he has never met.
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Learn from the best
talk The CitizenBonga reflected on how the film influenced his career.
“During filming Father's Day“I was very confident, but I didn't know the impact it would have,” he said.
Bonga is the Mzansi Magic Magayenalongside veteran actors such as Kabonina Kubheka, Themba Ndaba and Sdumo Mtshali, to name a few.
He said the opportunity to work with these esteemed actors taught him the importance of humility and continuous improvement.
“My parents always told me to stay humble. I am really lucky to have learned this important aspect of life from them. They taught me that no matter how good I get, I should continue to hone my skills and never stop working,” Bonga said.
Bonga attributes much of his success to his family. Father's Day Directed by: Tumelo Requena.
“The key to my success is my mum, my dad and Tumelo Lequena who opened the doors for me. He is a great coach and all the awards I have received are from him. Father's DayYou can see how excellent he is.
“My family also plays an important role in my preparation. I often rehearse my lines with them and act out different parts to get into the role. Usually, it takes me around 30 minutes to an hour to prepare for a scene and once I'm ready, I have all the words memorized.”
Bonga on juggling school and stardom
Now a freshman in high school this year, the young actor is successfully balancing his career and studies.
The Grade 8 student said the school is well aware of his acting work and is helping him keep up with his studies.
“When I'm acting, it doesn't take up much time, so I don't forget about my schoolwork as much. Plus, I have people who send me my homework and my teachers know I'm an actor, so it makes my life easier.”
His parents are similarly committed to helping him maintain a healthy balance between his professional and personal life.
Hugh Mhlongo and Khetiwe Kubheka said they were both proud and supportive of their son's success.
“We are very excited and support him fully. We believe God has a plan for him and will guide him.”
His family has been actively involved in his career, often attending script readings and helping him get into character.
“Bonga keeps us busy with a tight schedule but we are not complaining.
“For acting roles, we usually sit down with him and read the script and help him get the right emotions. Sometimes the whole family gets involved.”
Other passions and accolades
Apart from acting, Bonga is also a perfectionist and excels in other hobbies such as chess, football and go-karting.
But the journey has not been without difficulties. His parents recalled an emotional moment when he was hesitant to enrol at university. Father's Day audition.
“He was in tears and absolutely Father's Day He didn't audition. But when he came out of the audition room, he was so excited he said, 'I clicked with the director. I got the lead role.'”
Looking to the future, his parents hope he will continue to be successful both locally and internationally.
They are optimistic about an increased international role, especially given their global success. Father's Day.
“At the nomination ceremony, esteemed actress Deli Malinga Umukoka: Curse“She said, 'This is our South African Denzel Washington.' I don't think she knew how honored we were, but it meant a lot to us.”
“Bonga's success has brought the family together. We have made it a tradition to celebrate his achievements with all our relatives. Be it nominations or awards, we celebrate everything and my family is very supportive.”
For other young aspiring actors, Bonga's advice is straightforward.
“First, find an agent. When you're starting out, nobody knows you. An agent can help you find work. If that's your dream, go after it, but don't forget to talk to God, too.”
Bonga's awards include Best Actor at the Global Non-Violent Film Festival, Best Actor (Short Film) at the Griff Garden Route International Film Festival and most recently Best New Actor at the Simon Mabunu Sabela KZN Film and TV Awards.
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