Zenzo Ngqobe’s journey in film and television: From local roles to international acclaim
Zenzo Ngqobe is a renowned South African actor known for his powerful performances. He gained fame for his role as Butcher in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi. His ability to fully embody his characters has made him one of the most respected talents in the local film industry.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Zenzo Ngqobe's career spans both local and international productions.
- His consistent performances have earned him recognition as one of South Africa’s most respected film and television stars.
- He can speak multiple languages, including Setswana, English, and Afrikaans.
Profile summary
Name | Zenzo Ngqobe |
Gender | Male |
Date of birth | September 8, 1983 |
Age | 42 years (as of 2025) |
Zodiac sign | Virgo |
Hair colour | Black |
Eye colour | Black |
Languages | Setswana, English, Afrikaans |
Nationality | South African |
Ethnicity | African |
Height | 5 feet and 3 inches (1.6m) |
Occupation | Actor, director, and producer |
Who is Zenzo Ngqobe?
Zenzo Ngqobe is a talented South African actor known for his powerful performances in film and television. He rose to fame for playing Butcher in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi.
His strong screen presence and emotional depth have earned him praise both locally and internationally.
Where was Zenzo Ngqobe born?
Zenzo Ngqobe's home town is Mafikeng in the North West of South Africa. Not much is known about the South African actor’s childhood.
Who are Zenzo Ngqobe's parents?
Little is known about Ngqobe's parents. The actor prefers to keep his personal life away from the public eye.
What is Zenzo Ngqobe known for?
Zenzo Ngqobe is a celebrated actor known for his powerful performances in film and television. He first gained attention for his role as Butcher in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi (2005). This story is praised for bringing South African talent to the global stage.
However, he became a household name for portraying Stone Khuse in the popular e.tv drama Rhythm City. The role showcased his ability to express deep emotion and vulnerability, earning him wide recognition across the country.
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Over the years, Zenzo has developed a reputation for portraying intense and layered characters. His acting style combines natural realism with a strong emotional presence. This has made him one of the most respected actors in South African entertainment.
He has appeared in several acclaimed productions that explore social issues, identity, and personal struggle.
Beyond Rhythm City, Zenzo has continued to shine on television and in film. He starred in The River, a popular 1Magic telenovela, where he played the role of Percy. The show’s gripping plot and strong cast allowed him to further display his versatility.
He later appeared in The Wife, a Showmax original series inspired by the Hlomu book series, where his performance once again impressed audiences.
Who is Stone from Rhythm City?
Stone Khuse from Rhythm City is one of Zenzo Ngqobe’s most iconic roles. The character was introduced as a young man facing life’s challenges in the fast-paced world of love, music, and family conflict.
Through Stone, Zenzo portrayed complex emotions such as betrayal, ambition, and redemption. His performance resonated deeply with viewers, solidifying his place as one of South Africa’s leading television stars.
Even years after he departed from the show, fans continue to remember him for the authenticity he brought to the role.
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What movies has Zenzo Ngqobe been in?
His debut major role came in Tsotsi (2005), which won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He went on to appear in Blood Diamond (2006), acting alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, gaining international exposure.
Other Zenzo Ngqobe’s movies include;
- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)
- The Forgotten Kingdom (2013)
- Queen Sono (2020)
- Kings of Jo’Burg
Through his consistent performances across film and television, Zenzo Ngqobe has become one of South Africa’s most respected actors. His dedication to storytelling and his ability to embody complex characters continue to inspire both audiences and fellow artists in the industry.
He spoke about his love for movies compared to dramas, saying,
For me, daily shows only make sense for monthly paycheck but I am mostly interested in making movies.
What awards has Zenzo Ngqobe won?
Here are some awards and nominations that the actor has won or been nominated for:
- International Black & Diversity Film Festival (Toronto, Canada) - Best Actor (International Film). Won for his lead role (as Kebakile) in the short film Partly Cloudy & Hot.
- SAFTA (South African Film and Television Awards) - Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovel, Nominated for his work in The River.
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Is Zenzo Ngqobe married?
There are mixed reports about Zenzo Ngqobe’s wife and his marital status. The Tsotsi actor once found love in Nokuthula Ledwaba, who is also in the film industry and is widely known for her role in Rhythm City. Their relationship began in 2008, but it is unclear whether they ever had an official marriage ceremony.
In 2012, Zenzo Ngqobe and Nokuthula Ledwaba went their separate ways. The breakup reportedly affected the actor deeply, and he even stopped attending work for a while due to stress. The exact reasons behind their separation have never been made public.
Zenzo Ngqobe's net worth
The exact figure of Zenzo Ngqobe’s net worth is unknown. However, he has built a stable career in the South African entertainment industry. His income mainly comes from acting in both television and film productions.
Facts about Zenzo Ngqobe
- Zenzo Ngqobe was born on 8 September 1983 in Mafikeng, North West, South Africa.
- He gained early fame from his role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi (2005).
- He is best known on television for playing Stone Khuse in Rhythm City (2007–2012).
- Zenzo was featured in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013).
- He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2019 SAFTA Awards for The River.
- He won Best Actor – International Film at the International Black & Diversity Film Festival in Toronto for Partly Cloudy & Hot.
- Has written and performed rap songs and composed music for campaigns and events, including the 2013 African Cup of Nations.
Zenzo Ngqobe has indeed shaken the film industry with his spot-on characters. Although it was his childhood dream to become a pilot, he has come to love acting. He is talented, and his fans would like to see him on our TV screens more.
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Source: Briefly News
Cindy Karimi Cindy K. Karimi is a content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Kenyatta University studying Records Management and IT in 2021. Cindy has been with Briefly since 2020, covering content, mainly celebrity biographies and list articles. Cindy is a dog lover and enjoys hiking, swimming and jogging. Tel: +254710217889
Sharon Boit (Lifestyle writer) Sharon J. Boit is a creative writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She began her career as a project manager and researcher at the Center for Urban Research and Innovations, University of Nairobi. Sharon has written articles and blog posts for MSN News, Ihamba Adventures, and Industry Biz. She joined Briefly.co.za as a Lifestyle Writer in October 2024, covering entertainment, sports, education, and finance. You can reach Sharon J. Boit by email at boit@gmail.com.
