Hlengiwe Lushaba’s story: From early life to acting success

Hlengiwe Lushaba is one of the few extraordinarily talented South African ladies. She is a renowned actress and choreographer known for playing Khethiwe in Mzansi’s Gaz'lam (2005) drama television series. What else would you love to know about her?

Key takeaways

• Portrayed Khethiwe in the SABC1 drama series "Gaz'lam" and appeared in "Tjovitjo" (2017).
• Married with four children—three daughters and one son
• Her mother, Khosi Lushaba, is a pastor and counsellor.

Hlengiwe Lushaba's profile summary

Hlengiwe Lushaba's bio

Hlengiwe Lushaba's age is 42 as of 2025. She was born in KwaMashu, Durban, South Africa, on April 3, 1982. Her mother, Khosi Lushaba, is a pastor and counsellor, while her deceased father was an iJuba rep South African preacher and businessman.

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The actress posted the following emotional message thanking her mother,

"Hello, Dear Friends!!!! Tomorrow I am 38 years God willing... Thanks to this woman next to me who has given me unconditional love and life, expecting nothing in return so I ask that instead of sending me well wishes and messages, you instead send her messages of gratitude on my behalf.

I would appreciate that very much and this gesture would very much warm my heart... Her name is Mama Khosi Lushaba. I thank you all in advance."

Lushaba was brought up in a religious family. Most of the time, she actively participated in church activities. Growing up, Hlengiwe aspired to become a television personality, top actress, and one of the most famous musicians.

Her musical dream was inspired by Cindy Lauper, a prosperous American singer and songwriter. Fortunately, some of her dreams came to pass, and that is how she rose to stardom.

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Hlengiwe Lushaba's education

Apart from being beautiful and gifted, Lushaba is an intellectual woman. Between 1987 and 1993, she went to Daluxolo Primary School, Gezinsila, and Whetstone Primary Grade, Durban.

She started her secondary schooling in 1994 at Our Lady of Fatima High School in Durban and finished in 1998 with her diploma. She completed her education at Durban University of Technology, formerly Natal Technikon and won the FNB Vita Award for Most Promising Dancer in 2002.

Career

The talented actress and singer has had a successful career journey, inspiring and touching many lives. She is one of the people who helped start The Plat4orm, an alternative cultural place in Johannesburg. She also worked with Alain Buffard on Baron Samedi and Princess Mhlongo on Trapped.

Hlengiwe Lushaba's TV shows and movies

Lushaba is best known for her role as Khethiwe in the SABC1 drama series "Gaz'lam," where she featured in 26 episodes. She also starred in Tjovitjo (2017) and reportedly played a minor role in District 9 (2009).

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Hlengiwe Lushaba has also appeared in TVSA on television series such as "Intersexions" (Season 2) and "My Brother's Keeper," where she portrayed the character MaMchunu.

The South African singer has performed in Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world. Some of her popular theatre performances include:

• Sacrament
• Here's to that, that remains unremembered
• It’s not over until the Fit Phat Fat Lady sings
• Far From the Madding Crowd
• African Queens
• Curl up and Dye
• Lost in the Stars
• And the Girls in their Sunday Dresses
• The Story I’m About to Tell
• Hairspray
• Highway to Heaven Paradise Road – a simple tale of colonial exploitation
• Gogo and Big Sister
• In the End is My Beginning
• Modus Vivendi
• Sophiatown
• Music in the Air

Awards

Hlengiwe Lushaba-Madlala, a distinguished South African actress and choreographer, has been recognized with several awards throughout her career. They include,

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• Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Dance (2006): This prestigious accolade was awarded for her choreographic work "Ziyakhipha... come dance with us," which was showcased at the National Arts Main Festival.
• Gauteng MEC Award for Outstanding Original Work (2006): Following the success of "Ziyakhipha... come dance with us," she received this award in recognition of her outstanding original choreography.
• FNB Vita Award for Most Promising Female Dancer (2002): Early in her career, Lushaba-Madlala was honoured with this award, highlighting her potential and talent in dance.

She has received notable nominations such as;

• Naledi Award Nomination for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical: This nomination recognized her exceptional role in "Letters of Hope."
• SAFTA Golden Horn Nomination for Best Supporting Actress - Telenovela (2024): Lushaba-Madlala was nominated for her performance in "My Brother's Keeper."

Is Hlengiwe Lushaba married?

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Hlengiwe is married. Her full name includes "Madlala," which she adopted after marriage. Details about her husband and personal life are not widely publicized. However, she has posted some photos with her spouse on Instagram.

The couple is blessed with four kids, three daughters and one son. Their first child was born in 2001, and the last one in 2011.

Hlengiwe Lushaba Madlala was born in Durban but now lives and works in Johannesburg. She puts African identity and dignity at the centre of her work, which challenges and breaks down stereotypes because she believes art can change society.

Briefly.co.za recently published a detailed biography of Thomas Mlambo, from his broadcasting success to life off-screen. The South African sportscaster has worked for Africa's top sports entities, SuperSport and SABC Sport. Follow the above link for more about Mlambo.

Source: Briefly News