Mpilo Mbatha Bids Farewell to Homecoming's Shobane Mnisi After Best Actor Nomination
- South African actor Mpilo Mbatha shared a heartfelt tribute to his Homecoming character, Shobane Mnisi, as the role came to an end
- The role earned Mbatha his first-ever Best Actor nomination at the National Film and Television Awards
- Fans and co-stars flooded his Instagram with emotional farewell messages for the beloved character
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Source: Instagram
South African actor Mpilo Mbatha has officially said goodbye to Shobane Mnisi, the character he played on the soap opera Homecoming, sharing a deeply personal tribute on Instagram alongside a clip from the show. The farewell post quickly resonated with fans and industry peers, partly because of what the role has meant for his rising career.
Mbatha's 1st Best Actor nod
Mbatha, who holds a degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, reflected on how quickly his life has shifted since graduating just two years ago. In his Instagram post, he described the surreal experience of going from student life to inhabiting other people's stories professionally, calling it "absolute bliss." He expressed deep gratitude for the time he's had, writing that in the years he has been given, life has treated him remarkably well. He also shared that he's told his brother that if anything were to happen to him, he would go peacefully, having truly lived and felt everything.
The role of Shobane earned Mbatha his first nomination for Best Actor at the @nationalfilmandtvawards, which he acknowledged with visible pride. Despite still finding his footing in the industry, he described the reception from audiences and colleagues as "nothing short of celestial," and thanked those who welcomed him with warmth.
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He also took a moment to thank director and collaborator @lulu_hela for the opportunity, as well as his fellow cast members on Homecoming for the respect they showed him throughout production.
The clip itself, airing on a channel with a Monday to Friday 6:30 PM slot, captures some of the tense and emotionally layered scenes that defined Shobane's arc across several domestic settings.
Cast and fans react
The farewell moved many in his corner, with co-stars and admirers flooding the comments.
@lulu_hela wrote:
"SHOBANSKY!!! It was such a blessing working with you, Mpilo. Your talent, the way you treat others, umoya wakho - I pray UNkulunkulu avule bigger doors for you. Congrats on this nomination, it's only the beginning!!!"
@obonolo_matape said:
"Shobansky, what a stellar performance, brother. You see the part where you broke the door while trying to enter, then you fell got me laughing so much, even though I was annoyed with your behaviour. Onwards and upwards."
@temarsibisi_wrote:
"We will miss your character, Kephana Mnisi. Congratulations, you outdid yourself, man. Akube ngulokuhle empilweni."
@dj.l_star_ added:
"Congratulations, Malume! You absolutely nailed this role! The Best Actor nomination is so well deserved. You brought this character to life beautifully, and I'm so proud of you!"
@sbudangwale kept it short and celebratory:
"Congratulations, Shobansky."
Shaka iLembe scoops awards
In a previous report from Briefly News, Shaka iLembe leads the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards with 17 nominations, as its stars all compete across acting categories in Durban.
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Source: Briefly News
