SK Original Gives ‘Shaka iLembe’ Actor Thembinkosi Mthembu Cracked Glass Portrait, Impresses SA

• SK Original, an artist from Polokwane, gave actor Thembinkosi Mthembu a cracked glass portrait of himself
• The portrait showed Thembinkosi as King Dingiswayo, a character he played in Mzansi Magic's Shaka iLembe
• South African social media users loved the artwork and told SK Original how great an artist he was

Polokwane-based artist SK Original, real name Sandile Kgaphola, shared his latest work of art made of cracked glass. The lucky recipient of a portrait was none other than actor Thembinkosi Mthembu.

On 22 August, 2025, SK Original uploaded a clip on his TikTok account showing him handing over the artwork to Thembinkosi. The portrait portrayed the actor as King Dingiswayo, a character he played in Shaka iLembe, which aired on M-Net's channel Mzansi Magic. The show retells the story of King Shaka and the Zulu Kingdom.

On 27 July, 2025, audiences bade the king farewell after Thembinkosi played him for two seasons on the show.

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Thembinkosi was all smiles when he received the portrait, showing off his deep dimples.

Mzansi loves SK Original's latest artwork

The viral video, which received over 2.2 million views since its publication, had many local members of the online community taking to the comment section in awe. Many people wished the artist much success and praised his unique talent.

@siya_white told social media users:

"This gent portrayed the character of King Dingiswayo quite well."

@tiktoker_za said to SK Original:

"You nailed it, my brother. I bet the actor himself would cry if you were to keep the portrait."

@nashabangu26 wrote in the comment section:

"Talent lakho mtana ka God. You make me proud to be South African. Keep up the good work, God bless you even more."

@jazzydeeman laughed and stated under the post:

"When someone does such wonderful art, no discount must be asked."

@nandipha.mini2 added in the comments:

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"Wow, this is gorgeous. What a way to commemorate our beloved king."

@taque618 shared with people on the internet:

"This would look so dope on a tombstone. I'm sure it would cost me 1.5 drillion for a portrait of my late mother."

@officialsbu.zuma was impressed with the work and wrote to the Polokwane artist:

"They should put your work in an art gallery. This is a piece of art."

@rosemahlatse6 wanted all the success for the young man, writing:

"I hope they're paying, or bringing more clients. There's nothing for mahala."

Take a look at the portrait in the TikTok video below:

3 other stories about SK Original's art

• In another article, Briefly News reported that the artist gave Chris Brown a portrait after the controversial singer performed at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.
• South Africa's amapiano star Kabza De Small was also a recipient of a cracked glass portrait of himself. Fans and followers were impressed with the amazing work displayed on Instagram.
• In 2023, SK Original gifted Somizi Mhlongo his signature cracked glass portrait. The former Idols SA judge couldn't help but sing his praises when he presented the art.

Source: Briefly News