Top 5 SA Actors Who Play Gangster Roles To Perfection

It is without a doubt that South Africa has some of the most talented actors. People who act good enough to have you convinced that they are like that in real life, which is never the case.

Most films they have made in South Africa tend to portray the gangster Kasi life. We have Tsosti, Jerusalema,Namba Namba to name a few. The actors they usually cast to play roles of the bad guys just do it soo well, it is no wonder some of these movie dramas are internationally recognised.

Here we present you with the best male actors that play the gangster roles to perfection :

1.Israel Matseke Zulu

An actor, poet, singer and dancer. He was born in the township Alexandra. He has appeared in quite a number of South African drama series, films and Theatre plays. In real life, Israel was involved in criminal activities that led to two arrests, first one when he was 14 and the second one in 1996 where he was sentenced 8 years in prison. He was released in 1999. He made a name for himself while in prison and realised his passion for acting. He got a chance to audition for a role in Yizo Yizo which he got. Years went by his talent was recognised and he has been in Gaz’lam, Zbondiwe, Isibaya, Namba Namba, Jerusalema to name a few.

2.Ronnie Nyakale

The man most of us came to know from a drama series ‘A Place Called Home’ as Sylvester. Ronnie was born in Soweto and is now known for his role in Generations as Cosmo. He appeared in Umlazi Gangster, Rhythm City, Namba Namba, and Jerusalema amongst others.

3.Bongani Maseko

Even though he appeared in Yizo Yizo , most of us knew him from Zone 14 where he played the gangster character Sledge.He often appear in Generations- The Legacy as Jack Mabaso’s side kick or hitman. Bongani was born in Soweto. He was involved in various crime activities that led to his arrest at the age of 17 where he served 6 years in prison. He discovered his passion for acting while in prison. He has made appearance in 4 Play:Sex Tips For Girls, Zbondiwe, Boom & TT and Intersexions.

4.Mduduzi Mabaso

famously known for his character as a gangster on a et.v soap opera Rhythm City, Suffocate. He has made appearance in a whole lot of films and drama series mostly portraying the role of a gangster. He won an award for Best Supporting Actor in Rhythm City at the 3rd SAFTAs. He’s been to Zone 14, A Place Called Home, Yizo Yizo 2, Justice 4 All, Soul City and Heartlines. Has done a lot of theatre plays included Cry The Beloved Country. Appeared in Movies, Blood Diamond, Hotel Rwanda, Catch A Fire and The Stickfighter.

5.Menzi Ngubane

Almost everyone that knows him forgets his real name and call him by the character name he portrayed in Generations, Sbusiso Dlomo aka Ngamla. Menzi was born in Ladysmith and has made appearance in numerous South African films, soapies and dramas often playing the role of a cold-hearted criminal legend but not all the time. His formal acting career debuted on an old drama series ‘Kwakhala Nyonini’ where he played Cijimpi. Then followed other opportunities, he appeared in Yizo Yizo, Ashes to Ashes, Heist, Gold Diggers and How To Steal Two Million.