8 Interesting Facts About Shaka iLembe’s Mpilo Mbatha (Mzilikazi)

8 Interesting Facts About Shaka iLembe’s Mpilo Mbatha (Mzilikazi). Mpilo Mbatha is one of the most talented upcoming actors we have here in South Africa. He has shown massive talent on the couple of shows he has been cast on. Learn more abut him from the facts below.

1. Mpilo Mbatha is a young man of 23 years. On the 3rd of November, he will be 24 years of age.

2. Many got to know him from his supporting role as Michael on The Estate. The storyline revolved around Echelon Estate, a suburban community. Unfortunately, there was a land claim against the estate from the Thembalethu dwellers, the neighboring township community. This made the residents feel less and less secure. As a result, issues of identity and heritage became usual every day.

3. In 2023, Mpilo introduced his new role of Melusi on The River. The character was a young, strong Zulu man raised by Bangizwe (Siyabonga Thwala), and he would do anything for him. It was also a supporting role.

4. In 2024, the talented Mpilo bagged the recurring of Khaya Bhoza in Showmax’s Empini. He stars alongside the likes of Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, Siyanbonga Thwala, Sparky Xulu, Sello Motloung, Amahle Khumalo, Terrence Ngwila, Neo Ntlatleng, Angela Sithole and Sandile Mahlangu.

5. Currently he stars as Dr Shobane Mnisi on Homecoming. The new Mzansi Wethu telenovela has replaced Sibongile & The Dlaminis which came to an end on Wednesday 23 July.

6. His most iconic role will be that of playing King Mzilikazi kaMashobane on Shaka iLembe. This was his first audition ever, and as expected, Mpilo was nervous. He had to do an improvised scene before Mr Angus Gibson, Nomzamo Mbatha, Desiree Markgraaff, crew members, directors and producers of Shaka Ilembe. Just before Mr Gibson could call “action!”, Mpilo asked for a moment to assemble his father’s ancestors.

7. In the recent episode, Mzilikazi, king of the Khumalo, laid down his spear, bent the knee, and told King Shaka that he is prepared to join him. This came after his father, Mashobane, chief of the Khumalo died by the hand of his father-in-law, Zwide, and Mzilikazi in turn fled to the protection of Shaka.

8. Mpilo is quite private about his personal life, and puts his energy into his craft as an actor. Nothing about his love life, family life or recreation is shared on his social media.