After just one year on television, Eswatini actor Manqoba Khumalo is already earning recognition beyond the country’s borders, securing a nomination for Best Newcomer at the National Film and Television Awards (NFTA) South Africa.
Khumalo’s nomination comes on the back of his performance as Junior Nkosi in the television series Emzini: A Family Legacy, marking an important step in his journey in an industry where breaking through requires both talent and perseverance.
The recognition places him among the emerging performers attracting attention in South Africa’s film and television landscape, offering a promising start to his acting career.
For the actor, the nomination represents more than a place on an awards list. It is an affirmation of the work he has put into establishing himself on screen, particularly as he navigates the early stages of his career.
Having entered television only a year ago, Khumalo sees the recognition as motivation to continue pushing himself and developing his craft.
“This is only my first year on television, so being recognised as one of the Best Newcomers of the Year means the world to me,” he said, describing the nomination as a testament to his hard work and his first industry recognition for a performance.
Beyond the personal milestone, Khumalo’s achievement brings attention to the possibilities available to Swati creatives seeking opportunities in the region’s competitive entertainment industry.
His nomination underscores the importance of creating space for local talent to grow, gain visibility and compete alongside performers from established television markets.
As he celebrates the milestone, Khumalo is also calling on the public to play a role in his awards journey.
He confirmed the nomination this week and encouraged supporters to cast their votes through the official NFTA South Africa voting platform, noting that voting is free.
The actor’s message to aspiring creatives is equally direct: pursuing a dream requires personal commitment, even when external support is not immediately forthcoming.
“I’d say to someone who is afraid of pursuing their dreams that the truth is you have to force people to care about your dream, because if you don’t care enough others won’t support you,” he said.
For Khumalo, the nomination is an early career milestone that signals the possibilities ahead.
As he continues to build his presence in television, the recognition offers an opportunity to showcase Swati talent to a wider audience while encouraging other aspiring actors to pursue their ambitions with conviction.
