Thami Mbongo (born 29 January 1979) is a South African actor, theatre director, educator, drama facilitator and poet. He is best known for his role as Moses Gumede in the e.tv soccer drama series "Shooting Stars" and for his extensive work in community theatre.
Early life and education.
Mbongo was born in Mbekweni, a township in Paarl, Western Cape. He attended Langabuya Primary School and matriculated from Desmond Mpilo Tutu High School in 1997. In 1998, he enrolled at the Community Arts Project (CAP) in Cape Town, now known as the Arts and Media Access Centre (AMAC). From 1999 to 2001, he pursued a Performer’s diploma in Speech and Drama at the University of Cape Town.
Career.
Television and film.
Mbongo began his acting career with a KFC commercial titled Ayavaya Amafong Kong that aired on SABC in 2001 and 2002. He gained national recognition for his portrayal of Moses Gumede in the e.tv soccer drama series Shooting Stars. His television credits also include appearances in "Madam & Eve", Khululeka, Interrogation Room, Stokvel, Mazinyo Dot Q, and "Black Butterflies".
Theatre.
Mbongo is a stage actor and director. His theatre credits include performances in A Plague of Heroes, "Karoo Moose", "The Tempest", "King Lear", and "The Trojan Women". He has directed numerous productions and workshops, focusing on developing young and emerging talent in community-based theatre. In 2024, he directed the Zwakala Festival at the Market Theatre, one of South Africa’s premier platforms for grassroots theatre.