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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

SEASONED Zimbabwean-born South African actor Luthuli Dlamini has expressed optimism about the potential of Zimbabwe’s film industry. Having spent years abroad, Dlamini is eager to reconnect with the creative scene in his birth country.

Dlamini who is reuniting with family and reconnecting with his roots, expressed this during an exclusive interview with Chronicle Showbiz at Banff Lodge earlier in the week.

“Ever since I’ve been here (Zimbabwe), I’ve seen a lot of potential within the film sector and other facets of art,” said Dlamini, who was born in Bulawayo 59 years ago at Mpilo Central Hospital.

“As I was watching a play at the Bulawayo Theatre, I could see how invested these young ones are. There’s so much more we could do to help them.”

Despite his enthusiasm, Dlamini highlighted a significant challenge facing local creatives: the ability to monetise their craft.

“We need to make sure they can make money out of it,” he emphasised, underscoring the importance of sustainable careers in the arts.

Chronicle Showbiz reporter, Mbulelo Mpofu (right) sharing a lighter moment with popular Zimbabwean-born South Africa actor, Luthuli Dlamini. (Picture by Allen Ndebele)

Dlamini, who spent over two decades in the UK specialising in dramatics and theatre before moving to South Africa, reflected on his roots with pride.

“From a young age, it has all been theatre and stage work. Acting was what everyone else was doing. I tried football, but it didn’t work out. I was always acting,” he reminisced.

His first acting gig was at the Bulawayo Theatre in the 1970s, where he played two roles in the play “The Baobab Tree” being a “wise owl” and the “monkey”.

His deep appreciation for culture and education, instilled by his parents, is evident in his life journey.

“My grandparents truly embodied isintu,” he noted, accentuating the importance of cultural heritage in his upbringing.

With an impressive career that includes memorable roles in popular television series such as Scandal, Jacob’s Cross, and Generations, Dlamini has become a well-respected figure in the South African entertainment industry.

Though he does not know much about the current crop of local actors, Dlamini vehemently remembers the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa).

His parents, grounded on culture, nurtured Dlamini on the education ethos where Dlamini and his siblings were taught to value their culture and education.

He is not just an actor; he is also an engineer, scientist, and a devoted fan of the Bulawayo football team, Highlanders.

Dlamini also articulated that he is set to participate in this year’s Imiklomelo kaDakamela, hosted by Chief Mbusi Bekithemba Dakamela of Nkayi KoDakamela that will run from April 4 to 5.

Chief Dakamela

“I’m even embarrassed that it’s been this long since I was away. I need to come back and reacquaint myself with the scene.

There’s a lot I have to learn and see,” he shared.

Despite rumours of homelessness, Dlamini has addressed these claims, stating, “I’m fine, I promise I’m not homeless. Be sure of your sources of information. Don’t compromise your integrity for 15 cheap minutes of fame,” he posted on Instagram, reassuring his fans.

As Luthuli Dlamini continues to navigate his career, his return to Zimbabwe and engagement with local artistes signals a hopeful future for the country’s film industry. — @MbuleloMpofu