Lunathi Mampofu

2009–2018: Early career

Mampofu began her screen career in 2009 with a supporting role as Nontobeko in the drama film Umthandazo.^[1] She went on to appear in The Good Man (2012), playing the starring role of Katleho and later portrayed Monica in the 2014 film Mercy.^[2][3] Her early work in film helped establish her range in dramatic performance and introduced her to wider audiences.^[4][5]

Mampofu transitioned steadily into television, earning her first recurring role as a Spiritualist in the 2016 series Isikisi and a starring role as Zikhona Sebotsane in season 2 of Ingozi.^[6][7] In 2018 she appeared across several productions, including a recurring performance as Lerato in Ambitious, and the role of Claudia Dunn in seasons 2 and 3 of Unmarried.^[8][9] That same year, she joined The Queen as Benni in its third season.^[10][11][12]

2019–2022: Breakthrough role in The River

In 2019, Mampofu featured as herself on Celeb Festival With Zola and portrayed Marry in the Netflix action series Shadow.^[13][14] Her career gained further momentum in 2020 with roles in Lockdown Heights and as Zaza (the mystery woman) across the first two seasons of Kings of Jo’Burg.^[15][16][17] She received widespread recognition for her portrayal of Emma, a major character in The River, where she appeared from seasons 3 to 6.^[18][19] She won two Royalty Soapie Awards for her starring role for Emma from The River for Outstanding Supporting Actress and Best Actress categories by Viewers Choice.^[20] The year also included an appearance as herself on #Karektas hosted by Desmond Dube.^[21]

2023–present: Lead roles in Inimba and Levels

In 2023, Mampofu expanded her presence in both mainstream and streaming productions.^[22] She played a Sangoma in In Your Dreams, took on the starring role of Athi in the telenovela 1802: Love Defies Time and appeared as Brenda Grootboom in the thriller series Fatal Seduction.^[23][24] She received a nominations for Best Supporting Actress in the South African Film and Television Awards.^[25] In 2024 she led the casts of Disaster Holiday as Nandi and Code 13 as Bongi Nkosi, further solidifying her reputation as a prominent performer in South African film and television, and also international stages.^{[26][27][28][29][30]}

In 2025, Mampofu began starring as Zoleka Ngcukana in the drama Inimba and joined the Mzansi Magic series Levels in the lead role of Bongi for its debut season.^[31][32][33] She was nominated in the National Film and Television Awards for her starring role of Nandi in Disaster Holiday in the Best Actress category.^[34]

Television

Film