Biography
Jafta Mamabolo (born 21 December 1987) is a South African actor and filmmaker. He has won several awards for his roles and contributions to the film and TV industry.
Television viewers know him for playing Young Kunene in the film Jerusalema. Since his debut in the movie industry, Jafta has played many roles. He has appeared in Otelo Burning, Freedom, and Gangster Paradise.
The actor has made television appearances and has landed roles in dramas and soap operas. He played a young man called Matthew, who had discovered he had HIV and wanted to live with it.
| Jafta Mamabolo | |
|---|---|
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| Short Profile | |
| Full name: | Jafta Mamabolo |
| Born: | 21 December 1987 (age 35 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Ga-Masemola, Limpopo |
| Nationality: | South Africa |
| Education: | Drama |
| Alma mater: | National School of Arts |
| Occupation: | Actor, writer, fashion designer, producer, director |
| Year active: | 1999-date |
| Height: | 1.77m |
| Awards: | SAFTA Best Actor in a Feature Film |
Early Life
Jafta Mamabolo was born on 21 December 1987 in Ga-Masemola in Limpopo, South Africa.
Education
Mamabolo attended the National School of Arts and learned drama under iconic artists. He wanted to be a fashion designer, so Jafta did a course in design.
Career
Playing the critically acclaimed Young Kunene in the 2008 film Jerusalema is his first movie role.
In 2011, he landed the lead role of Otelo Buthelezi in the SA drama film Otelo Burning. Sara Blecher directed and produced the film in the Zulu language. The movie is a nominee for many awards.
Jafta, who has appeared in television productions, has a passion for fashion design. He played Lenaka Olandele in the film Ayanda in 2015.
The actor played Lucky in Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu after a year. The film, based on a true story, follows a nineteen-year-old hawker from the streets of Mamelodi.
Apart from acting, Jafta has landed presenting gigs too. He was the presenter behind The Molo Show, YO TV Hot Kids, Craze E, Knock Knock, and Xiluva.
Making many appearances in South African drama series made him a known actor in the country. In seasons three and four of the SABC1 youth drama program Soul Buddyz, he played Thapelo.
The actor has many other acting credits, such as playing Kagiso Vomo in Soul City and Lindelani in Dream World. He landed the role of Jabu Dlamini in Mutual Friends and Tsetse Fly in Rhythm City.
Mamabolo has made radio appearances too. He has worked with top radio stations like Motsweding FM, Lesedi FM, Ukhozi FM, and Thobela FM.
His exceptional role in Soul Buddyz earned him a nomination for Best Lead Actor in a TV drama series. He joined the SABC1 soap opera Generations as Matthew in 2011.
After a break from the screen, he returned to the acting space after appearing in the 2018 film Freedom. He wrote and directed the film script.
Personal Life
Jafta Mamabolo is single. In an interview with News 24 in 2011, he mentioned that he couldn’t live without his BlackBerry, sketch pad, and flatmate.
Social Profile
What is love for anything without a place to show it? Jafta has continued to use his platforms to promote his work.
Jafta shares his fashion enthusiasm by wearing designer wear. He does publicity for his works and other movie projects he handles.
Filmography
Television shows
- Dream World as Lindelani
- Erfsondes as Karabo
- Home Affairs as Philip
- Mutual Friends (2014) as Jabu Dlamini
- Rhythm City as Tsetse Fly
- Soul Buddyz as Thapelo
- Soul City as Kagiso Vomo
Movies
- Gangster’s Paradise: Jerusalema (2008) as Young Kunene
- Otelo Burning (2011) as Otelo Buthelezi
- Ayanda (2015) as Lenaka Olandele
- Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu (2016) as Lucky