Biography
Jafta Mamabolo (born December 21, 1987) is a South African filmmaker and actor best known for playing Young Kunene in Jerusalema. He has played many roles in other featured films, such as Otelo Burning, Freedom, and Gangster Paradise.
Filmmaker Jafta has appeared in many television drama series and soap operas such as Generations. He plays Matthew, a young man who discovers and tries to live with his HIV status.
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Jafta Mamabolo |
| Born: | December 21, 1987 (age 35 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Limpopo |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Alma mater: | National School of Arts |
| Occupation: | Actor, director, writer, producer, fashion designer |
| Years active: | 1999 – date |
| Awards: | SAFTA Best Actor in a Feature Film |
Early Life
Jafta Mamabolo was born on December 21, 1987, in Ga-Masemola in Limpopo.
Education
Young actor Mamabolo studied at the National School of Arts. He learned drama under iconic artists. He did a course in design since he wanted to be a fashion designer.
Career
Jafta played Young Kunene, a role that would be critically acclaimed, in the 2008 film Jerusalema, making it his first film. The role
Later in 2011, he played the lead role of Otelo Buthelezi in the South African drama film Otelo Burning. The film, directed and produced by Sara Blecher, is in Zulu but translated into English.
The blockbuster movie later became a nominee for various Awards. Aside from acting, he has a passion for fashion design.
Jafta Mamabolo played Lenaka Olandele in the film Ayanda in 2015.
Later, in 2016, he appeared as Lucky in a feature film based on a true story – Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu. The film is about a nineteen-year-old hawker from the streets of Mamelodi.
Jafta has worked as a presenter on The Molo Show, YO TV Hot Kids, Craze E, Knock Knock, and Xiluva. Playing the lead role of Young Kunene in the acclaimed Jerusalema gained him international attention.
The actor has appeared in many South African drama series. He played Thapelo in seasons three and four of the SABC1 youth drama program Soul Buddyz.
More of his acting credit is playing Kagiso Vomo in Soul City, Lindelani in Dream World, Jabu Dlamini in Mutual Friends, and Tsetse Fly in Rhythm City.
Mamabolo is fluent in some languages, which has helped his radio career. Some top radio stations he has worked with include Motsweding FM, Lesedi FM, Ukhozi FM, and Thobela FM.
His role in Soul Buddyz was a nominee for the Best Lead Actor in a TV drama series. Later in 2011, Jafta landed the role of Matthew in the SABC1 soap opera Generations.
After some years off the screen, he returned to the 2018 film Freedom. He is the writer and director of the film script, and the film was a hit in cinemas.
Personal Life
Jafta Mamabolo is currently single. In 2011, he told News24 that he can’t live without his BlackBerry, sketch pad, and flatmate. He spends his leisure time reading and going out with his friends.
Social Profile
Multiple SAFTA-winning actors, writer, and producer Jafta Mamabolo are on social media. He uses the platforms to exhibit his love for fashion and designs. He also does publicity for his movies. He is on;
Filmography
TV 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