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.

Jafta Mamabolo
Jafta Mamabolo biography
Jafta Mamabolo is best known for playing Young Kunene in the film Jerusalema. .
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 Mamabolo awards
Jafta is a South African Film and Television Award winner.

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

Jafta Mamabolo movies
Jafta Mamabolo has appeared in many movies, mini series, and television shows since his debut in 1999.

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