South Africa’s entertainment industry is known for its vibrant talent pool, diverse stories, and captivating performances. However, not all the stars lighting up its screens are native to the country. Here, we look at ten actors celebrated in South Africa who hail from different parts of the world.

10. Anthony Oseyemi

Anthony Oluwakayode Oseyemi was born in Britain to Nigerian parents, making him of Nigerian descent. Identifying as a British South African actor, Anthony grew up in Southeast London.

His journey to South Africa began in 1997 through Pagama, a youth arts program fostering cultural exchange. Captivated by the creativity of the South African entertainment scene, Anthony decided to stay and has since become a fixture in local dramas and films.

9. Angela Atlang

Angela Atlang is a Botswana-born actress and model. Known for her role as Itumeleng Motsamai on the popular drama series Muvhango, Angela portrays the estranged sister of James Motsamai. Born and raised in Maun, Botswana, she grew up leading a traditional village life. Angela’s talent and passion for acting led her to South Africa, where she quickly gained recognition as a skilled actress.

8. Joseph Kazadi

Joseph Kazadi is a Congolese actor, fitness model, and scriptwriter. Born on January 13, 1991, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph moved to South Africa at age ten with his mother to escape the civil war. Settling in Durban, he pursued acting and later moved to Johannesburg. He is best known for his roles in The Queen and Uzalo, as well as international appearances in Strike Back and Slay.

7. Buhle Samuels

Buhle Samuels hails from Lesotho, where she was born on January 23, 1988. Raised in various districts in the country, she developed an early passion for the arts, frequently participating in school performances. Although she initially pursued political science, her love for acting eventually brought her to the South African entertainment industry, where she rose to fame in Muvhango.

6. Amanda Chisom Moyo

Amanda Chisom Moyo is a Zimbabwean-born actress, best known for her role as Wandile on Generations: The Legacy. Born on October 19, 1991, in Harare, Amanda discovered her passion for acting at age 11. She moved to South Africa in the 2000s to pursue her education and acting career. Her breakthrough came in 2015 when she joined Generations, a role that garnered both acclaim and controversy due to her portrayal of a transgender character.

5. Sharon Seno

Sharon Seno, born and raised in Kanye, Botswana, is known for her portrayal of Marang in Muvhango. A former Miss Botswana finalist in 2013, Sharon’s acting journey began in her home country with roles in local dramas like Colors of Darkness. Her move to South Africa marked the start of her rise to prominence in the entertainment industry.

4. Chioma Antoinette Umeala

Chioma Antoinette Umeala, born on July 19, 1996, in Johannesburg, is of mixed heritage. Her father is Nigerian, and her mother is South African of Xhosa descent. Despite financial challenges that forced her to drop out of drama school, Chioma’s determination led her to audition for various roles. She gained fame in Isono: The Sin and has become a recognizable face in South African television.

3. Connie Chiume

Connie Chiume, a South African actress of Malawian descent, is celebrated for her role as Mamokete on Rhythm City. Her father, hailing from Nkata Bay in Malawi, passed away when Connie was a child, leaving her with limited exposure to her Malawian heritage. Despite this, she has proudly embraced her mixed identity, carving out a remarkable career in South African television and Hollywood films like Black Panther.

2. Raphael Griffiths

Raphael Griffiths was born on January 2, 1992, in Johannesburg to a Zambian father and a South African mother. Known for his roles in Muvhango and Imbewu, Raphael kept his Zambian heritage private for years due to xenophobia. However, he now embraces his roots and continues to thrive as an actor and singer in South Africa.

1. Jerome Galiao

Jerome Galiao, born on June 5, 1984, in Zimbabwe, is a versatile actor and model. After gaining experience in Zimbabwean dramas like Estate Blues, Jerome moved to South Africa, where he became a familiar face on shows like Scandal! and Gomora. His ability to adapt and portray diverse characters has solidified his reputation in the South African entertainment scene.

These actors highlight the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa’s entertainment industry. Though they come from different corners of the world, their contributions have enriched South African storytelling, proving that talent knows no borders.