We watch them everyday on our screens. They captivate us with their exhilarating and most remarkable performances. So real they are, one forgets about the ordinary; these are women who deliver outstanding acting and their presence leave your tongue wagging and dripping for more action. I have made it my mission to put together a list of 10 most outstanding South African actresses (according to me, that is) ):
1. Nambitha Mpumlwana
Now, this is one woman I think of when pondering about the topic at hand. Nambitha has always delivered flawless acting from the time she played a school headmaster in Yizo Yizo. She has played diverse roles and with each one she shines even greater than the last.
She currently plays the powerful Mawande Memela on Generations, a fearless and potent woman of virtue and class. And she brilliantly and effortlessly puts me on the edge on my seat every night, you just want to sob uncontrollably at her performance.
2. Nthati Moshesh
Right here we have the most incredible and astonishing talent. Her acting commands attention and she draws you into her character. She doesn’t only portray the character BUT she becomes the character. You just want to scream “Viva” when she graces the screen. She’s the type that makes one leave a burning pot in the kitchen when her scene is playing. She currently plays Morongoe in Scandal and boy oh boy, does she “BRING IT”.
3. Moshidi Motshegwa
This is an amazing actress, incredible in many ways and she is what I call the rare type. She can be given a boring and mellow role but she will turn it into something you think of when someone drops the name of the show. She can mould herself into anything and the realism in her work only makes me rank her on the same level as Hollywood actress such as Angela Basset. Moshidi currently potrays an obsessed, mentally unstable and psychotic Naomi on Rhythm City and she does that with ease and flair.
4. Sonia Sedibe
When you talk about a sexy, sultry, sassy and faultless actress, then Sonia Sedibe comes to mind. This is one woman who’s got stage presence that would keep the worst heathens awake in a play about Jesus. Her acting is outstanding and “ON POINT” and she’s the type who would over-power and take over the scene.
Her smile alone makes one weak at the knees and you just cannot get enough of her strong acting abilities. She is the type that isn’t afraid of a challenge. Simply put, this is one actress who excels. She presently plays Ntombi Dlomo in Generations where I honestly feel like she is rather under-used.
5. Michelle Botes
Elegant, enchanting, implausible and riveting are just some of the words to define this actress. This woman is FIRE. She is one who will give you all facial expressions that are worthy of each cent you pay for that TV License. She is varied and believable, she makes you forget about the other people in the room. I’ve only seen her in Isidingo as the scheming, seductive and sneaky Cherel De Villiers and she is without any doubt gorgeous and absolutely talented.
6. Brenda Nqxoli
Nothing can ever begin to describe the raw talent this woman exudes. She is the type that makes you rape the replay button watching her scenes over and over and over again. She has the x-factor and she would give a lot of Hollywood actresses a run for their money. She is simply hardcore and her ability to deliver immense performances is indisputable. Brenda is a rare gem. Her latest remarkable work was when she played the tough, athletic and macho Vuyo in Home Affairs.
7. Lele Ledwaba
Lele is one diverse actress who would play anything from a dumb blonde to a powerful career woman. She has done it all; you don’t need to give her a second sight to believe her. She is versatile and has speaks with eloquence, the emotions she puts in her acting and the control she has on her work makes one wonder how she does it. She is extraordinary and exceptional. Her captivating and natural personality shines distinctly and electrifyingly grows with every character she tackles. Lele is currently playing the blonde and hilarious Pinky on Stokvel. (can I hear a lol?)
8. Xolile Tshabalala
This is one strong and most brilliant actress, if she was to enter class act, they would immediately withdraw the show and give her the gig on the spot. She is versatile, unbeatable and comes out tops in anything she does. The excitement she brings in her work would make one scream in ecstasy. She is beautiful and undeniably Hollywood material. She is in a league of her own and her talent is out of this world. I personally rank her in the lines of Vanessa Williams and Vivica A. Fox. RRrrrrrhhhhh *ROARS*
9. Linda Sokhulu
She is one actress who came to conquer and she does just that. Whenever anyone mentions Oscar-deserving actresses, you can proudly shout Linda’s name. She has the verve and drive that would make her score big roles in Hollywood. She doesn’t have to scream for you to realize her potential. She is a commanding diva on stage and she knows her ish! I respect her and she is gonna continue to dish even more great acting in future. Linda currently plays the sexy Nikiwe in Isidingo.
10. Connie Ferguson
Here we have one woman whom we’ve come to adore, personally I put her in the 10th spot ‘cause she isn’t really that GREAT, but I will give it to her, her days on Generations scored her lots of brownies. Her acting is awesome; when she had challenging story lines she delivered A+ performances. I just cannot see her as anyone but Karabo. Truth is she has mastered acting through her Generations role. Connie currently stars alongside her husband on The Wild.
This is my top 10 which I think has set the bar, I’m sure many actresses came into your mind when you went through the list, let’s hear them.
A list of the top 10 actors is coming soon…