'There's nothing like a small role' — Deli Malinga on her first award after three decades in the acting business

Deli Malinga has been an actress for more than three decades and finally bagged her first accolade at the 17th Annual South African Film And Television Awards (Saftas). 

The seasoned actress scooped the Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela award for her role as MaNgema in Redemption. 

“Whoever doubted God should look at me and follow my story. God is alive. Thanks to the cast and crew of Redemption, thanks to the production for believing in me,” she said in an interview with TshisaLIVE.

Malinga said for many years she believed she would have to buy an award but now believed it was all based on recognition and that aspiring actors and those doing small cameos should not take their chances on screen for granted. 

“There's nothing like a small role. Actors out there, please be motivated when you see me.”

Malinga landed her first leading role, playing Mamzobe on Mzansi Magic's drama series Umkhokha in 2021, for which many in Mzansi praised her for her undeniable talent. 

While she has been nominated for many awards, including the DStv MVCAs, Malinga said she never thought she'd one day hold her own trophy. 

“I never thought something like this will happen to me, I don't know why, because, yes, I always give 900% commitment and dedication to my craft. Lord God keep on shining on me, help me to be always be humble and increase more love for people.”