Lifetime achievement awards for veteran actresses Thembi Mtshali-Jones and Leleti Khumalo

Thembi Mtshali-Jones and Leleti Khumalo were honoured with prestigious Lifetime Achievement awards at the 2nd annual Golden Elephant Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony at the Market Theatre on Wednesday. 

The thespians join the ranks of legendary actor John Kani, the first recipient of the award who was meant to present the awards to this year's recipients but had to rush to London for a Disney project, The Lion King.

The esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award is presented by Word Of Mouth Pictures and the Duma Ndlovu Academy to individuals who have made a profound and lasting impact on the creative industry, both locally and internationally.

Thembi, who is popularly known for her roles in Sgudi 'Snaysi, Stokvel, Silent Witness, and Imbewu, reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry when she received the accolade. 

She spoke of how she was a singer and dancer when she started out, lauding filmmaker, producer and playwright Duma Ndlovu for encouraging her to explore herself as a wholistic artist 

“I feel so honoured by this award from where it comes from and from where I am being offered. It is so special to me. This has been a long journey for me when I started in this business in the seventies,” she said

“It's a recognition of our years of dedication to the arts, and we hope to continue inspiring others through our work.”

Leleti, who is best known for her iconic role in the movie and stage play Sarafina, as well as her roles in Hotel Rwanda, Yesterday, and Invictus, Imbewu: The Seed, Uzalo and Muvhango, said she was humbled by the recognition. 

“We are humbled by this prestigious award and thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the creative industry. This recognition motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and telling meaningful stories through our art.”