Newcastle honours Andile Mbatha’s new career as an award winning author
Mbatha was inspired to write a novel in 2019 and spent the next few months researching until he had gathered enough information to write the book.
Sir Andile Mbatha, a 41-year-old ex-Newcastle resident and author, has surpassed even his own expectations by winning an honorable award at the Washington DC Open Book Festival in January and as well as a London Literature Award for his African Love Story; Thoughts of the Groom.
Who is Sir Andile Mbatha?
Sir Andile was born and raised in Johannesburg, Gauteng, but grew up at Madadeni, a small rural town on the outskirts of Newcastle.
He says he was raised in a God-fearing home, with the church serving as the family’s foundation.
“I was raised by very loving and supportive parents who raised us in the church and made sure our faith was strong. I am from a Zion church called Blessings in Christ under the exquisite leadership of Dr/Bishop TP Mendoza Mbatha, who always played a major role in my upbringing and helped ground me and shape me as a person,” he said.
He began his primary school years at Cathulani Primary School in Madadeni before returning to Johannesburg to live with his family until Grade 11, where he then attended Sabela Secondary School before he returned to Gauteng and completed his matric at KwaMahlobo Senior Secondary School.
After matriculating, he went on to study speech and drama at Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre before enrolling at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he obtained his degree in media and writing.
Sir Andile met his soul mate, Busisiwe Mbatha in high school 24 years ago. The couple welcomed three beautiful children, two sons Sihle and Mnotho Mbatha (4 and 11) and a daughter (19) Ndabezinhle Mbatha.
Seven years ago, the two finally decided to marry in a beautiful and intimate traditional wedding ceremony.
“She has always been the love of my life, my childhood sweetheart, and my biggest supporter,” he said, smiling.
Television and theatre
Sir Andile has had a successful career as an actor for over 10 years, appearing in popular soapies such as Isidingo, Generations, Muvhango, Soul City, House of Zwide, and many others.
He has also directed and written for Theatre productions, even directed shows at the National Arts Festival of Performing Arts in Grahamstown.
“This has always been my passion. But my actual passion for theatre and drama probably was really ignited in Grade 9 when I would watch other students put on shows and I remember thinking to myself that that was something I wanted to do!”
Both of his parents Mr Nkosinathi Mbatha and Pastor Norah Mbatha had an acting background and had participated in a variety of local theatre/ drama productions, so when he approached them and told them he wanted to pursue drama as a career, they fully supported him and his journey.
“I remember my dad told me that the industry is a ‘dog eats dog’ kind of world and that should I get into the industry I would have to remain focused.
My mother always told me that I should never chase after fame and fortune; instead, I should let it find me.
She also told me that no matter what happens I should always remain humble and kind and these words have stayed with me throughout my entire career.”
Thoughts of the Groom
Sir Andile was inspired to write a novel in 2019. He spent the next few months researching until he had gathered enough information to write the book.
“Thoughts of the Groom is a nonfiction love novel based on real people’s love and life stories. I interviewed several people about their lives and eventually found four stories that completely stood out to me, which I merged to compile one story and then used my own wedding day to tie all the stories together,” he explained
The book was officially released on December 2, 2021, and to date has sold over 11,000 copies. Sir Mbatha has won an award for ‘Best African Love Story’ at the Washington DC Open Book Festival in January 2023 and also at the London Literature Awards this past week since the official publication of his book.
Moving forward, Sir Andile intends to publish his second book, a sequel to his first, by June. The book will be titled “My fiance’s 1st wife”
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