Local actress shines at the SAFTAs

HOMEGROWN actress and comedian Celeste ‘MaMbhele’ Ntuli shone during the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in Johannesburg last week.

The eSikhaleni-born entertainer was among the top three finalists in the ‘Best Supporting Actress in a Soapie’ category. She was nominated for her role as ‘Siphokazi’ in the Mzansi Magic channel telenovella Isibaya.

Among the finalists were well-known actresses Quanita Adams of Binnelanders and Marjorie Lange from the eTV soapie Scandal. Even though Ntuli couldn’t bring home the Golden Horn, hundreds of fans expressed their support for the rising star on various social networks.

Ntuli first claimed fame during a television reality show ‘So you think you are funny’ in 2009.

She is the first woman in the country to record a stand-up comedy DVD titled ‘Simply Celeste’ in 2011, followed by ‘Home Affairs’ last year.