Khethukuthula Jele is set to take the South African television scene by storm with her lead role in the new family drama, 'Inyosi', which premiered on Mzansi Magic on Monday night. The drama also stars Dawn Thandeka King, Thembsie Matu, and Kwenzo Ngcobo. Jele's journey to stardom began with a smaller role in the popular soapie 'Scandal!', where she played a doctor. Her new role in 'Inyosi' marks a significant milestone in her acting career.
In an interview with Sowetan, Jele shared her acting journey, revealing that she trained at The Market Theatre Laboratory after university. She has worked on various productions, including student productions, professional shows, children's theatre, and text-based work. Jele expressed her passion for material with a lot of text, which requires her to dig deeper into the story. She emphasized that she is always learning and looking for opportunities to grow as an actress.
Jele's background is rooted in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, where she grew up after being born outside the town. She moved to Johannesburg in 2009 to pursue her studies at university. Despite being a homebody, Jele enjoys writing and exploring storytelling, including screenwriting. Her faith is also an integral part of her life, and she considers her relationship with God to be the longest relationship she has nurtured outside the arts.
Interestingly, Jele studied law before taking the leap into acting. She revealed that attending a jazz festival during her university days inspired her to pursue her passion for acting. The stories shared by musicians who had left other careers to pursue music encouraged her to take a chance on her dreams. This experience marked a turning point in her life, leading her to enroll at The Market Theatre Laboratory in 2018.
Jele admitted that she worried about starting her acting career late in life. At 27 or 28, she was the oldest woman in her class at The Market Theatre Laboratory, and some facilitators reminded her that she might struggle in the industry. Despite these concerns, Jele persevered and is now reaping the rewards of her hard work. At 35, she is grateful for the opportunities that have come her way and is committed to continuing her craft.
Working alongside big names in the industry has been a rewarding experience for Jele. She praised her co-stars, particularly Dawn Thandeka King, for their dedication to their craft. Jele noted that despite their experience, the cast remains committed to the work, coming prepared and respecting the process. This experience has been an honour for Jele, who is learning from her colleagues every day.
As Jele basks in the glory of her new role, she remains humble and focused on her craft. When asked if she is ready for fame, Jele laughed, saying she hadn't thought about it. However, she is excited about the opportunities and collaborations that this role may bring. With her talent, dedication, and passion for acting, Jele is sure to make a lasting impact in the South African television industry.
Key points
- Khethukuthula Jele lands lead role in Mzansi Magic drama 'Inyosi' after smaller role in 'Scandal!'.
- Jele studied law before pursuing acting, inspired by a jazz festival experience.
- Jele's faith and passion for storytelling play a significant role in her life and career.
