Bongile Mantsai

Bongile Mantsai is a South African actor and theatre practitioner known for his work in film, television, and stage. He gained widespread acclaim for his performances in Inxeba: The Wound, Knuckle City (2019), and the television soap opera Scandal!. He has won multiple awards for his performances and is recognized for his contributions to South African theatre and storytelling. He is a pastor of Saint Paul Christian Church.

Early life and education Mantsai was born in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, and raised in the township of Kayamandi, where he completed his high school education at Kayamandi High School in 1998. He initially faced challenges in pursuing higher education due to a language barrier, as Stellenbosch University predominantly offered courses in Afrikaans. Undeterred, he approached theatre directors to express his passion for acting, leading to an opportunity to join a physical theatre programme that included language and movement classes. This experience enabled him to participate in university productions and laid the foundation for his acting career. He is also a pastor of Saint Paul Christian Church, he served under his late father Bishop Mantsai til his death.

Career Mantsai began his artistic career in theatre, where he became a prominent performer and musical director. He worked with the Baxter Theatre Centre and was appointed artistic director of the Zabalaza Theatre Festival. Notable stage roles include Mies Julie, Amaza, Marat/Sade, Karoo Moose, and Woyzeck.

He transitioned into film and television, earning critical acclaim for his role as Vija in Inxeba: The Wound (2017), a film that received international recognition. His leading role in Knuckle City (2019) further cemented his reputation, earning him Best Actor at the 2019 Durban International Film Festival and the 2020 SAFTA awards.

He is also well known for his role as Mthunzi Mayiza in the television drama Scandal!, where his performance as a manipulative and complex antagonist drew critical praise.

Filmography Film Inxeba: The Wound (2017) – as Vija Knuckle City (2019) – as Dudu Nyakama Number Number Jozi Gold (2023) – as Jozi Gold The Republic – supporting role

Television Scandal! – as Mthunzi Mayiza Nkululeko – as Poncho Gqeberha: The Empire – as Hlumelo Mxenge Blood Psalms – as Hlengu

Theatre Mies Julie – lead role Woyzeck Marat/Sade Karoo Moose – musical director Ityala la Mawele – musical director Elke Duim 'n Koning

Awards 2020 – SAFTA Best Actor in a Feature Film for Knuckle City 2020 – SAFTA Best Actor in a TV Soap for Scandal! 2019 – Durban International Film Festival, Best Actor for Knuckle City 2018 – SAFTA Best Supporting Actor for Inxeba: The Wound 2014 – Naledi Theatre Award, Best Lead Actor for Mies Julie 2001 – FNB Vita Award, Best Supporting Actor for Elke Duim 'n Koning