PICTURE: FACEBOOK/ JIMMY MAGUBANE MTHEMBU MJIMSENI
Actor Mjimiseni Magubane, best known to television audiences for his role on Uzalo, is taking on a new challenge away from the small screen as he enters South African politics.
Also see: Ntsiki Mazwai enters politics as Land Party’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate
Mjimiseni has reportedly been nominated as an African Transformation Movement (ATM) councillor candidate for Ward 7 in Ntshongweni, west of Durban, ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
The move marks a new chapter for the actor, who has built a career entertaining audiences through his work in television and theatre.
From acting to public service
Mjimiseni’s decision to enter politics adds his name to a growing list of South African entertainers who have ventured into public service and political careers.
For Mjimiseni, the transition from playing characters on screen to potentially representing residents in a ward brings a very different set of responsibilities.
As a councillor, he would be expected to represent residents, raise community concerns and participate in decisions affecting local service delivery and development.
His nomination comes as political parties prepare for the 2026 local government elections, with candidates across the country positioning themselves for seats in municipalities and wards.
His Uzalo connection
Mjimiseni is familiar to viewers through his work on SABC 1’s popular isiZulu drama Uzalo.
The KwaZulu-Natal-based production has become one of South Africa’s most watched television shows, with its storylines regularly generating conversation among viewers.
Mjimiseni’s move into politics is likely to attract attention from fans who know him primarily as an actor.
His career in entertainment has also given him experience communicating with large audiences — a skill that could prove useful as he takes on political campaigning and community engagement.
Also see: Former ‘7de Laan’ actress Melanie du Bois sets sights on politics
Entertainers entering politics
Mjimiseni is not the first South African entertainer to make the move from the entertainment industry into politics.
Over the years, actors, musicians and television personalities have entered political life, with some taking up positions in Parliament or local government while others have contested elections.
The crossover between entertainment and politics often generates public interest because celebrities already have established profiles and audiences.
However, political candidates ultimately face the same expectations as other public representatives: voters want them to address issues affecting their communities and deliver on their promises.
What happens next?
Mjimiseni’s nomination does not automatically mean that he will become a councillor.
He will still have to go through the electoral process, with voters in the relevant ward ultimately deciding who represents them.
His candidacy will therefore give residents an opportunity to assess his political vision, experience and plans for the community beyond his career in entertainment.
For the actor, the move represents a significant career change.
After years of portraying characters for television audiences, Mjimiseni is now preparing to potentially step into a role where he would have to represent real people and their everyday concerns.
Also see: From Politics to Music: Ndlozi Channels Collective Struggle in New Album “Usizi
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!