Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
SOUTH African actor Mpilo Mbatha has captured the attention of viewers in Shaka iLembe Season 2, earning praise for his portrayal of the legendary Ndebele king, Mzilikazi kaMatshobane.
Through his performance, Mbatha brings both the strategic brilliance and emotional depth of a historical figure whose choices would shape the course of a kingdom.
Although Mzilikazi is gradually introduced across several episodes, episode nine has particularly cemented Mbatha’s place in the hearts of viewers, especially among Zimbabwe’s Ndebele community.
The battle of Gqokli Hill stands out, showcasing both his military intelligence and moral conviction, and highlighting Mbatha’s ability to bring gravitas and authenticity to the role.
In the series, Mzilikazi’s journey is marked by imprisonment under Zwide, the Ndwandwe king played by Wiseman Mncube.
Mbatha portrays Mzilikazi’s escape and defection to Shaka (Lemogang Tsipa) with nuance, showing a man driven by both strategy and the personal desire for vengeance after his father Matshobane’s murder.
Through his performance, Mbatha illustrates Mzilikazi’s transformation from a grieving son to a leader asserting his rightful place in history.
On the battlefield, Mbatha shines, presenting Mzilikazi as a decisive and courageous warrior.
Allied with Shaka, he helps orchestrate traps against the larger Ndwandwe forces, culminating in a scene where Mzilikazi exacts revenge by killing one of Zwide’s sons.
Through these moments, Mbatha conveys both the intensity of the fight and the moral weight of Mzilikazi’s decisions, blending human vulnerability with legendary heroism.
For Mbatha, portraying Mzilikazi required both emotional and spiritual preparation.
“In my entire career, I was given roles, but for Mzilikazi, I had to audition. Before performing an improvised scene with no script, just raw emotion and talent, I asked the producers for a moment to connect with my ancestors for guidance.
“I prayed in front of everyone before auditioning. When I was given the opportunity, I nailed it. The rest is history,” Mbatha revealed.
Mbatha began acting in 2023 and gained acclaim for his emotionally charged portrayal of Melusi on the popular series The River.
By 2024, he showcased his versatility with a recurring role as the young Khaya Bodoza in Showmax’s drama series Empini, where he continued to impress with his dynamic acting. He also stars as Dr Shobane on the telenovela Homecoming, which airs on Mzansi Wethu.
Historian Arnold Nkala, who has researched Mzilikazi and the Ndebele Kingdom, commended the series’ portrayal. However, he emphasised that the series includes creative liberties, as it was primarily created for entertainment.
He therefore, cautioned that Shaka iLembe should not be treated as a historical source.
“My assessment of the historical accuracy of King Mzilikazi’s portrayal begins with the fact that this production is a drama; it is not meant to be taken literally. Dramas, whether on television, radio, theatre, or other mediums, are fiction.
“They are invented or adapted stories. Shaka iLembe is a historical drama, meaning it is based on real events but does not serve as a historical record. It is fiction with some historical elements,” Nkala said.
He added that historical dramas allow viewers to gain a sense of a period, helping them relate to the time and environment in which Mzilikazi may have lived, reflected through costumes, infrastructure, language and dance.
“What viewers experience most in a historical drama is entertainment, emotional engagement, and anticipation for the next episode. Behind the scenes, filmmakers also generate revenue, so drama often prioritises storytelling over strict accuracy.
“There’s no one to blame for any historical discrepancies. For factual information, viewers should refer to documentary films, which are non-fiction, though even they may use dramatised re-enactments to illustrate events,” Nkala said
