Pepi Khambule

CAREER

Pepi Khambule is best known for playing John Khumalo, the HIV-positive and abusive husband of the title character, in the critically acclaimed 2004 film Yesterday (directed by Darrell James Roodt and starring Leleti Khumalo). The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Other notable credits include: Film Mate #2 in Africa (1999) Somali Poacher in I Dreamed of Africa (2000) Major Kamenzi in Shake Hands with the Devil (2007) Television Prince Dingaan in Backstage Maxwell (lead role) in A Place Called Home (2006–2007) Bongani Thwala (lead role), an investigative reporter, in Mtunzini.com / Mthunzini.com (2006–2008) Editor in Gaz’lam (Season 4) Mandla / Mandla Gumede in Society (2007/2009) Lieutenant Musa Bangura in Zero Hour (2006) He received a 2011 Golden Horn Award (SAFTA) nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama Series. In 2008 he was dismissed from Mtunzini.com after sending a strongly worded email complaining about his salary and alleged prejudicial treatment. The role of Bongani Thwala was later taken over by Thapelo Mokoena, which has sometimes led to confusion between the two actors. In later years he has spoken publicly as a director and advocate for greater investment in local South African film production, calling for more government and private-sector support to create jobs and move beyond apartheid-era themes.

Pepi Khambule is a multi-hyphenate South African creative who has worked as an actor, teacher, and director. His performance in the Oscar-nominated Yesterday remains one of his most recognized contributions to South African cinema. He continues to be associated with storytelling and the development of local film talent.