Umkhokha: The Curse actress Deli Malinga has made a heartfelt appeal for sponsorship to attend a prestigious award show in Kenya, after receiving an incredible nomination. The actress, best known for her role in the hit telenovela Umkhokha: The Curse, is overwhelmed by the recognition she’s received for her work.
Malinga’s nomination is not just a personal achievement; she believes that it represents her hometown of Umlazi in Durban, the Umkhokha: The Curse production, the producers, the Mzansi channel, and South Africa as a whole. “I’m representing my hometown, my show, my producers, my channel, and South Africa. It’s a big honor,” she said in her post.
However, Malinga also shared a more challenging side of the situation. Despite the honor of being nominated, she revealed that the cost of traveling to Kenya for the award show would fall entirely on her. “The sad part, to participate will be fully on me. Wish I could get sponsors going to Kenya,” she lamented. Her plea for sponsorship has since caught the attention of her fans, many of whom have expressed support and admiration for her dedication to her craft.
The talented actress’s recent recognition came after she won Best Actress at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards for her standout performance as Mamzobe in Umkhokha: The Curse. Speaking to Sowetan about the win, Malinga expressed her joy and pride in the accomplishment. “I’m so over the moon. Being recognized is the best feeling one could ever have.
Deli Malinga seeks sponsorship
This award is validation for my craft, considering how I started. It was not easy to get here, but it gives me such pride to be known and labeled as the best in my community,” she said, reflecting on her journey to success.
Malinga explained that playing the role of Mamzobe in Umkhokha: The Curse had been a challenging but rewarding experience. She had to push herself to portray a villainous character, something she hadn’t anticipated doing. “I had to convince myself that I could play a villain, and I never thought my character would last this long or even scoop an award,” she confessed. Malinga’s portrayal of Mamzobe is widely appreciated, with many viewers commending her for bringing depth to a complex character. Her role in the series has been a significant career milestone.
Before this role, Malinga had already established herself as a talented actress, winning a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in a telenovela for her portrayal of MaNgema in Redemption. Her success in both supporting and leading roles has solidified her reputation as one of South Africa’s finest actors.
Deli Malinga
Meanwhile, Umkhokha: The Curse, a faith-based series, ended on February 28, 2025, after a successful two-year run. The show first aired in October 2021 under the title Umkhokha, later returning in March 2023 as Umkhokha: The Curse. The telenovela captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling, which was supported by an ensemble cast that includes actors such as Sibongile Ngubane (as Difa), Nay Maps (as Sphamandla), and Hope Mbhele (as Mabusi).
South African fans have been praising the production on social media, thanking the cast and crew for their dedication to creating such a captivating series. The ending of Umkhokha: The Curse marked a bittersweet moment for viewers, who now eagerly await what the future holds for the talented actors, including Deli Malinga.
As Malinga navigates her next steps, including attending the award show in Kenya, her career continues to rise, and her impact on the South African television and film industry remains undeniable. Fans, fellow actors, and industry professionals alike are excited to see where her journey takes her next. With her growing list of accolades and determination to push forward, it’s clear that Deli Malinga is just getting started.