‘Sarafina’ gets doctorate from top South African university

There are stars, and then there is Leleti Khumalo.

The beloved South African actress who ignited hearts in Sarafina!, is now ready for recognition of another kind. Rhodes University will confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on her this week.

South Africans and expats are extremely proud of her, as Leleti Khumalo has long been a symbol of courage, talent, and social truth.

Born on 30 March 1970 in KwaMashu, north of Durban, Khumalo grew up surrounded by hardship and hope.

She joined the youth dance group Amajika as a teenager, where, mentored by Tu Nokwe, she found her voice through movement and storytelling.

That early spark soon led to a blazing career.

LELETI KHUMALO AND SARAFINA: A VOICE OF DEFIANCE

The defining chapter for Khumalo began when playwright Mbongeni Ngema created the lead role in Sarafina! specifically for her. She was only 15 years old at the time.

The musical explored the 1976 Soweto youth uprisings with raw emotion. It travelled from South African stages to Broadway, where Khumalo earned a Tony Award nomination in 1988. She also received a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Award for Best Stage Actress in 1987.

Her performance in the 1992 film adaptation of Sarafina! cemented her global reputation. Sharing the screen with Whoopi Goldberg and John Kani, Khumalo portrayed a fearless student leader.

The film reached audiences worldwide and became one of the continent’s biggest productions of that period.

The powerful story also shaped her activism, and Khumalo often spoke about how performing the role made her aware of the harsh realities of apartheid and sharpened her determination to use art for change.

FURTHER AWARDS AND CONTROVERSIES

Her career never slowed. Khumalo starred in acclaimed films such as Yesterday, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. The movie tackled the HIV and AIDS crisis with haunting sensitivity. She also appeared in Hotel Rwanda and Invictus, further expanding her international footprint.

On television, she captivated viewers in Generations, Uzalo, Imbewu: The Seed, and, more recently, Muvhango. Her characters often reflect strength and wisdom, resonating with younger audiences.

Yet her journey also faced scrutiny. Her marriage to Ngema, who was significantly older and already well known, drew public debate during the early 1990s.

Their eventual separation in 2005 marked a new chapter. Khumalo later married businessman Skhutazo Winston Khanyile, welcomed twins, and took a brief acting hiatus to focus on family life.

Through triumphs and trials, her artistry remained consistent. She released a music album in 1993 titled Leleti and Sarafina. She also continued theatre work and international tours, proving her versatility.

A LIGHT FOR THE FUTURE

Today, the honorary doctorate celebrates more than performance. It honours storytelling that confronts injustice and uplifts communities.

For young readers, Khumalo’s path offers inspiration. As applause builds for this new accolade, one truth stands clear: Leleti Khumalo is not just an actress shaped by Sarafina. She is a living archive of South Africa’s resilience, still lighting the stage for generations to come.