THEMBI Mtshali-Jones had a very busy day on Wednesday, 20 July, as she was celebrated twice.
The Imbewu: The Seed actress was honoured at the Durban ICC before being celebrated at a gala dinner hosted by the Durban University of Technology.
In the morning, the university conferred her with an honorary doctorate in visual art at a ceremony at the ICC.
Drama series director Duma ka Ndlovu and cast members, including Leleti Khumalo and Sandile Dlamini, were among those who attended.
Thembi told Daily Sun people should learn that anything was possible if they believed in themselves.
“I could not complete my nursing training due to an unplanned pregnancy. As a young mother, there were not many opportunities for young black women,” she said.
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“With a very limited education, my only option was to work as a domestic worker. I would sing while working, and that impressed my employers,” she said.
“I would entertain guests at their parties and family gatherings. One day, my madam came across a call-out for auditions for a theatre show and encouraged me to audition.
“I landed the role that later kick-started my career.”
Duma congratulated Thembi, describing her as a humble actress.
“We grew up together while she was an artist and me a journalist. We also met in the USA and she took us to her place,” he said.
“She is humble, which is why when I was planning Imbewu: The Seed, I called her because it is easy to work with her.”
University vice-chancellor Professor Thandwa Mthembu welcomed Thembi to the DUT family and congratulated her on the honorary degree.
Some members of the drama series took to the stage to sing for her. Then she joined them to take part in their performance.
