South Africans stay winning.
It’s clear that international stars and companies abroad have been keeping a keen eye on our local talent.
From Trevor Noah’s historic appointment as the former host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show to Leleti Khumalo and the cast of Sarafina! honoured at Cannes Film Festival, it’s safe to say that we’ve gone global.
READ MORE | Nomzamo Mbatha, Thuso Mbedu and 3 more SA stars making it big on the global stage
In more recent and exciting news, on 28 May 2023, juggernaut beauty brand L’Oréal Paris announced award-winning actress Thuso Mbedu as their new brand ambassador and spokesperson for Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We are excited to welcome Thuso Mbedu into our L'Oréal Paris family. Her exceptional talent, timeless beauty, and commitment to empowering others align perfectly with our mission. We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey together to inspire individuals to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their inner beauty,” says Burkhard Pieroth, President of L'Oréal Sub- Saharan Africa.
In a statement released from the brand, they highlight how the partnership will revolutionise beauty standards across the continent.
With such an achievement in the books, the country couldn’t have been prouder.
Enjoy this list of some of our local talent partnering with international brands:
1. Nomzamo Mbatha
Since her acting debut on the canned Mzansi Magic telenovela, Isibaya, the actress has been making waves and has earned her a plethora of achievements including an international role on the second installment of Coming 2 America and being the ambassador for the cosmetic brand Neutrogena.Nomzamo has been working with Neutrogena and their trusted go-to local celebrity. She’s also worked with athleisure brand Puma and managed to bag a collection with them.
2. Natasha Thahane
L’Oréal is loving our stars.
In February 2020, the L’Oréal Groupe announced Blood & Water actress Natasha Thahane as a new brand ambassador for the skincare sub-brand Garnier Even & Matte brand.
Natasha has been lending her dazzling smile to the campaign since 2020 and joins the tradition of representing phenomenal South African women alongside previous brand ambassadors Connie Ferguson and Zizo Tshwete.
3. Lulama Wolf
In March 2023, global clothing company H&M’s interior and décor collection H&M Home announced visual artist Lulama ‘Wolf’ Mlambo as one of the two global collaborators for the second instalment of their For the Love of Art interior collaboration.
Fusing neo-expressionism with modern African art styles, Lulama’s pieces that are available for purchase from H&M Home includes a rug, cushion covers, hand-painted plates and a blanket.
Homeowners and novice interior decorators all over the world can have a piece of South African talent right in their homes.
4. Thuso Mbedu
Thuso, who is our TRUELOVE July-September cover star, shows no signs of slowing down in her path to greatness.
The Is’thunzi and The Woman King actress has been making headlines ever since her lead role in the latter film alongside Viola Davis in 2022 and her work in The Underground Railroad.
Since achieving international acclaim, Thuso has bagged several different campaigns with high-profile brands, including Dior.
As the new brand ambassador and spokesperson for L’Oréal Paris Sub-Saharan Africa, Thuso will hopefully bring a uniquely South African perspective to the advertising campaigns, product launches, and public appearances.
5. J’Something
The Mi Casa songbird and restaurant owner has been keeping busy launching his Sandton eatery Artistry JHB, judging cooking show My Kitchen Rules, all while still creating music with his band.
J’Something has also added creative directing to his resume, after Japanese electronics company Huawei announced him as Huawei Africa’s creative director in July 2015 at the launch of their p8 smartphone.
With all of his ventures and achievements, J’Something is clearly changing the game and redefining the meaning of an all-rounder.
6. Jessica Nkosi
Actress and TV presenter Jessica Nkosi has been ambassador for luxury automobile brand Volvo. Volvo has trusted Nkosi amongst other local celebrities such as Natasha Joubert.
7. Thebe Magugu
Fashion designer and businessman Thebe Magugu bagged himself a deal with Adidas to design football team Orlando Pirate's official kit. Magugu has ample achievements under his belt from winning the Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton (LVMH) prize for emerging talent in 2019 to industry gaint wearing his clothing.
