Masasa Mbangeni is a South African actress known for her vibrant and compelling performances in television, film, and theatre. She gained wide recognition for her role as Thembeka Shezi in the popular TV soap Scandal! and is celebrated for her versatility across various entertainment mediums.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Masasa Lindiwe Mbangeni |
| Date of Birth | March 6, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Eastern Cape |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Eastern Cape |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Actress; Casting Director; Producer |
| Net Worth | $200,000 – $700,000 |
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, Masasa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dramatic Arts, with a focus on directing and performance studies, from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
She was also awarded the prestigious Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, highlighting her academic and leadership qualities.
Career
Masasa started her career with guest roles on international series such as the BBC’s Silent Witness and South Africa’s Egoli.
She has also been involved extensively in theatre, performing in productions at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre.
Her breakthrough came with the role of Thembeka Shezi on Scandal!, which she played from 2013 to 2016, earning several award nominations and wins.
After Scandal!, she featured in series like Thola, Harvest, and Devil’s Peak, as well as films including Machine Gun Preacher and The Red Sea Diving Resort.
Personal Life
Masasa keeps her personal life private. Beyond acting, she is passionate about reading and has a budding interest in wine appreciation. She remains engaged in empowering emerging artists through workshops and mentorship.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Masasa Mbangeni’s net worth is estimated to be around $200,000 to $700,000.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Machine Gun Preacher | Lip-less Woman | Film |
| 2013-2016, 2020 | Scandal! | Thembeka Shezi | TV Soap |
| 2017 | Harvest | Celia | TV Series |
| 2019 | The Red Sea Diving Resort | Mother | Film |
| 2020 | Housekeepers | Nomahlubi | TV Series |
| 2023 | Devil’s Peak | Mbali Kaleni | TV Series |
| 2024 | Heart of the Hunter | Malime Mambi | Film |
| 2024 | Blood & Water | Mrs. Makeba | TV Series |
Awards and Nominations
- Won Best Actress – TV Soap for Scandal!
- Multiple nominations for Best Actress and Supporting Actress at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA)
- Nominated for awards including the DStv Mzansi Magic Viewers’ Choice Award
