Lunathi Mampofu is a talented South African actress, singer, and fashion designer who has become well-known in the South African television and film industry. Born in 1987, she has gained prominence through her notable performances in popular telenovelas such as The River and Inimba. Over her career spanning more than ten years, she has balanced multiple creative roles while raising her daughter on her own.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Lunathi Mampofu |
| Date of Birth | 7 March 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Cape Town, Eastern Cape |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Eastern Cape |
| Partner | Previously Dylan Lloyd (art director and production designer); currently single |
| Children | Daughter named Skye (born November 2015) |
| Occupations | Actress, singer, fashion designer, casting director |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $500,000 and $1,500,000 USD |
Early Life and Education
Born to a pastor father in Cape Town, Lunathi grew up in a religious and artistic environment that fostered her love for performance from a young age. She has two twin brothers who also pursued careers in entertainment and served as early inspirations.
She attended Victoria Girls’ High School where she participated in theatre and music, including a school choir tour to Europe.
Lunathi pursued formal education at the South African School of Motion Picture, Television, and Live Performance (AFDA) in Cape Town, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance in 2010.
She later expanded her skills by completing an intensive acting program at the New York Film Academy in 2013, where she trained in multiple acting techniques including Shakespeare, Meisner, scene study, and acting for camera.
Career
Lunathi started acting in student films and theatre during her time at AFDA. Her early screen appearances include Umthandazo and The Good Man. She gained international experience working as a casting assistant in Los Angeles before returning to South Africa.
Her professional breakthrough came with roles in TV dramas such as Isikizi and Ingozi. She is best known for her lead role as Emma in The River, where she starred for multiple seasons.
She has also played key roles in series like The Queen, Kings of Jo’burg, and Netflix’s Fatal Seduction. Currently, she leads the cast in Inimba and is the lead in the upcoming series Levels.
Besides acting, she has worked as a casting director and continues to develop her career both on-screen and behind the scenes.
Personal Life
Lunathi was in a relationship with Dylan Lloyd, an art director and production designer, but they eventually parted ways due to career demands. She is a proud single mother to her daughter Skye, born in 2015 through IVF during her time in the United States.
She has openly discussed the financial hardships she endured despite professional success, including having to sell her car and lose her home while still winning major awards. Her resilience and faith have been central to overcoming these challenges.
Lunathi Mampofu Net Worth
Her estimated net worth ranges from $500,000 to $1.5 million, accumulated through acting, casting, and endorsements. Despite this, she has faced financial instability at points in her life, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
Filmography
Lunathi Mampofu’s filmography includes the following notable works:
Television Series:
- Inimba (2025–present) as Zoleka Mabandla
- 1802 Love Defies Time (2023–2025) as Athi
- The River (2018–2023) as Emma
- Disaster Holiday (2024) as Nandi
- In Your Dreams (2023) as Sangoma
- Kings of Jo’burg (2020) as Zaza / Mystery Woman
- Lockdown Heights (2020) as Aluta
- Shadow (2019) as Mary
- Isikizi (2016) – guest role as Spiritualist
- The Queen – role as Benni
Films and Short Films:
- Tropic of Love (2024) as Khethiwe
- Mercy (2014) as Monica
- The Good Man (2013) as Katleho
- Umthandazo (2009, short film) as Nontobeko
Theatre Productions:
- Look Before You Leap
- Remember to Remember the Memorial
- Almost Maine
Upcoming Projects:
Levels (2025) as Bongi (lead role)
Awards and Nominations
She has won multiple awards including two Royalty Soapie Awards for her role in The River in 2023, and has received nominations for SAFTA and AFDA awards. Her work is widely recognized in the South African entertainment industry.
