Renowned South African actor Siyabonga Thwala, known for his iconic roles in Isibaya, Empini, and Smoke & Mirrors, has shared that he is now a born-again Christian.
The star recently opened up in a heartfelt video that quickly gained traction on social media, revealing how a book given to him by a wealthy friend transformed his life.
Siyabonga Thwala
The Turning Point
Thwala explained that both he and his wife were deeply moved after reading the book, describing it as a life-altering encounter with God. “Jesus entered our home through that book,” he said.
His wife was reportedly brought to tears after reading it one Sunday after church, marking the start of their spiritual awakening.
Distancing From Ancestral Worship
Though Thwala once openly praised the Shembe church, which he believed helped him and his wife conceive after two years of trying, he now firmly distances himself from ancestral worship.
“There is nothing good about venerating ancestors when you follow Jesus Christ,” he told a gathering. “I know the amazing things God has done in my life.”
Family and Faith
Thwala noted that he is currently the only born-again Christian in his family, but he remains unshaken in his faith. “I’m not afraid. Jesus is my protector,” he affirmed.
He also recalled his wife’s vision at the Shembe temple of a baby boy she later gave birth to, once viewed as a divine sign—now reinterpreted within the lens of his Christian journey.
Public Reaction
South Africans have flooded social media in response to his testimony. One fan wrote, “He bit the truth, sir. Spiritual awakening has begun in Jesus’ name,” while another commented, “You will never go wrong xa wamnkele uYesu,” meaning “you will never go wrong when you accept Jesus.”
In other news – Skeem Saam’s Lethabo Mekoa (Ntswaki) opens up about her journey and missed opportunity
Actress Lethabo Mekoa, best known for her role as Ntswaki on Skeem Saam, revealed that she joined the popular soapie at a time when her dreams had just been crushed.
The 20-year-old was awarded a R1 million scholarship to study acting overseas, personally granted by filmmaker Tyler Perry. However, due to financial constraints and the high cost of living abroad, she had to turn down the opportunity. Read More
