Veteran South African actress Leleti Khumalo recently received a warm congratulatory message from President Cyril Ramaphosa after achieving international acclaim at the Monte Carlo Television Festival. Khumalo, alongside renowned film producer Anant Singh, brought home the prestigious Golden Nymph Award for their powerful short film, Don’t Give Up.
President Ramaphosa took to social media on 20 June 2025 to share his excitement over Khumalo’s global recognition and to applaud the duo’s achievement in elevating South African storytelling on the world stage.
The heartwarming interaction between the president and the legendary actress occurred by chance at OR Tambo International Airport during Ramaphosa’s travels to and from the recent G7 Leaders’ Summit held in Canada. Reflecting on this encounter, the president posted:
“On my travels to and from the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada, I had the good and proud fortune of bumping into our veteran star performer Leleti Khumalo at OR Tambo International Airport.”
Ramaphosa further revealed that during their conversation, Khumalo excitedly shared that she had just returned from Monaco, where she and Singh were honored with the Golden Nymph Award. The president added humorously that she certainly “had something to declare” — not customs-related, but rather, the joyful news of their international success.
The award-winning short film Don’t Give Up has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. The moving drama centers around the life of a single mother struggling to raise her two children amid the harsh socio-economic realities of Johannesburg. Through its compelling narrative, the film sheds light on the emotional toll of poverty, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity.
President Ramaphosa expressed deep admiration for both Khumalo and Singh for using their creative talents to highlight the socio-economic struggles that many South Africans face daily.
“I congratulate Leleti Khumalo and Anant Singh for flying our flag and for spotlighting one of our nation’s socio-economic challenges,” Ramaphosa wrote.
The recognition at the Monte Carlo Television Festival is a significant milestone in Khumalo’s illustrious career. Known for her legendary role in Sarafina! and numerous other acclaimed performances, Khumalo continues to use her platform to tell stories that matter, both locally and internationally.
Fans across South Africa and beyond have celebrated the news, with many praising Khumalo for consistently uplifting South African narratives and for representing the country on global platforms with grace and authenticity.
Anant Singh, one of South Africa’s most accomplished film producers, has long collaborated with Khumalo on projects that bring to life the diverse experiences of South Africans. This latest international award further cements their standing as some of the country’s most influential voices in the film industry.
As South African cinema continues to gain recognition worldwide, achievements like this reaffirm the country’s place as a growing powerhouse in global storytelling.