Award-winning actress Masasa Mbangeni plays the role of Malime Mambi in Heart Of A Hunter, a role adapted from the character Miriam in the book by Deon Meyer. Before playing the role, she says she read the book. "I was shooting Heart of the Hunter and the Devil's Peak at the same time in Cape Town. Heart Of A Hunter turned me into a Deon Meyer fan!" Masasa tells ZiMoja.

WORKING WITH BONKO KHOZA

In the film, streaming platform Netflix, Miriam is the wife of a retired assassin, Zuko Khumalo played by Bonko Khoza, which she thoroughly enjoys. "There's nothing to dislike about acting with Bonko Khoza. He is compassionate, driven, talented, and curious about his work," she says. "He always wants to do his best and as the lead on the show, he really leads with gusto and intention. He's incredible with everything he does."

Masasa Mbangeni Picture: Netflix

TAKING ON A CHALLENGE

Masasa is a passionate actress and allows herself to be challenged by every role. "The emotional depths Malime had to reach in short spaces of time were intense," Masasa says. "Physically there was a lot of running! I'm grateful I had a talented stunt double, Usisipho Nteyi ,to handle all the other stunts for me because I simply don't have the strength or skill!" She adds that all the characters she has played are different. "Different backgrounds, motivations, drives, and loves. My work as an actor is to get to know them through study, rehearsals and then in practice," she says.

TEACHING 

Many know her from the role of Thembeka on Scandal! which made her a household name. But she has since proven she can play any role. "I had the pleasure of being on another Deon Meyer adaptation, Devils Peak. In the midst of that, I've been a voice-over artist, teacher and student. I lead a full and creative life that I am so grateful for." Masasa says her life is all about contributing to society through teaching. "I haven't stopped teaching and continue through my In and Out Studio which is mainly an online platform with the intention of physical actor coaching and workshops."