South African actress Dawn Thandeka King is set to receive a special Lifetime Shero Award at the 10th annual Gagasi FM Shero Awards, recognising her outstanding contribution to the arts and her lasting influence on the local entertainment industry.
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The milestone ceremony takes place on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Oceans Mall in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, during Women’s Month. As reported by The Citizen, this year’s event carries the theme ‘Pretty in Pink’ and marks a decade of celebrating women whose work and influence continue to make a difference.
From MaNgcobo to Mkabayi
The esteemed actress has built an impressive television career since making her acting debut in 2012. She became a household name as the formidable Lindiwe “MaNgcobo” Xulu on Uzalo, a role she played for several seasons before moving on to new challenges.
Her versatility has since been evident in productions including Lockdown, DiepCity, Queendom and Shaka iLembe. As Princess Mkabayi kaJama in Shaka iLembe, Dawn Thandeka King took on one of her most prominent roles, while her work in Lockdown earned her a South African Film and Television Award for Best Actress in a TV Drama.
Also see: Rebecca Malope set to be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award
Celebrating a South African icon
Beyond acting, she has explored music, motivational speaking and entrepreneurship, including her crochet brand, ‘Izandla by Dawn Thandeka King.’ Her career reflects a commitment to creativity and continued reinvention.
The Lifetime Shero Award is therefore more than a career milestone. It celebrates a performer whose body of work has entertained audiences while helping shape South Africa’s television landscape.
As Gagasi FM celebrates 10 years of its Shero Awards, Dawn Thandeka King’s recognition places her among the inspirational women whose achievements deserve to be remembered and celebrated.
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