Acclaimed South African actress Katlego Lebogang has shared her heartfelt appreciation after earning industry recognition for her lead role as Thando Mokoena in the hit Netflix romantic comedy Yoh! Bestie.
The actress received a nomination from the National Film and TV Awards (NFTA), the live ceremony taking place at the Theatre of Marcellus on 19 November 2026.
Also see: KATLEGO LEBOGANG CAST IN MAYNARDVILLE’S UPCOMING PRODUCTION OF ‘MACBETH’
Taking to social media to reflect on the honour, the star expressed deep gratitude to her supporters, crew, and co-stars, marking another significant career milestone following the film’s widespread global acclaim.
The evolution of a beloved character and breakthrough leading role
In Yoh! Bestie, Lebogang reprises her fan-favourite role as Thando, a character originally introduced in the hit holiday series Yoh! Christmas. The feature film continuation, shot along the picturesque Garden Route coast in Plettenberg Bay, follows Thando as she navigates unresolved romantic feelings, shifting friend dynamics, and destination wedding chaos alongside co-star Siya Sepotokele.
Lebogang’s nuanced portrayal of modern dating anxieties and authentic emotional vulnerability has earned widespread praise from local and international audiences.
Film historians and performance scholars from institutions such as AFDA (The School for the Creative Economy) and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) School of Arts frequently note that lead performances in local romantic comedies require exceptional comedic timing balanced with grounded emotional depth.
Lebogang’s ability to anchor high-concept relationship storylines while maintaining relatable South African charm has solidified her standing as one of the country’s most compelling screen talents.
Also see: KATLEGO LEBOGANG STARS IN BET+’S HIT SERIES ‘AVERAGE JOE’
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Elevating local storytelling on global streaming platforms
Lebogang’s recognition comes during a booming period for South African cinema on international streaming platforms. Industry bodies such as the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) continuously emphasise that critical acclaim for local lead actors strengthens Mzansi’s position in global media markets.
Alongside her work in Yoh! Bestie, Lebogang has steadily assembled an impressive portfolio across film and television, including performances in Spinners, White Lies, and international productions like Average Joe.
Her latest accolade underscores the importance of sustained investment in homegrown creative talent, showing that local stories centred on South African youth culture resonate powerfully with global streaming audiences.
Honouring collaborative artistry in Mzansi’s film industry
In her statement of gratitude, Lebogang emphasised that individual accolades reflect the collective passion of the entire production team, extending special thanks to directors, writers, and production partners at BBZee Films and InterCityCrew.
As congratulations continue to pour in from industry peers, fellow actors, and fans across social media, Lebogang’s recognition underscores a vibrant future for South African screenwriting and performance art.
By pairing rigorous dramatic training with authentic storytelling, Katlego Lebogang continues to inspire an emerging generation of African actors. Her ongoing success stands as a testament to the power of dedicated performance craft, elevating South African narrative features on the global stage.
Featured image: Instagram/@katlego.lebogang_
Also see: KATLEGO LEBOGANG DIVES INTO HER ROLE IN ‘SOFT LIFE’
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