Mthatha-born actress Zikhona Sodlaka was honoured with the Outstanding Actress Award at the 2026 Icons of Africa Awards on 30 May at the Sandton Hotel in Johannesburg.
The glamorous ceremony, which brought together leaders, visionaries and changemakers from 19 African countries, celebrated those shaping the continent’s future across industries and communities.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Sodlaka has captivated audiences with emotionally layered, honest performances. Her standout roles include Mandisa in the popular Showmax telenovela The Wife, Bulelwa “Bullet” Mxenge in Gqeberha: The Empire, and her portrayal of Nosekeni, Nelson Mandela’s mother, in the internationally acclaimed film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. She is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s finest dramatic talents.
Off-screen, Sodlaka is celebrated for championing authentic African storytelling, elevating women’s representation in the arts and bringing narratives to life that reflect the realities of African communities. Her work embodies excellence, resilience and artistic integrity.
Creative Director of the event, Brian Tupana, described the awards as more than an event; it is “a powerful celebration of excellence, influence and legacy.” He added that they proudly celebrated Sodlaka for her outstanding contribution to African arts, film and television, and for inspiring a generation through the power of storytelling. “Zikhona embodies what it means to be an Icon of Africa.
“She is a woman whose voice, talent and influence transcend borders while uplifting African cinema and storytelling on the global stage. That is why Africa is proud to honour her. Every honouree represents a story worth celebrating.”
