SA youth and excellence represented at Emmys in New York,

The 46^th International Emmy Awards will take place tonight in New York City where South African actress, Thuso Mbedu, will walk down the red carpet – for the second time – at the black-tie gala dedicated to talented television professionals from around the world.  Nominated for her role as Winnie Mandela in the second season of Is’thunzi, Mbedu will be dressed by Kentse Masilo, winner of 2018 Project Runaway South Africa, a reality TV programme on Mzansi Magic.

Thuso Mbedu (27) from Pietermaritzburg, KZN, will wear a flaring, slim fitting dress with a plunging neckline and fringed shoulders. An original design by Kentse Masilo (26), from Bethanie, North West, the dress is an infusion of gold metallic sequined fabric and black frayed fringing, giving it texture and volume.

“I want the Emmys to be a celebration of South Africa, showcasing local talent on the global stage, including the amazing Kentse,” says Thuso Mbedu. “Whatever we have or receive is not for us alone. Success comes from collaboration and should be shared.”

“When designing the dress for Thuso, I was inspired by her story, her resilience and how much she cares for people that surround her,” said Masilo. “I drew inspiration from the Jackson’s widowbird, or as it’s called locally Sakabula, a species found in Southern Africa which expresses beauty in the wilderness. I am truly honoured to be a part of something that celebrates the excellence of a young, successful South African woman.”

Thuso’s dress was proudly sponsored by Capitec, a long-time supporter of the actress. According to Sbusiso Kumalo, Head of Brand: Marketing at Capitec Bank, “Thuso and Kentse are phenomenal talents and inspirations for many South Africans.  It’s about supporting Thuso as well as supporting local design and creativity. It’s about showing the rest of the world that Africa is vibrant, colourful and should never ever be ignored.”