Charmaine Mtinta Biography: Husband, Age, Kids, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies & TV Shows, Awards

Charmaine Mtinta is a celebrated South African actress whose commanding presence and versatile performances have made her a mainstay in Mzansi’s entertainment industry.

Best known for her breakout role as Nomsa in SABC1’s groundbreaking drama Yizo Yizo (1999) and her recent portrayal of Nomeva in e.TV’s Smoke and Mirrors, she’s earned acclaim for tackling complex characters with depth and authenticity.

A jazz enthusiast and yoga practitioner, Charmaine’s journey from Gugulethu to award-winning stages reflects her passion for storytelling and resilience in a challenging industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Charmaine Mtinta Keswa
• Stage Name: Charmaine Mtinta
• Born: July 20, 1972
• Age: 52 years old
• Birthplace: Gugulethu, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Actress
• Height: 5 feet 3 inches
• Parents: Mr and Mrs Mtinta
• Siblings: unknown
• Spouse: unknown
• Children: Two daughters
• Relationship: married
• Net Worth: $500,000–$4 million

Early Life and Education

Charmaine Mtinta was born on July 20, 1972, in Gugulethu, a vibrant township in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

Growing up in a culturally rich community, she developed a deep love for the arts, particularly classical and smooth jazz, which she credits for transporting her to a “spiritual world.”

Her parents Mr and Mrs Mtinta, details about her siblings are not publicly available, as Charmaine maintains a private stance on her family life. Her township upbringing instilled resilience and a strong connection to her roots, which later influenced her authentic on-screen performances.

Charmaine pursued her passion for music at East Side College, where she majored in Jazz, immersing herself in the works of artists like Earl Klugh, George Benson, Mbuso Khoza, and Nduduzo Makhathini.

She later honed her acting skills at Indigo View Actors Academy, where she studied drama, equipping her with the tools to excel in both stage and screen. Her education in music and acting laid a strong foundation for her multifaceted career, blending her love for performance with technical precision.

Career

Charmaine Mtinta’s career, spanning over two decades, began with her iconic role as Nomsa in the first season of SABC1’s Yizo Yizo (1999), a gritty drama that tackled social issues in South African schools.

Her performance earned her the Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series, marking her as a rising star. She continued to build her television portfolio with roles like Bongi in Generations, Aunt Lizzie in Mzansi Magic’s Inkaba (2012–2013), and Pearl, a gold-digging widow, in SABC1’s sitcom Gauteng Maboneng (2011).

Her recurring role as Zungazi in 1Magic’s The River (Season 4, Episode 53, debuted April 21, 2021) showcased her ability to embody complex characters.

Charmaine’s versatility shines across soaps like Isibaya, My Perfect Family, Tempy Pushas, Zibondiwe, Hope, Igazi, and Missing Link (SABC1).

In 2019, she joined e.TV’s Scandal! as Nomfundo Langa, the fearless traditional aunt and sister to Lulama Langa, debuting on August 23, 2019, shortly after the passing of co-star Nomhle Nkonyeni.

Her role as Lilian “Mam Lilly” Madika in BET Africa’s Isono (2020) earned her a 2022 SAFTA for Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela, highlighting her ability to portray victims of gender-based violence with empathy.

In 2023, she played Nomeva Ndamase, a beloved sangoma, in e.TV’s Smoke and Mirrors, though her exit in 2024 sparked rumors she addressed as “false and damaging,” clarifying it resulted from professional discussions with the production team.

Her theatre work includes the award-winning play Xova, which secured five Naledi Theatre Awards, fulfilling her long-held aspiration for a significant stage role.

Charmaine’s film credits include Matatiele (2015) and How to Ruin Christmas (2020, as Valentia Twala), a Netflix series where she shared the screen with actors like Tshepo Ngwane and Linda Sebezo.

Her openness to diverse roles, as she’s noted not being a “picky actress,” has kept her relevant, with over 20 credited TV roles and numerous stage and film appearances.

Awards and Nominations

• 1999: Avanti Award, Best Actress in a Drama Series – Yizo Yizo (Won)
• 2022: South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA), Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela – Isono (Won)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @charmaine.mtinta
• Facebook Handle: Charmaine Mtinta

Personal Life

Charmaine Mtinta resides in South Africa, where she keeps her personal life private, sharing little about her family or relationships.

She is a mother to two daughters, whose names and details remain undisclosed to protect their privacy. Her marital status and romantic relationships are not publicly confirmed, as she prefers to focus on her career and advocacy.

A passionate advocate against gender-based violence (GBV), inspired by her Isono character Lilian Madika, Charmaine uses her platform to raise awareness, drawing from her own experiences in a challenging industry.

She’s an avid yoga practitioner, incorporating morning stretches to stay fit, and a tea enthusiast with a collection of flavors.

Her love for jazz music, rooted in her college major, remains a spiritual outlet, with favorites including smooth jazz artists. She also experiments with natural oils and herbs for health, though she’s clarified she is not a traditional healer, despite rumors sparked by her Scandal! Role as Nomfundo, a traditional aunt.

In 2024, she addressed false claims about her Smoke and Mirrors exit, emphasizing her professionalism and mutual respect with the production team.

Filmography

Television:

• Yizo Yizo (1999, SABC1, Season 1) – Nomsa
• Generations – Bongi
• Missing Link (SABC1) – Supporting Role
• Gauteng Maboneng (2011, SABC1) – Pearl
• Inkaba (2012–2013, Mzansi Magic) – Aunt Lizzie
• Isibaya – Supporting Role
• My Perfect Family – Supporting Role
• Tempy Pushas – Supporting Role
• Zibondiwe – Supporting Role
• Hope – Supporting Role
• Igazi – Supporting Role
• Ya Lla! – Supporting Role
• It’s Complicated – Supporting Role
• The River (2021, 1Magic, Season 4, Episode 53) – Zungazi
• Scandal! (2019–present) – Nomfundo Langa
• Isono (2020, BET Africa) – Lilian “Mam Lilly” Madika
• How to Ruin Christmas (2020, Netflix) – Valentia Twala
• Smoke and Mirrors (2023–2024) – Nomeva Ndamase

Films:

• Matatiele (2015) – Supporting Role

Theatre:

• Xova (Naledi Theatre Awards, 5 Awards) – Performer

Net Worth

Charmaine Mtinta’s net worth is estimated at $500,000–$4 million.

Her income stems from a 25-year acting career, with a reported salary of R40,000 or more per month for roles like Smoke and Mirrors, Scandal!, and Isono.

Additional earnings may come from undisclosed ventures, as sources suggest acting isn’t her only income source.