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Top 10 Incredible Facts about Henry Cele

Shaka of Zululand statue London by Unknown Arthur

Henry Cele was a South African actor noted for his portrayal of the great Zulu Warrior King Shaka kaSenzangakhona in the South African television miniseries Shaka Zulu.

Cele shot to fame in 1986 when he played the Zulu king and warrior Shaka Zulu in a 1986 television miniseries directed by William C Faure for the South African Broadcasting Corp.

He died a sad man, despite his ascent to fame filling the screens in the movie roles he played in South Africa and America.

Known for his strong, chiseled features and powerful portrayal of the Zulu warrior again played Shaka in a feature film.

1. Interestingly the nickname Black cat came in Henry Cele鈥檚 football career 

Football by Jannik Skorna/

He was nicknamed Black Cat Nkawu Cele during his soccer career, he was a goalkeeper for Ama-Zulu F.C. and because of his complexion, he was nicknamed Black Cat.

But most of all the skills that he showed when he was a goalkeeper gave him the name Nkawu means Monkey because he could stretch for the ball like a monkey and catch it.

Soccer was his game but as he up grew he ventured into acting which he never received formal training for.

On June 20, 1941, Henry Mbongele Cele was born in Kwamashu, Durban, South Africa.

Since he belonged to the Ndosi or Magaye clan, many people called him by that name.

He was born in South Africa during the time of apartheid. He made a lot of effort at the time to overcome life’s obstacles.

2. Astonishingly Henry Cele learned most of his acting skills from different directors 

He learned most of his skills from different directors who directed him. He can be described as the fittest of the fittest men that never forgot that training was part of his daily routine.

Cele is one man who wanted to focus on learning his script and he knew that directing was not for him.

The last man to direct him in the play 鈥淏ayede Shaka the Spear Is Born鈥� Edmund Mhlongo said, Henry Cele was very punctual and disciplined. 

Cele was highly exploited by directors and he never received the credit he deserved and he died bitter.

Mhlongo feels that Cele has left a huge legacy for all South Africans and is currently planning a documentary that would teach the youth of South Africa about the life of Cele. 

Cele was given outstanding treatment when he was abroad but South Africans failed to acknowledge him.

3. Henry Cele is famously known for his portrayal of the Zulu king 

Henry Cele, as an actor, is known for his portrayal of the Zulu king, Shaka kaSenzangakhona, in the 1986 ten-part mini-series, Shaka Zulu.

His portrayal of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona is such that he became known as Shaka Zulu, this is further compounded by the fact that there is no known photo of that king.

His role as Shaka Zulu in the mini-series and later in the feature film had originated in a stage production of the same name.

Till his death, his Shaka role was always associated with him as he also played the same role the following year in a feature film.

Like all good things, they end at some point. His career started going downhill forcing Henry Cele to withdraw to his hometown.

4. The famous Henry Cell estimated net worth is $1.4 Million 

money by Alexander Grey/

Cele, nicknamed Black Cat for his prowess as a goalkeeper, played for Aces United in the old South African Soccer League SASL in 1960.

On Saturdays, he played for Durity Football Club in the Commercial Football League in Durban.

Cele was a renowned actor and soccer player. He earned money from acting and playing football, and his net worth is estimated at 1.4 million dollars.

5. The astonishing Cele was an internationally acclaimed star, Shaka Zulu 

In 2015 the 鈥楥ultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa reported that 鈥�Shaka Zulu鈥� the mini-series grossed over $500million worldwide.

Cele parted ways with the earth singing that melancholic pauper tune sung by actors who have fallen from grace after a country you once held, let you slip from its hands.

Henry Cele was an internationally acclaimed star who left a mark on the world in his unparalleled portrayal of uShaka.

The British mini-series debuted in 1986, it also featured actress and musician Tu Nokwe and Patrick Ndlovu.

6. the amazing actor Ruth Cele who played on SABC’s favorite TV series was Henry Cele鈥檚 sister

Henry Cele was Ruth Cele鈥檚 brother, the woman who played on SABC’s first favorite TV series Hlalakwabafileyo.

His sister played the role of Mamghobhozi, the aunt who knew everyone鈥檚 business and the series鈥� gossiper.

Other television series she acted in included Going Up, Mzee was Two Six, and ‘Sgudi Snaysi.

She also appeared in several feature films including African Skies, Panic Mechanic and Mr. Bones.

Known as “惭补颅惭驳辞产丑辞锄颈” after a character she played in the television drama Hlala Kwabafileyo, Cele died on 22 December 2010 after a short illness she was 71 years.

7. Henry Cele was amazingly known for his Philanthropy opening his football club

Henry Cele gave back to his community in KwaMashu KZN by opening his football club, and he coached boys from underprivileged KZN communities.

Henry Cele鈥檚 best friend was Ronald Mqwebu, who also played in the popular series Mini Wezinsizwa as Mkhize, the two men hailed from KwaMashu in KZN.

8. The interesting marriage life of Cele he was married twice to Tozi and Jennifer

marriage by Zoriana Stakhnir

Cele was previously married to Tozi Duma with whom he had 4 children. Including a son named Khumbulani Cele.

Their marriage had ended in divorce after six years of marriage. After divorcing Duma Henry married an English woman named Jennifer Hollander.

The two never had any children. At the time of his death, Henry had been married to Jennifer for 10 years, the pair met while Cele was touring Europe and it was love at first sight.

9. Henry the black cat was astonishingly tied to his hospital bed because of his violent behavior

hospital bed by Fedrick Koberl

Durban, internationally acclaimed actor Henry “Black Cat” Cele died an angry and violent man chained to his hospital bed.

Before his death, the hospital told City Press that Cele, who is renowned for his role as Shaka Zulu, had been tied to his bed and was always drugged because of his violent behavior.

10. The amazing Cele died at the age of 58 years at Augustine鈥檚 hospital in Durban

Cele at 58 who has been fighting for his life in the ICU of St Augustine鈥檚 Hospital in Durban, died.

Before his death sources at the hospital had told City Press that Cele, who is renowned for his role as Shaka Zulu in the film Shaka, had been tied to his bed and was always drugged because of his violent behavior.