UMHLANGA, KWAZULU-NATAL — 22 AUGUST 2026: Gagasi FM — The Sound of KZN proudly honoured acclaimed South African actress Dawn Thandeka King with the prestigious Lifetime SHERO Award at the 10th Annual Gagasi FM SHERO Awards, held on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Oceans Mall in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal.
The distinguished recognition celebrates King’s remarkable contribution to South Africa’s entertainment industry, her exceptional body of work, her artistic versatility and the enduring influence she has built throughout an acclaimed career.
For more than a decade, Dawn Thandeka King has captivated South African audiences with performances that have demonstrated depth, authenticity and extraordinary range. Since making her acting debut in 2012, she has steadily established herself as one of the country’s most respected and recognisable performers.
King became a household name through her portrayal of the formidable Lindiwe “MaNgcobo” Xulu in the hugely popular television drama Uzalo. Her commanding performance in the role cemented her place in the hearts of audiences and marked the beginning of a career defined by memorable characters and a willingness to embrace new creative challenges.
Her remarkable versatility has subsequently been showcased across a number of acclaimed productions, including Lockdown, DiepCity, Queendom and Shaka iLembe. In Shaka iLembe, King took on the significant role of Princess Mkabayi kaJama, further demonstrating her ability to bring complex and powerful historical characters to life.
Her outstanding work has also earned industry recognition, including a South African Film and Television Award for Best Actress in a TV Drama for her performance in Lockdown.
However, King’s creative journey extends beyond the television screen. Over the years, she has explored various facets of her creativity through music, motivational speaking and entrepreneurship, including her crochet brand, Izandla by Dawn Thandeka King. It is this spirit of reinvention, resilience and creative excellence that makes the Lifetime SHERO Award particularly fitting.
The Lifetime SHERO Award is more than an acknowledgement of longevity. It is a celebration of legacy, influence and impact.
Dawn Thandeka King’s career represents a journey of continuous growth — from emerging actress to household name, award-winning performer, creative entrepreneur and inspirational figure. Through her work, she has entertained millions while contributing to the evolution and richness of South Africa’s television and entertainment landscape.
Her recognition at the 10th Annual Gagasi FM SHERO Awards also reflects the significance of celebrating women whose contributions have transcended their individual careers and created lasting inspiration for others.
Accepting the honour, King delivered an emotional and heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude to her mother and daughters, while reflecting on the people who have supported and walked alongside her throughout her journey.
The moment became one of the evening’s most poignant highlights as the celebrated actress stood among fellow icons and previous recipients of the Gagasi FM SHERO Award — a powerful reminder of the remarkable women whose stories and achievements have been celebrated by the platform over the years.
Ten Years of Celebrating Extraordinary Women
The 10th anniversary of the Gagasi FM SHERO Awards represents a significant milestone for Gagasi FM and its annual Women’s Month celebration.
For a decade, the SHERO Awards have created a platform to recognise women who inspire, lead, create, innovate and make a meaningful difference in their communities and professional spaces.
Driven by the voices and nominations of Gagasi FM listeners across KwaZulu-Natal, the awards celebrate women from diverse walks of life — from business leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives to educators, community champions, professionals, sportswomen and public servants.
The Lifetime SHERO Award represents the pinnacle of this celebration: an opportunity to honour a woman whose contribution has stood the test of time and whose work continues to resonate with generations of South Africans.
Through the Lifetime SHERO Award, Gagasi FM celebrates Dawn Thandeka King not only for the characters she has portrayed and the accolades she has received, but for the legacy she continues to build.
Her journey is a testament to the power of talent, perseverance, authenticity and reinvention. From the television screen to entrepreneurship and beyond, King continues to demonstrate that a successful career is not defined solely by where one begins, but by the impact one leaves along the way.
As Gagasi FM marks ten years of celebrating remarkable women, the station proudly adds Dawn Thandeka King’s name to a distinguished legacy of SHEROs whose stories have inspired KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa at large.
Dawn Thandeka King — your talent has moved us, your journey has inspired us, and your legacy continues to shine.
Gagasi FM salutes you.
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