Hlubi Mboya Arnold has another reason to Smile Smile Foundation ambassador wins SA Film and TV Award
Hlubi Mboya Arnold, a proud supporter and ambassador of the Smile Foundation, last week scooped the SA Film and TV Awards’ Golden Horn accolade for Best Supporting Actress in a Feature Film.
Mboya Arnold won the prestigious award for her role as Connie in the gripping film Dora’s Peace, which was released in cinemas in August last year.
She says the win doesn’t only have positive spinoffs for her career, but for the pressing social causes she supports too.
“To now be referred to as a Best Supporting Actress in a Feature Film energises me to work harder, and to use my craft even more as a platform to advocate, educate and vocalise to the rest of the world what matters to me most. I hope it will give me greater access to people’s mindsets, and allow me to change the way they think about social issues and positively influence their behaviour,” Mboya explains.
As an ambassador for Smile Foundation, her role includes raising awareness of the life-changing work the foundation does in facilitating treatment for children with facial anomalies, and lending her support to fundraising initiatives.
Says Hedley Lewis, Smile Foundation Finance and Fundraising Executive Director: “Hlubi has been a staunch supporter of Smile Foundation for several years. She goes above and beyond, and nothing is too much for her. Hlubi not only brings smiles to the children and their families but to all the hospital staff who are elated in her presence. This incredible individual literally gives her all, and her passion and love for these children is nothing short of absolute. We are honoured to have this dynamic and loyal individual represent our foundation.”
Mboya Arnold says she sees her role as giving a voice to the voiceless. “That is how I describe my purpose-driven life. There is so much good we can do in the world, and there has never been a better time to get out there and do it. I have been an advocate of the Smile Foundation and the incredible work it does for almost a decade, but truly believe my role in assisting the foundation is now more pressing than ever,” she says.
Mboya Arnold is best known for her breakout role as Nandipha in the local TV soapie Isidingo. She has also appeared in local and international feature films, including How to Steal 2 Million, Death Race 3 and iNumber Number.