Creme of Nature has officially launched in South Africa, and to mark the moment, the American-born haircare brand has partnered with actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha as its first-ever local ambassador. We caught up with Nomzamo to hear what this new partnership means to her.
Creme of Nature is one of the most trusted names in textured haircare and has been around for more than 65 years. The brand is best known for its Argan Oil and Pure Honey ranges, created for curly, coily and kinky hair types. With a strong presence in the US and beyond, its expansion into the South African market is a major milestone and the start of a new chapter.
Their latest campaign, Rooted in Radiance, puts heritage, identity and pride front and centre. For Creme of Nature, hair is not just a beauty statement but a symbol of culture and confidence. “Your Roots, Your Radiance” is the message, and Nomzamo is the perfect face to carry it.
Known for roles in Shaka iLembe and Coming 2 America, alongside Eddie Murphy, as well as her work as a UN Goodwill Ambassador, Nomzamo has become a global force on screen, on red carpets, and in advocacy. “She is powerful, graceful and deeply rooted in African authenticity,” says Zandi Zinganto, Brand Manager for Creme of Nature South Africa. “Her presence is more than just representation. It’s a celebration of beauty, culture, and textured hair in all its forms.”
Says Nomzamo, “This partnership is not just a personal milestone; it signifies a broader celebration of African identity and culture… Together, we can redefine beauty standards and inspire countless women to love and celebrate their authentic selves.”
Henry Shuttleworth, Managing Director of Revlon South Africa, adds: “This partnership marks a historic milestone for Creme of Nature. With Nomzamo’s passion, vision, and authenticity, we are excited to inspire women to celebrate their natural beauty.”
10and5 reached out to Nomzamo to hear more about the collaboration and why it matters to her. Here’s what she had to say.
10and5: You’ve always been a powerful voice for representation, confidence, and African identity. How does your new role as the ambassador of Creme of Nature reflect your personal values and journey?
Nomzamo: I believe my new role is a testament of who I am and what I stand for. My identity serves as a purpose and compass to what line of social messaging I would like to convey. And that’s freedom of expressing who you are in all forms. Owning your story/narrative, celebrating one’s individuality and knowing that true radiance comes from a person who celebrates all facets of themselves.
“Your Roots, Your Radiance” is such a powerful statement. What does being rooted in heritage, culture, and identity mean to you, and how does that show up in the way you present yourself to the world?
It shows up in the way I play with my hair and the versatility of it, in experimenting with textures, the curiosity of other cultures beyond the boarders in which I was born. Celebrating and loving all that makes Africa what it is. Beautiful, radiant, unique, bold, strong and distinct in how it leaves the world feeling.
Hair is a profoundly expressive part of self, especially for African women. What has your personal relationship with your hair looked like over the years, and how has it influenced how you see yourself?
My hair plays a very significant role in how I show up. I protect it fiercely, I constantly research ways to make it better, I speak to it (I know it sounds corny, but I really do!). Growing up, my hair belonged to my mother. In my adulthood I took ownership of it and when I did my first big chop, I felt the power of that. There has never been a time where I have felt detached from my hair. It is my favorite accessory after my skin of course!
As someone who is known for always showing up authentically – on the red carpet, on set, and in your advocacy work – how do you see beauty standards shifting, and what role does the representation of textured hair play in that transformation?
I see more education and sharing of knowledge. The beauty community has become more robust and open. Representation now has a wider spectrum and it’s been beautiful to witness the ways in which we are reintroduced to ourselves in a fuller and more accepting way.
You are an actress, humanitarian, accountant, and entrepreneur. What’s keeping you inspired and grounded in this season of your life?
At the moment what’s keeping me inspired is doing the work that I love, finding new challenges in it, growing and sharpening my skills and seeing the fruits of my labour come to life. As I move through everything, I’m trying to find the balance and find ways I can enhance my social messaging in a way that’s effective. I’m loving the creative space I’m in and the collaborations I’m currently a part of.
Looking ahead, what kinds of stories are you most excited to tell, whether through acting, advocacy or in your own personal life?
Modern stories of women like myself who are quickly learning that perhaps there is no balance. Simple human stories that peel away at the layers and show complexity. Perhaps another period piece that tells a unique story that’s lost in history.
You’ve walked an inspiring and unconventional path, from accounting to global screens. What advice do you have for young people navigating their careers and seeking their purpose?
- Don’t compare your step 4 to someone else’s step 10. Move at your own pace, in your own lane and run your own race. You are your only competition – move the goalpost according to it.
- Write the vision down. Be clear it’s what you really want to do and then pursue it.
Where to find Creme of Nature in South Africa
The full range is now available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Takealot and Amazon, with Checkers stores stocking it from July 2025.
