By Kristy Hesom

Hosted and filmed at Urban Brew Studios in Johannesburg, the finale was a sight for only a few eyes where select media and production members were invited to be a part of the audience.

The crowd also included season one winner, Altovise Lawrence, and South African actor Brandon Auret (District 9 and Chappie). It was a new and exciting feeling to be surrounded by South African celebs, as well an insightful experience to be behind the scenes of an international TV show.

Hosted by actress and Top Actor Africa judge Zikhona Sodlaka, the finale had flair and feathers. Sodlaka introduced the three finalists, Suntele, Shamilla Miller (South Africa) and Alex Khayo (Kenya) who sat in anticipation as Sodlaka took everyone through their journeys on the show. With their highs and their lows on display, you could see the anxiety growing in the three young hopeful’s faces, but they didn’t have to wait long to hear the big announcement.

The judges included Sodlaka herself, Auret, and stunt expert Ciprian Florian, as well as the viewers at home who voted for Viewer’s Choice. The Miss Congeniality Award of TV went to Kenyan hopeful Alex Khayo, whose big smile made it clear why the folks at home voted for him.

Shortly after this, the moment everyone was waiting had finally arrived, and Lawrence was given the honour of announcing her successor.

“... And the winner is ... Jesse Suntele!”

On his win, Suntele said; “I am lost for words, it literally hasn't sunk in yet. I'm overjoyed, but at the same time I'm not sure what just happened. My mind is in three places at once - where I was when I started in this career, what my next move is towards my future and what I am feeling right now. But I'm extremely proud of myself and of the other finalists, Shamilla and Alex. Those two will never know how much they pushed me and played a part in how hard I had to work for this. They won't ever know the impact they've made in my life and I'm grateful to have met them and I'm honoured to be an actor alongside them.”

Along with the Top Actor Africa title, Suntele also takes home a cheque for US $10 000, a 12-month contract with international talent agency J. Pervis Talent Agency, and access to Hollywood auditions.

We wish him, and his fellow contestants, all the luck in their future endeavours.

For more information, visit www.betafrica.tv. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram using the #TopActorAfrica hashtag.