Hard work and dedication are finally paying off for Mthatha-born actress Zola Nombona who recently received her first South African Film and Television Awards (Safta) nomination.
The 23-year-old, who has taken the small screen by storm, was nominated for best lead actress in a movie made for TV.
She has been nominated alongside Xolile Tshabalala and Thembi Seete.
Nombona’s movie Lungelwa has also been nominated for best short film.
The actress, who grew up in Matatiele, said she still could not believe she had been nominated for a Safta.
“It’s unbelievable, I am happy about it but I am still numb,” she said.
The former Victoria Girls High School pupil said acting was always something that she aspired to do while growing up.
“Acting is a gift and I knew this was my calling in life. There is no particular moment in my life that I can say my love for acting started because I’ve always loved entertaining people and performing. In primary school I loved arts and culture,” she said.
After discovering her love for acting, Nombona invested a lot of time doing drama.
After high school, she did an honours degree in dramatic arts at Wits University.
“Acting is my happy place. It’s something that I do with passion and I’ve invested a lot into it,” she said.
Nombona said hard work and having faith is what keeps her going as an actress.
“Things can get hard in this industry but I have been blessed that every role I play opens another door for me and that is always the goal.
“My parents are happy for me but I know they worry because at times actors can go for months without jobs. But by the grace of God I haven’t struggled with jobs,” she said.
Nombona got her major TV role in 2013 on SABC 1’s drama series, Intersexions.
She made appearances on Mzansi Love:Kasi Style, Single Guys and Single Galz. Last year she played two lead roles, one on e.tv’s drama series Z’bondiwe and Forced Love.
She is currently shooting season two of Z’bondiwe which makes a return this month.
The series is set in Soweto, Gauteng, where two notorious gangs – The Vutha Boys and The Mambas – rule the township.
Nombona said playing the role of Roxanne on the show was an amazing experience.
“On the first season she was always in confinement but now we get to see her true colours,” she said. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Sky’s the limit for E Cape TV actress
The 23-year-old, who has taken the small screen by storm, was nominated for best lead actress in a movie made for TV.
She has been nominated alongside Xolile Tshabalala and Thembi Seete.
Nombona’s movie Lungelwa has also been nominated for best short film.
The actress, who grew up in Matatiele, said she still could not believe she had been nominated for a Safta.
“It’s unbelievable, I am happy about it but I am still numb,” she said.
The former Victoria Girls High School pupil said acting was always something that she aspired to do while growing up.
“Acting is a gift and I knew this was my calling in life. There is no particular moment in my life that I can say my love for acting started because I’ve always loved entertaining people and performing. In primary school I loved arts and culture,” she said.
After discovering her love for acting, Nombona invested a lot of time doing drama.
After high school, she did an honours degree in dramatic arts at Wits University.
“Acting is my happy place. It’s something that I do with passion and I’ve invested a lot into it,” she said.
Nombona said hard work and having faith is what keeps her going as an actress.
“Things can get hard in this industry but I have been blessed that every role I play opens another door for me and that is always the goal.
“My parents are happy for me but I know they worry because at times actors can go for months without jobs. But by the grace of God I haven’t struggled with jobs,” she said.
Nombona got her major TV role in 2013 on SABC 1’s drama series, Intersexions.
She made appearances on Mzansi Love:Kasi Style, Single Guys and Single Galz. Last year she played two lead roles, one on e.tv’s drama series Z’bondiwe and Forced Love.
She is currently shooting season two of Z’bondiwe which makes a return this month.
The series is set in Soweto, Gauteng, where two notorious gangs – The Vutha Boys and The Mambas – rule the township.
Nombona said playing the role of Roxanne on the show was an amazing experience.
“On the first season she was always in confinement but now we get to see her true colours,” she said. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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