A second-year Journalism student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Sihle Nzima recently bagged his first acting role on Mzansi Wethu’s telenovela; Sibongile and The Dlamini’s. This exciting local telenovela airs every Monday to Wednesday at 18h30 on Mzansi Wethu (DStv channel 163).
The 24-year-old aspiring actor, Sihle Nzima plays ‘Government’, a troublesome young man who was recently released from jail.
He has been yearning for this opportunity for a long time and he hopes this is a start of many great things. He grew up in the rural areas of Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal and his dream was to one day become a famous actor. He aims to inspire the youth from the rural areas, to believe that through hard work and determination, every dream can come true. He recalled how when he was a little boy he would save his pocket money so he could pay his neighbour to watch television.
Speaking about how he finally bagged the anticipated acting role, Nzima began by expressing his gratitude to one of his friends who shared with him a link of a social media post calling for actors.
“I sent an email where I attached my profile and requested an audition script. The following day, I went to the audition and waited for the response for months and they finally got back to me and offered me the role of Government,” said an elated Nzima.
Sharing his reaction after getting the role, Nzima said he was ecstatic and jumped around his room, screaming at the top of his lungs in disbelief. However, he indicated that he was anxious and doubtful of his ability to take on this role.
“I immediately knew how big this was, not only for me but for representation of my hometown (Nquthu). I was so scared because it was like facing my dreams as they were no longer a fantasy but a reality,” he shared.
So far, he indicated that he was enjoying the journey, and hopes that more acting roles will come his way.
“The highlight of my acting career so far, has to be being part of the most amazing team on Sibongile and The Dlaminis. My debut first scene where I was holding the stolen chicken, it was a brilliant way of introducing a troublemaker character to the viewers and I have to give it to Sibongile and the Dlaminis team, for their excellence and dedication,” he said.
Nzima revealed that after completing his matric, in 2017 he moved to Johannesburg where he stayed for four years, searching for his big break in the acting industry. He managed to be featured on Isibaya and Generations: The Legacy as an extra. He decided to return to Durban to study as he realised that to tap into any industry of his choice, he needed a qualification.
At DUT, he first enrolled for his Higher Certificate in Public Administration, which he successfully completed. He then enrolled for a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism where he had financial problems due to the Higher Certificate debt. It was a stressful period for him as he feared that he might have to take another gap year.
Coming to his rescue was Mr Zwakele Ngubane, Director: Advancement and Alumni Relations at DUT who settled his outstanding fees and paid for his registration fees for the Journalism programme. Nzima indicated he would forever be grateful to Mr Ngubane and his team for their assistance and support when enrolling for his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
Besides acting, he is also passionate about the radio industry and he is keen on venturing onto the airwaves once again. Nzima mentioned that during his high school years, he was a radio presenter at Anchor FM in Nquthu.
Pictured: DUT rising star, Sihle Nzima.
Simangele Zuma
