Zikhona Sodlaka celebrates two decades in acting and reflects on motherhood
Actress Zikhona Sodlaka marks 20 years in the entertainment industry with nationwide Masterclass Tour starting in Gqeberha.
Two decades ago, South African television was introduced to a young actress whose presence would leave an indelible mark.
Since then, she's become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, transforming from rising star to revered veteran, all while maintaining the same authenticity that made Mzansi fall in love with her.
Now, as she prepares to celebrate her 40th birthday, the actress and producer, Zikhona Sodlaka reflects on her journey in the entertainment industry — not with nostalgia, but with purpose and power.
The evolution of me has been like any other woman's evolution,' she tells DRUM.
'Coming from being a kid just finishing your teenage years and growing into a woman, starting to find your voice, as a human, and as an artist. I've developed a tone, a voice, and a language I want to run forward with.'
From her gripping portrayal of Mandisa on The Wife to her menacing turn as NomaRussia, Zikhona has always chosen roles that are real, gritty, and emotionally charged.
Her characters aren't just performances, they are lived experiences.
'I choose my roles according to the story of that woman. If the storyline is overdone, there's no need for me to do it. It needs to grab my full attention.'
Whether she's a supporting actress on Blood & Water or performing in a theatre production, Zikhona pours herself into her characters.
'I need to sit up at night and go, 'Mhmm, what could have happened?' Then I can take it and go to town with it.'
Turning 40 and clocking 20 years in the industry would be enough reason to celebrate, but Zikhona is doing more than that.
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She's kicking off a nationwide masterclass tour, beginning in her home province, the Eastern Cape, aimed at inspiring and uplifting the next generation of South African creatives.
'The masterclass has become something like, 'Hey guys, we've achieved something. Let's share it.' I thought turning 40 and celebrating 20 years in the business is a nice time to say, 'Okay, cool guys, this is how far we've come.' Then we go back, inherit another 20 years, and come back again.'
The Zikhona Sodlaka Masterclass is more than just a celebratory tour, it's a space for reflection, skill-building, and growth.
'This industry has given me so much, and now I want to give back in a way that's honest, vulnerable, and useful,' Zikhona says.
'These sessions are not just about me, they're about building the next generation of fearless creators.'
Zikhona is not just an actress anymore, she's a businesswoman and mother too.
Her production company, Zikhona Sodlaka Productions, is four years old and growing steadily.
'There's no time to be afraid to run with it. It's a lot of work to establish your own business in this country, but I've been pounding at the rock,' she says.
The company aims to tell stories that matter, stories that reflect real people.
'Some of the work I'm creating, I'll star in it too. That's the whole point, creating stories so riveting that you'd want to participate in them yourself. But I'm also creating platforms for others, old and new talent, to leave their hearts on stage.' she says.
She's also a proud mother to a four-year-old son, a role that she embraced fully even while filming Blood & Water.
'I became a mom in front of everyone. I was pregnant throughout shooting, gave birth, and returned to work immediately after,' she says.
'There's nothing special I've done. There are many women who are pregnant and working, carrying their kids at work. I've just taken my ride as a working mom and ran with it.'
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As someone who has consistently portrayed powerful Black women on screen, Zikhona believes it's her duty to reflect them as they truly are.
'It's my responsibility to show Black women the way they really are. It's then up to you to decide they are strong,' she explains.
She may have come of age on our screens, but today she stands as a mentor, a mother, and a creator who refuses to wait for permission to do meaningful work. And if her past 20 years are anything to go by, her next chapter promises to be even more trailblazing.
'Watch this space,' she says with a smile. 'There's a lot coming.'
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