Latest news with #Inimba
News24
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
‘Never lose yourself in a relationship because of a man' - Zenande Mfenyana on playing Thumeka
She has been the talk of social media since the show premiered. Her portrayal of such a complex character has resonated with female viewers, who can't help but sympathise with her situation. She's no stranger to playing captivating characters that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Her previous roles include Noluntu Memela on Generations and Goodness Mabuza on The Queen. Now, she takes on the striking role of Thumeka on Inimba. Read more | Dawn Thandeka King opens up about her divorce on Untied: 'That killed me' Talented South African actress Zenande Mfenyana has captured the hearts of many as Thumeka in Inimba. Thumeka's love for Hlathi knows no bounds, and she will stop at nothing to hold onto him. In the show, her world falls apart when her partner for 20 years abruptly decides to leave her and go back to his first wife (Zoleka), who also happens to be Thumeka's cousin. To regain his love, Thumeka goes to unimaginable measures to alter her appearance and wardrobe to look like her husband's first wife. The realisation that her actions are in vain causes her to unravel, and her desperation leads her to attempt to take her own life. Speaking to Drum, Zenande reveals the impact, lessons and challenges the role has taught her. Read more | Senior Oat opens up about financial struggles - 'I just want bookings' She says that in a way, she could resonate with Thumeka as she, too, has abandoned herself in relationships. 'I can fully relate to what Thumeka is doing for Hlathi. Completely immersing yourself in love and forgetting yourself, forgetting your own identity and being lost in someone else's identity, that's the craziest thing I've ever done. And when you walk out of that relationship, you don't even know yourself anymore, because you've always been this person's person, and you've always seen yourself as this person's person, you don't even recognise yourself when the relationship is over,' she tells us. 'You should never lose yourself in a relationship all because of a man.' Read more | 'It represents healing' - Cici opens up about her new album She says when preparing for the role, she had to see Thumeka through the lens of all women. 'This is a story of so many women. And so, for me, having to remove the judgment from the character, that's first and foremost. I need to play her authentically, and for me to be able to resonate with the part of her, I need to strip away the judgment. And it starts with preparation, as we get the script way in advance.' Read more | Thulisile Phongolo exits Generations: The Legacy... again 'Her story is a representation of how women get immersed in a relationship and lose themselves. You forget your hobbies. You forget what interests you. I don't even remember Thumeka pursuing something that she likes - it's always been about Hlathi. Even now that she's walked away. It challenges one to do some self-introspection and ask themselves, before I get into a relationship, who am I? Am I going to compromise who I am for the sake of this relationship? Because should this not work out, or should it end, who am I outside of this?' she highlights. Read more | 'I've grown so much' - House of Zwide's Nefisa Mkhabela talks industry lessons Zenande believes that women can learn from Thumeka's character. 'When love goes wrong, when the relationship goes wrong, you can still be you. You can still find yourself outside of that because people have free will to walk away from you at any given point, but you need to know you will still be you even without a man or anyone else.' She believes that the acting industry should spend more time seeking talent rather than relevance and that actors should harness their skills instead of seeking fame. 'I think more than anything, sometimes talent is discarded. Not discarded in the sense that people don't see it, but just that they want a quick fix. They don't take the time anymore to go and nurture their talents. I've been in the industry for 18 years i and I still have an acting coach.' ' You learn so much from being part of acting workshops. So, it's going the extra mile for me because there was a point when I was out of work for so long. And I was like, God, if this is not for me anymore, if you don't want me in the acting industry anymore, then take it away. Take the longing to want to act away from me and let me pursue something else. And Thumeka arrived at a time when I was just so desperate to hear from God. And I always say to myself when people criticise your work, don't let it get to your heart, and when they compliment your work, don't let it go to your head, and it always works for me.' Read more | EFF drops gospel artist Betusile Mcinga from 12th anniversary lineup over ANC ties Like many people who are in the public eye, Zenande has had her fair share of harsh criticism from the public. ' The most common misconception about me is that I'm rude, but I'm not. I've learned to grow a thick skin, because if you don't have a thick skin, you'll just deteriorate and you'll end up hanging yourself. Because people sit behind their phones and computer screens, and they say anything and everything about you. You say one little thing, and they blow it out of proportion, and it becomes this whole thing.' 'For as long as I have God by my side, nothing else matters. He's the author and finisher of my story, and no one else but him. I pray a lot about these things, and especially my peace, and I detach myself from anything that'll cost me my peace. I've learned to be very self-aware. If someone does or says something negative, I just block, I don't even reply anymore, because I think my thing in the past was to reply as I felt the need to defend myself, and now, I don't do that anymore.' She says that anyone who is currently facing difficult times should always remember that they can rise again. 'You can rise again. And you will rise again. Nothing can keep you down. If God is not finished with your story, no one else, I mean absolutely no one, can determine your future. Your present, and your future are in God's hands.'
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Celebrating young stars transforming South Africa's entertainment scene this Youth Month
Ayakha Ntunja's nostalgic affinity for theatre and film has propelled her toward major accolades. Image: Mishaal Gangaram As South Africa embraces Youth Month, an annual celebration that honours the vibrant spirit, resilience, and contributions of the nation's youth, it also shines a spotlight on the burgeoning talent within the entertainment industry. A generation of young stars is not only entertaining audiences but also transforming the cultural landscape of the nation, and their achievements deserve recognition and celebration. The South African entertainment realm is a mosaic of diverse talents, with young artists marking their presence in music, film and television. This Youth Month, we celebrate some of the industry's brightest stars who are redefining success and inspiring their peers. Ayakha Ntunja Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Ayakha Ntunja's nostalgic affinity for theatre and film has propelled her toward major accolades. Image: Mishaal Gangaram Ayakha Ntunja's journey in the performing arts appears ordained during her formative years at SA's National School of the Arts. Her nostalgic affinity for theatre and film has propelled her toward major accolades. Her multifaceted talents have seen her take on significant roles, including a remarkable performance as Thembi on "MTV Shuga Down South', which helped solidify her rising status in television. Most recently, she has taken centre stage in 'Youngins', playing the lead role of Amo, and is currently enchanting audiences with her portrayal of Qhawe in "Inimba'. Niyaaz Arendse Niyaaz Arendse embodies the essence of a true entertainer. Image: Niyaaz Arendse Instagram With a natural charisma and a powerful voice, Niyaaz Arendse embodies the essence of a true entertainer. This Cape Town native's musical journey began at a tender age and quickly developed, catching the attention of his primary school teacher by age six. Talent shows became his playground, and after years of honing his craft, he burst onto the scene as part of a boy band before embarking on a successful solo career. Arendse first captured the hearts of South African viewers during his stint in the Top 5 of 'Idols SA' season 14, but it was his earlier performance on 'SA's Got Talent' at age 14 that firmly established his place in the public eye. Since then, he has concentrated on creating a unique sound, evident in his debut single "Don't Need It" released in 2020. Kim Blanche Adonis Kim Blanche Adonis has captured the hearts and minds of audiences through her dynamic solo acts. Image: File Award-winning actress Kim Blanche Adonis stands out as a superb performer whose exceptional range and compelling storytelling have placed her in the spotlight. Lauded for her powerful performances, Adonis has captured the hearts and minds of audiences through her dynamic solo acts that weave satire and social commentary into her narratives. Her ability to embody an array of characters has earned her widespread acclaim, with critics praising her chameleon-like versatility, enhanced by diverse accents and physicality. One of her most noteworthy performances was in 'My Fellow South Africans'. Adonis' skillful integration of humour and serious social issues not only captivates audiences but also provokes thought and dialogue, solidifying her place as one of Mzansi's most influential artists. Ntando Zondi Ntando Zondi has also made a significant mark in the entertainment scene. Image: Ntando Zondi Instagram Emerging from a young age with a passion for the arts, Ntando Zondi has also made a significant mark in the entertainment scene. His charismatic flair for acting became evident throughout his academic journey, and he made an impressive debut in the widely acclaimed television series 'Shaka iLembe'. As the young King Shaka, Zondi showcased his remarkable acting abilities and his dedication to embodying complex characters authentically. Following this breakthrough, Zondi continued to rise, appearing in productions such as 'Red Ink" where he played Sifiso, as well as in the series 'Sibongile & The Dlaminis'. His talent has not gone unnoticed; recently, he received a nomination for the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Best Newcomer Actor Award at the KZN Film & Television Awards 2024, a clear indicator of his rising star in the industry. Lauren Bianca Maduray Lauren Bianca Maduray's work resonates beyond the pages. Image: Lauren Bianca Maduray Instagram Another rising star making waves is Lauren Bianca Maduray, a comic book artist who has recently ventured into writing with her debut fantasy romance 'His Wolf Her Horse'. Maduray's journey from beloved comic creator to published author exemplifies her diverse talents and unwavering passion for storytelling. Armed with a degree in psychological counselling, Maduray channels her knowledge and creativity into her artistry, urging young artists to embrace both faith and creativity as fundamental to their success. Her work resonates beyond the pages, inviting readers on a journey that seamlessly intertwines the enchanting worlds of comics and literature.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lunathi Mampofu gets personal about her role in 'Inimba'
Award-winning actress Lunathi Mampofu is receiving praise for her powerful performance in Mzansi Magic's latest drama series, 'Inimba'. In the show, she plays Zoleka Mabandla, a driven woman forced to choose between her family and her career, a role that has resonated deeply with her. Speaking to IOL Entertainment, Mampofu unpacked the character and the storyline describing it as an emotional experience and pure healing. 'There's a lot of things that we as women deal with and not to say men don't, in this story but I've also had to deal with in my life, as a single parent and the ups and downs, the difficult decisions that we have to make.
News24
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
How Lunathi Mampofu's starring role in Inimba is a journey of healing
Lunathi Mampofu's latest lead role is Zoleka Mabandla in Inimba. Portraying the complex reality of a career-driven mother is what Lunathi loves about the role. She reveals that the series hits deep as a reflection of her reality as a single mother. ____________________________________________________ Sometimes life imitates art in a way that you'd least expect it. For award-winning actor Lunathi Mampofu, it was bringing to life the complexities of a career-driven woman and single motherhood, which mirrors the themes of her own life. Lunathi takes on the lead role as the headstrong tech mogul Zoleka Mabandla in the powerful drama series Inimba, who sacrificed everything for her career before returning home and attempting to reconnect with her daughter Qhawe (played by Ayakha Ntunja) she left behind. As a single parent herself, Lunathi was drawn to how real and honest the portrayal of real issues many South African women face in their own lives. The 38-year-old tells TRUELOVE about what she loves the most about bringing Zoleka to life. 'With this specific story ... It's real life issues and things that happen and I, as a single parent, am going through some of those things as well and the difficulties of having to choose between being a mom and coming out here and working and doing God's work. 'But I think for me, it's just the fact that I get to portray the reality of what's actually going on out there with the people and how they sometimes feel - and I think we all do - we always feel like we are alone in the situations that we're going through. Whether it's a divorce, whether it's being away from your child, whether it's the difficulties that we face at work, which we face even in our industry.' A reflection of reality Zoleka's tale is one that hits deep with Lunathi, who reveals that she personally has felt the pressures of being at a crossroads between fulfilling her commitments as a mother and as a prominent figure in South African entertainment. She admits, 'Ja man, a lot of times, like schoolwork and stuff like that, I would like to be more present, I would like to do more, but I can't split myself as being the breadwinner, the mother, the person who puts the whole household together, like all of it. That's the reality and the truth and until I'm blessed to find a partner who's going to assist me with that. 'But in the same breath, you have to make it work and I can't take away from the people that love me, that have been there in this journey with me, like my parents, my siblings, in moments where I had to be at work she has to be picked up or she needs to fly to Cape Town because I'm flying out of country. So, those are the moments where I'm just like you know what - and we've had those tough conversations together but the beautiful part is the fact that I've brought up to be independent as well and to understand the route that I've chosen.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oros Mampofu | Actor (@oros_mampofu) The journey of healing Lunathi is someone who is very critical about her performances but, with Inimba, she is using this impactful story to have real conversations with her daughter in a way that is healing for the thespian. 'I struggle to watch myself but with this show - because I said again - it's healing for me in so many different ways, in so many different ways. 'So, it's also therapy just to rewatch it and have those conversations with u-aunty endlini and have those conversations with my daughter where you actually pick up the type of person that she's growing up to be as well and how understanding she is about certain things that have happened in our life. So, I really honestly chose this job because I knew what it was going to do for us.'
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Couples who binge together, stay together: 5 unexpected benefits of TV marathons
Studies have shown that engaging in shared activities enhances closeness in romantic relationships. Our relationships are often tested by time constraints, work pressures, and societal expectations, couples are finding creative ways to strengthen their connection. The dynamics of modern dating often reflect a desire for a deeper connection amidst the chaos of everyday life. For many couples, this means finding simple yet meaningful ways to bond. Interestingly, one of the most underrated yet effective bonding activities is binge-watching TV shows together. While the idea may seem trivial, recent research and behavioural studies reveal surprising emotional and relational benefits of this shared pastime. According to when couples sit down to watch TV shows together, it becomes more than just a passive activity. It transforms into a shared adventure filled with laughter, emotions, and even moments of reflection. 1. Creating shared experiences that strengthen bonds Shared experiences are the foundation of emotionally fulfilling relationships. They foster empathy, create lasting memories, and cultivate a sense of togetherness. Watching TV shows as a couple is a readily accessible shared experience that doesn't require elaborate planning or financial strain. Studies have shown that engaging in shared activities enhances closeness in romantic relationships. For couples juggling busy schedules, settling down for a series on Netflix or Showmax can serve as a mini retreat, a chance to reconnect after a long day. Whether it's debating the storyline of Inimba or laughing over the antics in How to Ruin Christmas, these moments become the glue that holds relationships together. 2. Introducing new topics of conversation One of the most mundane yet underestimated challenges in relationships is running out of things to talk about. Watching TV shows together can inject fresh topics into your conversations, breaking the monotony of discussing work, family, or chores. South Africa's diverse cultural landscape offers a unique opportunity to explore shows that feature different perspectives, such as "Blood & Water" or "Savage Beauty". These shows introduce themes of identity, social justice, and relationships, sparking meaningful dialogue. Couples can also engage in playful debates about character decisions or hypothetical scenarios from their favourite series, keeping the relationship dynamic and intellectually stimulating.
