Latest news with #ZikhonaSodlaka
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Actress Zikhona Sodlaka celebrates 20 years in the industry with masterclasses
Throughout her two decades in the industry, Sodlaka has often been asked by fans and aspiring creatives for guidance and advice. The Zikhona Sodlaka Masterclass is a space for creatives to grow, learn and be empowered, through guided and interactive engagement. Picture: Supplied In celebration of 20 years in the industry, actress Zikhona Sodlaka is hosting masterclasses to share her knowledge with the next generation of creatives. In her 20 years in the industry, Sodlaka says she has always received requests for advice from fans who are aspiring actors or creatives. 'I was busy doing the work. Now this year, because of this incredible realisation that I'm turning 40 years young, while celebrating 20 years, I think now I have one, the time and [two] the confidence to say I've got something to offer you,' Sodlaka told The Citizen. The Zikhona Sodlaka Masterclass is a space for creatives to grow, learn, and empower through guided and interactive engagement. 'The 20-year-long journey that I've accumulated this far definitely had a lot of participation from people who've supported my career, and in that 20 years, the questions have been coming from my people, but just couldn't at the time 'I finally have the opportunity I've been looking for, to kind of look back and like almost pass this baton that my supporters have been wanting me to pass even before now.' ALSO READ: 'Give this queen her flowers' – 'The Wife' viewers celebrate Zikhona Sodlaka as Mandisa Sodlaka's new role Sodlaka's career spans television, film, and theatre, shaping South Africa's cultural landscape with captivating performances and authentic storytelling. Her career started on the popular SABC 1 educational drama Tsha Tsha, which was in its fourth season. She says her introduction into the industry was advantageous because of the talent she worked alongside. 'Being thrown into the beautiful deep end that I was thrown into, swimming with sharks, killer whales, and dolphins, which were these icons and legends I was working with. In my first show, I worked with sis Vatiswa Ndara, who played my mom. I worked on a show that had umama uNomhle Nkonyeni,' she says. Now, she's stepping into a new role: mentor, teacher, and guide for aspiring talent nationwide. In addition to marking 20 years in the film and television industry, Sodlaka also celebrates her 40th birthday this year. ALSO READ: Actress asks for privacy after the arrest of ex-boyfriend Giving back Attendees will gain tools on owning their voice, navigating the industry and building longevity in the entertainment space. 'From characterisation, to navigating the business of the arts, to branding…it's a full day,' says Sodlaka about the masterclass programme. As part of the masterclass programme, surprise acts will join Sodlaka in each province. The masterclass tour will visit six cities, starting at the end of May in Gqeberha's Nelson Mandela University, stopping in Cape Town and Bloemfontein, and wrapping up in Johannesburg in August. 'I almost did make the mistake of only going to the major cities until there was a call from a few people saying 'hey, don't leave us out'.' NOW READ: Denzel Washington 'blessed beyond measure' after surprise tribute at Cannes Film Festival
News24
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Zikhona Sodlaka celebrates two decades in acting and reflects on motherhood
She first captured hearts with her roles in Tsha Tsha, Soul City, and made a brief appearance on Generations. 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. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zikhona Sodlaka (@zikhonasodlaka) 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.' Read more | Tebogo Thobejane pleas for privacy as ex-boyfriend's attempted murder bail hearing postponed 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.'
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Zikhona Sodlaka marks 20 years in entertainment with nationwide masterclass tour
Zikhona Sodlaka is celebrating 20 years and she's paving the way for those who come next. Picture: Supplied/Moonstone Agency Image: Supplied/Moonstone Agency Celebrated actress, producer, and cultural powerhouse Zikhona Sodlaka is commemorating two decades in the entertainment industry and she's doing it with intention and heart. As she enters this milestone year, Sodlaka launches a nationwide masterclass tour designed to uplift, educate, and inspire the next generation of South African creatives. With a career that spans television, film, and theatre, Sodlaka has become a defining voice in South Africa's cultural narrative. From her powerful performances to her unwavering authenticity, she has left an indelible mark. Now, she's embracing a new chapter of mentorship and legacy-building. The Zikhona Sodlaka Masterclass is described as more than just a workshop. It's an interactive and immersive experience aimed at nurturing talent and empowering creatives with practical tools from finding and owning their unique voice, to navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry and building a sustainable career. 'The broad stroke of storytelling in its simplicity is what storytelling is about, and my interpretation of it is what I am excited to share,' says Sodlaka. 'It's about storytelling, self-belief and creating with purpose.' 'This industry has given me so much, and now I want to give back in a way that's honest, vulnerable, and useful,' she adds. 'These sessions are not just about me they're about building the next generation of fearless creators.' 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 ✕ The masterclass tour will make stops in major cities across the country: Gqeberha – May 31 Bloemfontein – June 1 Cape Town – June 28 Mpumalanga – July 5 Durban – July 28 Johannesburg – August 30 This tour is just the first of many initiatives planned for Sodlaka's 20th anniversary year. A full slate of projects and celebrations will follow, all reflecting on her journey as an artist, storyteller, and cultural icon. IOL Entertainment
News24
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Anele Mdoda ties the knot with Prince Buza James
As the Easter holiday ushers in a season of renewal and celebration, powerhouse Anele Mdoda has achieved a remarkable milestone. She has tied the knot to Prince Bonelela 'Buza' James, a distinguished Xhosa prince, and a successful lawyer. Read more | #JusticeForCwecwe: A mother's unrelenting quest In a beautiful, dreamy celebration of love and tradition, popular South African media personality Anele Mdoda exchanged vows with her beloved husband, Bonelela 'Buza' James, a respected prince and attorney from the esteemed AbaThembu royal family. The wedding ceremony, which took place on April 20, 2025, was a vibrant celebration of Xhosa culture and tradition. Anele looked stunning in her intricately beaded Xhosa traditional regalia, while Buza matched her elegance in his regal attire. The ceremony was attended by close family and friends, including notable figures from the entertainment industry such as Nomzamo Mbatha, Connie Ferguson, Zikhona Sodlaka, Basetsana Kumalo along with her husband, Romeo Kumalo, and media personalities Khaya Dlanga, Neo Nontso, and Sizwe Dhlomo. Congratulatory messages and wishes have poured in from fans and fellow television personalities alike, including celebrities, wishing the two nothing but a happy marriage. Actress, Zikhona Sodlaka took to her Instagram to post a video of the two joyous love birds. "He who finds a wife finds a Good Thing and gains Favour from the Lord - Camagu's otherwise," the caption reads. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zikhona Sodlaka (@zikhonasodlaka)
