What better way to close the month dedicated to South African women by celebrating Durban born Nomzamo Mbatha, our WCW. Nomzamo is an actress and TV personality in South Africa, on the rise to becoming our next “it girl” on screen. Tegan and I caught up with Nomzamo in Parkhurst Johannesburg to get to know her a bit better, outside of industry events and razzle dazzle.
Nomzamo showed up at Craft restaurant completely fresh faced, wearing a relaxed sneaker and jeweled crew neck jersey and shades. We chatted around Nomzamo’s rising star and dreams for the future. “I’ve gone through a whole bunch of dream careers. As a little girl I wanted to be an air hostess, then a psychologist which quickly went on to be a Chartered Accountant. But deep down I’ve just always wanted a career that would help me influence and inspire people”. We are so glad she decided to go into acting, she’s so good at it! As an actress Nomzamo shares her most challenging portion of the job “holding onto myself as my job requires me to give so much of who I am. Also the tight schedules and not resting”. Sharing how she keeps it real by staying close to her family and friends from her hometown. There’s something about her that is so captivating, and I tell her that I find her incredibly real amongst all the glitter that often surrounds her. She says its been a quick rise for her, only three years in the industry, but she definitely does not let it go to her head. When asked who she looks up to “my grandmother was that woman. I am surrounded by lionesses at home. My mom, aunt and older sister are those women. They keep me focused and just really inspire me to be the very best I can be. They are resilience personified. In the [media and entertainment] industry I admire Basetsana Kumalo, Khanyi Dhlomo, Nthati Moshesh and Winnie Mandela, also, Viola Davis and Meryl Streep are powerhouses!”.
From traveling the world representing our country’s film industry, Nomzamo better known for her role on Isibaya,caught our eye because of her incredible beauty and stunning fashion sense. Having just come back from Italy, New York and Los Angeles this year already, does she have any favorite places to travel? “Venice- the most breathtaking place I’ve been to so far. It made me cry. Nairobi, Kenya- the people, the place, the Masai clothes!”. When asked about her favorite skin care brands naturally Nomzamo mentioned her brand partner Neutrogena as the star of her skin care “They literally saved my skin. Sunscreen. I can’t go anywhere without it! I also swear by nigh serums! They’re magical”. And keeping her body fit and beautiful? “ I stay fit by taking the stairs instead of the lift or escalator. I adore Pilates… Great for my abs and my back problems”. As a powerhouse female we had to discuss her girl power anthem “Malibongwe – this song/anthem was sung by the women of 1956 who marched to the union buildings. It’s haunting and so beautiful. The lyrics go “Igama lamakhosikazi malibongwe!” Which means “Let the name of women, be praised”.
On being a woman, Nomzamo says her industry is thriving as women are often the drivers of success. We asked her about her greatest achievement as a woman, “Inspiring and having whatever influence I’ve had on other young women. That’s the most fulfilling part of what I do and anything that fulfills me in that way is an achievement. Of course also buying my dream car!”
Sitting down with Nomzamo you can see why she has covergirl status, a loyal fan base and a quick rising star in SA! But what most people don’t know about her is how down to earth she is, how goofy she can be and how kind she is to her fans. One thing I can say about this Durban born starlet, is to keep watching her! She is definitely set to make big waves in the international film and television scene, I predicted it first if anyone asks… 😉
Xo Aisha
Follow Nomzamo on Instagram & Twitter |
Photography Tegan Smith
