In just 2 months actress Siphesihle Ndaba has won the hearts of South African television viewers with her enthralling performances as Mazet on Mzansi Magic’s newest hit series Gomora.Born and bred in Soweto, Johannesburg the 22-year-old is much more than her onscreen character. She’s a Rhodes University graduate, avid book reader, aspiring director and so much more. Check out 7 interesting facts about Siphesihle Ndaba aka Mazet below:

1. The Oprah School
The rising star matriculated from the Oprah Academy Leadership School.

2. Interest in Music
Music is also one of Siphesihle’s passions. During her time at the Oprah Academy, she was a member of the school’s Jazz band.3. Rhodes University
Ndaba is a Rhodes University Alumni. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science, Psychology, Economics and Drama as well as BSS (Hons) in Dramatic Arts.

4. She Comes From a Big Family
In an interview with City Press, the actress revealed that she has 18 siblings.
5. She’s an Avid Book Reader
In her free time, Siphesihle reads books. Some of the books she’s read include Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance (1995), a memoir by Barack Obama.

6. Aspiring Director
Apart from Acting, Ndaba is also an aspiring director/writer. She directed ‘Skinned’ at the National Arts Festival. The play is described as an exploration of finding and creating black female joy, living in a marginalized and public body in the South African context.7. Theatre
Before landing the role a Mazet on Gomora, Siphesihle was cast in a lot of theatre productions. These include: I am an emotional creature by Eve Ensler- directed by Coba Wilsenach, Race by David Mamet- directed by Tisetso Mashifane, The witches by Roald Dahl – directed by Coba Wilsenach as well as Vuk’ucave directed by Andrew Buckland.

Picture Credit: Instagram/ceecee_ndab