Well-known Mzansi actress Thobeka Ndwandwe triggered emotions in Uzalo viewers as she aced the role of Olwethu Khumalo, a 17-year-old schoolgirl and model, who was bullied by her schoolmates.
The 28-year-old actress said viewers were filled with emotions, thanks to her character and this brought back memories of the dark days she went through as a young girl.
Thobeka from Mandeni in KZN revealed that she was raped by a family friend when she was four years old.
Thobeka Ndwandwe
The 28-year-old actress said viewers were filled with emotions, thanks to her character and this brought back memories of the dark days she went through as a young girl.
Thobeka from Mandeni in KZN revealed that she was raped by a family friend when she was four years old.And a few months after the alleged incident, her mum died of cancer.
She said although it’s the chapter she thought she had closed, the role reminded her of the difficulties some of the girls are facing.
“This character was my big break in the acting industry. I enjoyed playing Olwethu, but it opened old wounds. I think that’s the reason I did well. Although I enjoyed it, I felt pain as well, which made it easy for me to show frustration and emotions,” said Thobeka.“I won’t elaborate on the rape incident as it’s something I don’t wish to affect my mission of prospering. Maybe one day, I’ll do something to help rape victims through the healing process,” Thobeka said.
She said the journey in Uzalo taught her a lot about herself.
“I discovered that there are interesting things about myself. I also discovered that I have an amazing acting talent. I gave it my all and am certain the future looks bright. One of the highlights was to act along with famous TV stars I grew up watching.”The rising star’s love for acting when she was in high school. That made her study drama and Theatre at Ikabawo Performing Art Academy in Durban.
Thobeka’s dream is to play other roles that are different from what she played in Uzalo, win awards and coach aspiring actors from Mandeni.