Mbalenhle “Mbali” Mavimbela, an actress, has landed a huge role on our Television screen.
The actress, who has previously acted in programmes including Uzalo and Durban Gen, has landed the lead role of Nothile on SABC1’s drama series Skeem Saam. Mbali told SunBuzz that she was overjoyed when she received a callback.
“The first person I phoned was my sister because she had started calling me by my character’s name way before I won the part,” she explained. Acting as Nothile, according to Mbali, has been a dream come true.
“I enjoy putting myself in her shoes because, like her, I constantly speak my mind and stick up for myself,” she said. The 24-year-old actress revealed that playing Nothile has been easy for her.
“Instead, it has forced me to demonstrate my versatility as a performer. But one thing I can say is that playing a villain is emotionally draining, especially when the evil isn’t evident like Nothile. It takes a toll on her because she is constantly cheerful and calm,” she explained.
The KZN-born actress, who starred in the now-cancelled e.tv drama Isipho, said she was devastated when the show was canceled because she had hoped it would be her breakout role.
“I went through a lot after the show ended because I came to Joburg from my hometown. It was painful, and it was a rude awakening for me to realize that anything can happen at any time, and your work is not guaranteed. However, I have developed as a result of it, and it has humbled me more than anything.”
Mbali stated that she aspires to be an example to her peers. People may expect to be blown away in the next few days by her character Nothile, she said.
“I can’t give too much away, but there will be a lot of drama, especially with Lehasa. It will undoubtedly keep everyone on the edge of their seats,” she said.
Her grandma, on the other hand, wished she had lived long enough to see her accomplishment. Mbali, as she is affectionately known, has been cast in the series as Nothile Mavimbela, and will be Lehasa’s (Cedric Fourie) love interest.
“My grandmother was the most important person in my life. She died two days before I made my debut appearance on Skeem Saam, and I miss her terribly. She adored the show and was my staunchest supporter. She had a significant impact on her life, and she was the one who taught her how to cook,” she explains.
Mbali (24) has always been interested in the arts. She applied to varsity after finishing matric but was unable to secure a spot in DUT’s acting department, so she chose to study travel and tourism instead.
“My parents couldn’t afford AFDA since the costs were too high. On campus, though, I spent more time in the theatrical department than in my own. She says, “I spent all of my lunch breaks there, and sometimes I’d skip my own lessons to attend performances there.”
It didn’t take her long to abandon that course.
She can now do what she enjoys the most.
“Oh, my goodness!” she exclaimed. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived on the Skeem Saam set. I had never filmed in a studio before, and now I was on this massive studio set with the most incredible cast and crew.
“It was as if everyone had received a notice informing them that a new member of the team was joining the team and that they should all be courteous. So far, it’s been very incredible. The warm reception has been quite reassuring.”
Mbali thinks she would be in aviation if she wasn’t in the entertainment sector.
“Before the theatrical bug hit me, I was intrigued with flying since I was a child. I wanted to be a pilot when I grew up. Even now, I always do a double take when I see something about an aviation school.”
She is currently motivated by the caliber of work being produced by other young actors.
“Man, what a time to be alive!” Take a look at what Thuso Mbedu is doing and how she inspires us all. Nozuko Ncayiyane, who plays Nokuthula “Nox” Jele in DiepCity, is another favorite of mine. I liked her as Phindile on Scandal! as well,” she adds.