ZINHLE NGWENYA’S calling follows her in front of the cameras in her work as an actress.
“In real life, I’m a sangoma and on set I get roles as a prophet, sangoma or a doctor,” she said.
"It's amadlozi who are giving me top roles!"
The 38-year-old actress from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, who is based in Joburg, said she believes her ancestors wanted her to show the world her powers.
Zinhle said it started when she was a teenager. She said she went through initiation even though, at first, she wasn’t happy about it but her ancestors forced her by making her life miserable.
The actress told Daily Sun she is now living her ancestors’ dreams and aspirations through her characters.
“I have a degree in nursing and I am currently advancing my studies with Wits Medical School,” Zinhle said.
She plays the role of Doctor Mthethwa on an upcoming show that’s being filmed.
“I am playing Zobe on Netflix. It’s a new series and can’t reveal it yet as we’re still shooting. I’m Mama Chichi, who is a sangoma in a Nollywood movie called Cry of A Black Woman with Mike Ezuruonye, a Nigerian actor. It’s a leading role.”
Zinhle said she was also featured for a role as a prophet on House of Zwide.
The actress said she consults and heals people at home and works at various hospitals in the intensive care unit.
She believes her roles as a prophet or a sangoma are just part of the calling.
Zinhle said she wants to own a production company and create platforms for people who are not famous. The actress, who is also a spiritualist, said she believed in her calling as an actress when she was at primary school doing stage plays and imitating TV actors.
Zinhle said she was inspired by Dawn Thandeka King, also known as MaNgcobo on Uzalo and Winnie Ntshaba, who plays Faith Zwide on House of Zwide. Director Mildred Shadung of Shadung Media Production said she worked with Zinhle at Quadrant Media Africa.
“She’s a wonderful actress and nice to work with. Because of her spiritual gift she tells me things as they are. She accommodates everyone regardless of their religion or beliefs,” said Mildred.
Actor Prince Phuma Dlamini, who has worked with Zinhle, said working alongside Zinhle was a beautiful experience. “She is so disciplined and knows her story,” Prince said.
