Journo’s journey
SOUTH African actress Zikhona Bali portrays an ambitious young journalist in eExtra’s new drama, Ambitions.
The show, set to premiere on July 1, touches on the political landscape in South Africa.
Ambitions follows the journey of the young investigative journalist Qhawe Ledwaba when she discovers that the displaced community of Supingstad are living in squalor on the back on broken promises by their government.
She finds that the community has yet to receive the housing and facilities promised to them, as compensation for their removal from their informal settlement to make way for the building of a new clinic.
In the world of big business and “tenderpreneurship”, Ledwaba knows there is more than meets the eye and sets out to uncover the story that will cement her career.
When the community is mobilised by its leaders, Gauteng’s Goliaths aim to crush them with threats, manipulation and murderous actions.
“Qhawe’s young, feisty and determined to work her way up to the top. She’s strong and fearless and doesn’t care if you’re rich and powerful, in fact that makes her want to expose you even more,” said Bali.
She said working as an intern journalist at the Sowetan newspaper a few years back helped her to relate to the character better.
“My manager did warn me that the script was going to be hectic, but I thought after Isi’thunzi, I can handle anything. Boy was I wrong.”
While Bali starred in shows like Mfolozi Street, Zabalaza, Rhythm City and Gauteng Maboneng, this was her first lead role.
“I was so excited and nervous at the same time. Qhawe has interactions with the rest of the cast, so the story is carried by her. This was a huge responsibility… and I didn’t want to let anyone down.
“You always see male heroes on TV, but this time it was a female. I owed it to myself and every other female to do justice to the role.”
The show also stars the legendary Mary Twala, Kagiso Modupe, Nokuthula Ledwaba, Yonda Thomas, Luzuko Nteleko, Peter Se-Puma and Thulani Kubeka.
Watch Zikhona Bali as Qhawe Ledwaba on Ambitions from July 1 at 9pm on eExtra on Openview (Channel 105) and DStv (Channel 195).