Talented actress lands major role in upcoming political drama series ‘Ambitions’
EASTERN Cape actress Zikhona Bali, who was on Mzansi Magic’s takes on her first leading role on eExtra’s (channel 195) exclusive political drama series,
The Port Elizabeth-born actress says the road to breaking into the industry has not been easy but she is thankful to God for every opportunity.
“After matric I moved to Johannesburg with the hope of pursuing a career as an actor but I couldn’t focus only on that. I studied media studies at Boston College and majored in journalism,” she said.
After graduating in 2010, Bali did an internship with the Sowetan newspaper for a few months.
“I knew that being a journalist wasn’t what my heart was set on.
“I wanted to be an actor and I had to work towards that,” she said.
She secured herself a number of cameo roles on various television shows and did stories.
“People really started recognising me on I would say that is the show that helped boost my acting career,” she said.
Now, Bali is set to take on the role of an investigative journalist, Qhawe Ledwaba.
“Having a background in journalism helps a bit but I still have to study the character and make sure I give it my all,” she said.
follows the journey of Qhawe when she discovers that the displaced community of Supingstad is living in squalor on the back of broken promises by the government.
She finds that the community has yet to receive the housing and other facilities promised to them as compensation for their removal from their informal settlement to make way for a new clinic.
In the world of big business and “tenderpreneurship”, Qhawe knows there is more to this than meets the eye, and she sets out to uncover the story that will cement her career as an investigative journalist.
“Working with the cast of was amazing. It was my first time playing a lead role and I am blessed to get characters of strong-willed women. The storyline was heavy but there was a lot of learning involved,” she said.
Other actors featured on include the legendary Mary Twala as Gogo Lizzie, Kagiso Modupe, Nokhuthula Ledwaba, Yonda Thomas, Luzuko Nteleko, Peter Se-Puma and Thulani Khubeka.
“Mam’ Mary is so funny. Everyone on the cast was amazing.
“It was people who’ve been in the industry for many years and they know what they are doing,” she said.
premieres this Sunday at 9pm eExtra on Openview (channel 105) and DStv (channel 195).