Sphelele shines

On the small screen she plays the role of a naïve rural girl, but in real life Sphelele Mzimela is a thriving actress, model and dabbles in the world of radio broadcasting.

She is also a musician, dancer and stage performer who has made a name for herself over the past five years.

Hailing from the green hills of Gingindlovu, Sphelele developed a love for television and music when she was only 10 years old.

As a teenager she was inspired to tell South African stories while watching SA’s award-winning movie Yesterday, starring Leleti Khumalo.

‘Watching that particular movie showed me the power actors have in describing something to society, and I wanted to be part of that. The film also inspired me to sing and dance,’ she said.

Since then this young local beauty never looked back and worked hard to achieve her dreams.

She received training as a singer and dancer while studying towards a national diploma in drama at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), which she obtained in 2012.

After her graduation, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in television production at AFDA Academy, where she broadened her knowledge of film and live performance.

After completing her degree in 2015, Sphelele joined the cast of the Mzansi Magic telenovela Isibaya, where she portrays the role of Kentucky.

‘Portraying the role of a naïve rural girl on one of the most watched soapies in the country has made me appreciate the role of rural women. Growing up in the countryside myself, Kentucky has also made me realise the predicament marginalised women face on a daily basis.’

She intends to continue being a household name on South African television.