By Sanele Khumalo
A Durban University of Technology (DUT) 1st-year Journalism student has been cast in Mzansi Wethu’s telenovela Sibongile and the Dlaminis in the lead role.
Nsikelelo Mthiyane, 21, juggles her academic pursuits and performing exploits to star in one of Mzansi Wethu’s soapies, Sibongile and the Dlaminis. Mthiyane, who has a teaching degree, and is now pursuing her Journalism degree at the DUT.
She spoke to the Credible Source by DUT about her interests that include performing and TV presenting. “I have always loved acting and presenting, specifically sports presenting and it is one of the reasons why I opted for the Journalism degree. It is something I have always been passionate about.”
The rising star, who is from eMandlanzini village, in Richards Bay, also shared about how she found out about the Sibongile and the Dlaminis Season 2 auditions and how she bagged the lead role. “I went there as an extra. The casting director approached me and asked me to audition for Sibongile’s role and here we are today,” she said.
Mthiyane discovered she got the role a day before her May graduation. She spoke about her initial feelings on her first day on set. “I was so nervous and I never even want to see that first scene (because of ) the way I was shaking and it has not aired yet.”
Speaking about the rigorous preparations she had to undergo after she got the lead role, she said: “I attended workshops with producers and casting directors (to prepare) me for the show and the industry, but I have also been attending acting classes and workshops (before) that.”
Mthiyane shared about how it has been to be on set with seasoned thespians like Ayanda Borotho and Baby Cele. “It has been so great. They have been holding my hand in this journey, as a new actress. I do not think I would be coping if it were not for working with such supportive cast members and crew.”
Mthiyane won a Print Journalism award at the recent DUT Journalism Students Achievement Awards, demonstrating a successful balance between academics and her career. ”It is very hectic (balancing studies and an acting career), but I make sure that everything has its own time. I try to keep the balance between the two. It is not easy, but it is doable. I need both my academics and career, so it must a balance.”
A former DUT video technology alumnus and a Sibongile and the Dlaminis camera operator intern, Talent Khanyile, has only praise for Mthiyane’s acting abilities. “I have had the pleasure of working with Mthiyane on Mzansi Wethu’s Sibongile and the Dlaminis Season 2 and I must say, it has been an absolute delight. Mthiyane is a shining example of talent, humility and dedication.”
Mthiyane not only aspires to see herself making waves in the local industry, but would like to get a break in Hollywood.
