From a life of luxury in her early years to facing the harsh realities of poverty, Nelisa Mchunu’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Best known for her role as Fikile on SABC 1’s popular soapie, Uzalo, the 27-year-old actress has overcome various challenges to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.
Nelisa’s entrance into the spotlight in 2016 marked the beginning of her successful stint on Uzalo, where she portrayed the lively character of Sbu’s girlfriend, earning herself a permanent role on the show. Despite her relatively recent emergence in the entertainment scene, Nelisa’s talent and dedication have solidified her position in the industry.
Her on-screen chemistry with Sbu has consistently brought humor to Uzalo, captivating audiences with their entertaining and often dubious schemes.
In a candid interview with Move!, Nelisa shared the emotional story of her upbringing. Raised by a single mother after her father’s early passing when she was only 4 years old, Nelisa’s comfortable life in KwaZulu Natal’s suburbs took a drastic turn when, at the age of 8, financial difficulties forced her family to relocate to the townships in Inanda.
This abrupt change meant waking up at 4:30 am to commute to school and relying on public transport instead of the convenience of her mother’s transportation. The financial strain also led her to give up sports activities, adding further challenges to an already demanding situation.
Nelisa’s academic journey faced disruptions due to her mother’s financial struggles, preventing her from completing her education. Despite these setbacks, she pressed on and enrolled at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) for media studies after completing Matric. Drama, however, had always been her passion since high school.
Initially compromising by choosing Media Studies, Nelisa’s dreams of pursuing drama were put on hold once again as life threw more obstacles her way. Financial constraints forced her to abandon her studies and take on a job as a waitress at a local food outlet.
Fate smiled upon Nelisa when she received an opportunity to audition as an extra on SABC 3’s Isidingo, marking the turning point in her career. Her love for drama, coupled with her talent and a stroke of luck, opened doors to the entertainment industry, and Nelisa Mchunu’s journey as a successful actress began.
Today, she stands as a testament to resilience and determination, proving that one can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams, even without conventional educational certificates.