Winnie Ntshaba, known for her role as Faith Zwide in the eTV series *House of Zwide*, recently shared her perspective on her departure from the popular soap opera *Generations*. Ntshaba, who initially gained prominence playing Khethiwe Buthelezi on *Generations*, believes that her exit from the show was a blessing in disguise.
Ntshaba’s journey with *Generations* spanned over a decade, during which she became a beloved figure in South African television. Her exit, along with that of 15 other co-stars, came as part of a major production shift in the show’s 16th season. Reflecting on this pivotal moment in her career, Ntshaba acknowledges that while the departure was daunting, it opened new doors for her.
“I don’t think I would have left the show willingly,” Ntshaba admits. “Fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, but there is so much out there beyond our immediate view. Ultimately, being let go turned out to be a blessing.”
Winnie Ntshaba’s career began in 1997 when she graduated with a theater degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her first TV role came in 2002 on the show *Backstage*, where she played a street youth. However, this role had a brief impact on her career, lasting only three months. It was her subsequent role on *Generations* that truly catapulted her into the limelight.
The actress recalls a significant turning point when her portrayal of Khethiwe Buthelezi gained immense popularity. “I remember the day after my scenes aired, I went to the mall and people started recognizing me immediately. That’s how influential *Generations* was—it truly changed my life,” she says.
Following her departure from *Generations*, Ntshaba continued to build her career by joining other notable shows such as *The River*, *The Herd*, *Isibaya*, and *Isithembiso*. In addition to her acting career, she ventured into the realm of awards by founding The Royalty Soapie Awards in 2014.
Ntshaba has been candid about the challenges of securing funding for the awards, highlighting the struggles involved in making the event a grand success. “Getting funding has always been a challenge. We aspire to create something significant and hope to eventually provide prize money because recognizing excellence should come with something of tangible value,” she explains.
The Royalty Soapie Awards aim to celebrate both on-screen and off-screen talent, with various categories honoring the hard work of those behind the scenes. Ntshaba emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of everyone involved in the production process. “There is so much that goes into creating a show, and many people work tirelessly behind the scenes. We want to bring attention to these roles and make people aware of the diverse careers in television production,” she concludes.
Through her reflections and endeavors, Winnie Ntshaba continues to impact the South African entertainment industry, proving that sometimes, the end of one chapter can lead to unexpected and rewarding new beginnings.