Today, let’s chat about an inspiring story that’s been taking the acting world by storm. Meet Nsikelelo Mthiyane, a 21-year-old from the vibrant city of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. Since she was just 14, Mthiyane has held a spark of determination in her heart to be an actress. But as life often does, it threw her a few curveballs along the way.
So, here’s the scoop! Just a few months ago, Mthiyane stepped into the spotlight when she replaced Luyanda Zwane on Mzansi Wethu’s popular show, Sibongile & The Dlaminis. You might think this is her fairytale ending, but the journey to this remarkable moment has been anything but straightforward.
It all started back when she was in Grade 10, inspired by her passion for performance. She auditioned for a local production and landed a role, only for that excitement to be short-lived due to financial hurdles that halted the production. Fast forward to her matric year when she tried applying for a tertiary education, but, unfortunately, her application was incomplete. That’s when she decided to take a detour and enrolled in a Bachelor of Education degree instead.
Mthiyane had every intention of switching to drama after her first year, but the admission hurdles just kept coming. Instead of letting setbacks dim her light, she persevered and ultimately completed her degree in 2023. With her sights set on the stage once more, she took another chance and applied for a drama diploma, only to face rejection yet again. Talk about determination!
Not one to give up easily, she enrolled in a journalism diploma program, fueled by her passion for sports presenting. And then, a stroke of luck! Early this year, she signed up with an agency for extras, which led her to land a spot on Sibongile & The Dlaminis. Initially, she was just an extra but during her wardrobe check, she was handed a script for an audition, completely unaware that it was for the iconic role of Sibongile. Spoiler alert: she nailed it and was officially cast as the new Sibongile!
When Mthiyane shares her thoughts on stepping into Sibongile’s shoes, her excitement is palpable. “It’s a surreal feeling because it is a replacement role, but I am grateful for the breakthrough because I finally get to do what I have always wanted to do,” she expressed in a recent interview with Sunday World. Her gratitude shines through as she acknowledges the supportive cast and crew who have helped her embrace the character.
Juggling acting and studies is no easy feat, but Mthiyane has proven that she’s up for the challenge. “I believe God has a way of placing you where you want to be in life,” she says, radiating optimism about her future in the entertainment industry. Honestly, I can’t wait to see how she brings Dua to life on screen and how audiences will respond to her performance!
So, if you ever find yourself facing obstacles on your path to your dreams, remember Nsikelelo Mthiyane’s story. Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns, but with perseverance and a heart full of passion, it’s possible to reach for the stars and grab hold of your dreams. Keep shining, Nsikelelo! The world is ready to see what you’ve got!