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Actress Nelisiwe Sibiya bags a Simon Sabela Award nomination

By Mbalenhle Zuma
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Nelisiwe Sibiya / supplied
Actress Nelisiwe Faith Sibiya is riding high on the wave of her second Simon Sabela Award nomination, this time for her gripping portrayal of Zama in iThonga.
The actress, singer, and radio presenter, known for her role as Dr Mbali Mthethwa in Durban Gen, continues to cement her place as one of South Africa’s most dynamic talents.
Speaking to Sunday World, Sibiya shared her excitement and gratitude for the recognition. She said it feels “like the first time” despite her 2023 nomination for Durban Gen.

Nomination is enough

“I am grateful to God and my ancestors,” she says, reflecting on her journey. “Just being nominated is a big deal.”
The Simon Sabela Awards, celebrating KwaZulu-Natal’s finest talent, hold special significance for Sibiya. She is a proud Zulu woman whose connection to her roots deeply informs her craft.
“I’m a typical Zulu girl, and I love that most of my roles are traditional,” she beams.
“I don’t have to speak English; they’re authentic.”
This cultural pride shines through in her latest role as Zama, a fierce and unapologetic character in iThonga. The role earned her a Best Actress nomination alongside powerhouses like Nombulelo Mhlongo and Nqobile Magwaza.
“Being recognised with people who have such good acting skills gives me energy that I’m doing something right,” she says.
Zama, unlike the soft-spoken Mbali of Durban Gen, is a bold, headstrong woman. She always gets her way, even defying her father.

Villain role

“Mbali was very soft and had no voice,” Sibiya explains.
“Zama speaks her mind, which I relate to. But playing a villain for the first time is challenging. People hate me!”
The role demanded a new level of emotional depth, pushing Sibiya to tap into her own experiences. One scene, in particular, left an indelible mark. Zama’s heart-wrenching reaction to the death of Banele.
“It took me back to the call I got at varsity about my mother’s passing,” she recalls.
“We shot it in one take, but it was hard to come out of character. I was reliving my own pain.”
Sibiya’s evolution as an actress is evident. Her 2023 nomination for Durban Gen came with criticism as she transitioned from music to acting, but she embraced the learning curve.
“The arts industry is about learning every day. This time, I had to show people I can do this. My acting has grown.”
Working on iThonga alongside award-winning actors like Bonko Khoza further sharpened her craft.

Mental health

“Bonko is amazing,” she gushes. “He motivated me to keep honing my skills. Being around such talent pushes you to elevate.”
Zama’s story, which resonates with many viewers, carries a powerful message about mental health.
“I hope audiences see that your environment shapes you, but you need to unlearn certain things to live among others,” Sibiya says.
The role has not only showcased her versatility but also fuelled her growth as a thespian.
“Every part of iThonga was rewarding,” she reflects.
“Working with incredible actors and tackling such a complex character has shaped me.”
As Sibiya basks in the glow of her nomination, she remains grounded. She is driven by her faith and the memory of her late parents.

Sibusisiwe Jili

Meanwhile, riding high on her nomination for Best Actress in a Film at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards, actress Sibusisiwe Jili said her passion for film earned her this coveted nod.

She told Sunday World that coming into the entertainment industry, she had no idea what she was doing. Being an actress was not part of her plans.

“I had to learn and unlearn to relearn how to be in it,” she confessed.

However, being nominated in the film category is a dream come true. The awards will be held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, in July.

“I have been nominated for best actress in a film, and film has always been my passion. So I’m truly grateful for this nomination. It serves as a beacon of light for where I’m headed,” she beamed.

Family support

Jili said when things are tough and she has no gigs, she visits her family in Pietermaritzburg. There, she escapes to recharge with hikes and yoga.

“Family is where my focus lies. Being in this industry has shown me that there are a lot of distractions. But with a supportive family system, you remember why you’re doing this. No matter what you’re thrown into, always remember who you are,” she said.

The former Isibaya star brought the character of Zanele Zulu to life. She has words of  advice to her colleagues in the entertainment industry.

Survival in showbiz takes more than talent, it takes grit and a solid support system.

Versatility

“If you have a supportive system, its a bonus. They can truly pull you up during times when you’re not working because we live in South Africa, we’re not all well off. And that requires courage. New actors have the opportunity to take on more than one character. But also open yourself up to other jobs outside of the industry,” she said.

She said she hustled hard early on, juggling roles on various shows, modelling, and even kickstarting her singing career.

She further said the influencer era has changed the game.

“There are influencers now. And if ama2000 have taught me anything, its that you can make money anywhere but remember to save.”

 

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  • Actress Nelisiwe Faith Sibiya is riding high on the wave of her second Simon Sabela Award nomination, this time for her gripping portrayal of Zama in iThonga.
  • The actress, singer, and radio presenter, known for her role as Dr Mbali Mthethwa in Durban Gen, continues to cement her place as one of South Africa’s most dynamic talents.
  • Speaking to Sunday World, Sibiya shared her excitement and gratitude for the recognition.
  • She said it feels “like the first time” despite her 2023 nomination for Durban Gen.
  • Nomination is enough “I am grateful to God and my ancestors,” she says, reflecting on her journey.