Renowned for his iconic role as Shaka in the Fergusons’ hit show The Queen, award-winning actor Sithembisa “SK” Khoza has shared candid insights into his journey through life’s highs and lows, his experiences in the entertainment industry, and his path to healing from past challenges.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday World on Wednesday, Khoza revealed that after two decades in Johannesburg, he is returning to Durban, his hometown.
There, he plans to mentor and nurture the next generation of actors, giving back to the community that shaped him.
Khoza is not quitting acting
“I have faced many challenges, but I am currently in a really great space. In life, every [challenge] will pass,” Khoza said.
“People will always talk, but you must get up, dust yourself off, and keep going.”
Actor Muzi Mthabela, known for his men’s conferences, positively impacted his healing, assisting him through the events,” he said.
“As men, we do not want our brothers to know that we have problems in our marriages. In general and as a Zulu man, it’s even worse; we do not cry. I have been reading and journaling; that helped me.”
The claims that Khoza and his brother [Abdul Khoza] have quit acting are untrue, he said.
“We are not done with the entertainment industry, but we are done with mediocrity. You may receive a role, everything seems fine, and you sign the contract; however, many productions now fail to pay actors at the end of the month while still expecting them to work,” he said.
The issue arises when thespians question the treatment from production houses, according to Khoza.
“In any production, cars get hired, wardrobes are bought, and catering and locations are hired because you cannot get to shoot without those, but come month-end, actors are not paid without an explanation; we are tired of that.”
Wish to work on radio
Khoza, who also worked on Mzansi Magic’s Ring of Lies, said his acting is a gift from God and that he misses being on TV.
“My brother and I got to acting as a blessing from God because it’s a God-given talent. We never studied acting, but as the years went by, we realised what worked and what didn’t. With all that we have to learn, we have never disrespected any production.
“I cannot just log on to social media and start insulting production houses. I no longer post on social media as much anymore because it does not help anything. I work quietly and let the work do the speaking.”
“I’m not going to pretend that I don’t miss being on the screens, but when the right proposal, offer, and role present themselves, I will seize them wholeheartedly. My brother and I have a lot of support in South Africa.”
Because he spent so many years in Gauteng, he stated that he would like to work in KwaZulu-Natal.
“I was also thinking of getting into radio just to keep my brand going. I would love nothing more than to work here at home.
“I would jump on a role on Uzalo, a show that speaks to the people at home. I missed being at home,” Khoza said.
