Young Soshanguve actress now telenovela star

A Soshanguve actress is making waves in the entertainment industry with her talent, passion, and dedication.

Nkateko Mabunda’s (21) big break came in November 2023, when she was called back for the SABC2 telenovela called Giyani: Land of Blood audition.

The Soshanguve born and bred lass is in her third year of a Tshwane University of Technology performing arts diploma studies, a scriptwriter and a self-proclaimed animal lover who once considered becoming a veterinarian.

“I love pets so much and I feel like I connect with them on a different level,” she said.

Back in high school, her favourite subject was life sciences.

“I was fond of life sciences because it teaches you more about the human body and understanding your hormonal changes,” she said.

Mabunda described herself as an introvert, open-minded and creative.

While improvising an acting scene with her classmates in Grade 5, Mabunda discovered her love for acting.

She was exposed to film acting more than she was exposed to theatre but she fell in love with theatre acting when she began studying at TUT.

Mabunda took a few roles in theatre as a performing arts student.

In 2023 she auditioned for the supporting lead actress role of Mixo on Giyani: Land of Blood.

After the audition, she felt like she was not going to get the role but she got a call-back to audition again.

Before landing the role, she was an extra and had also acted in school events.

Later she bagged roles on the drama series Obstruction and Bagotsi on Mzansi Magic.

Mabunda said she struggled to remain grounded when she first got into the acting industry.

According to her, she was very indecisive and easily misled.

“When I first started acting I did not believe in myself and that took a toll on me because I could not connect with the characters I played,” said Mabunda.

In her free time, Mabunda said she likes tapping into her other artistic interest, drawing.

“Growing up I used to draw a lot, and for me drawing is therapeutic,” she said.

Asked to advise young actors, Mabunda emphasised the importance of self-belief and immersing oneself in their character.

Mabunda is currently working on a role she recently got.

“I am at present shooting a project but unfortunately I cannot disclose the name or the channel that it will air it because we are still busy,” she said.

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