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GIFTED: Zenande Mfenyane is fast making her mark on television with popular soapie Generations PHOTO: VATHISWA RUSELO

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The outspoken Mfenyana, who portrays Noluntu, says this was her calling. She was introduced to Generations viewers in November last year as a daughter of media mogul Mawande Memela.

Her irritating and annoying character as Noluntu has certainly made the soapie more exciting.

Born on the East Rand, she agrees that joining Generations was the biggest break in her acting career.

"I am happy that I got this job. I freelanced a lot. I had reached a point where I needed stability in my career. You need steadiness in order to plan your future perfectly."

Mfenyane is relatively new to the television world but is already showing signs of being a passionate actress. Followers of the soapie have already fallen in love with this girl who somehow manages to get under people's skin.

She defines Noluntu as an attention seeker and rude girl who is always stepping on people's toes. She shares some scant similarities with the role she portrays.

"Noluntu is very overprotective of her family, especially now that there is a new addition to the family. She comes from a wealthy family and she does not relate to poverty. There are people like that in real life," she says.

She says the difference between her and Noluntu is that she is not a trust fund child.

"I was taught at a young age that if I wanted to achieve something I needed to work hard. I relate to poverty.

"I always try to be realistic when I portray the character, without judging her. Some people can relate to her. Like her, I also love my family," she says.

Mfenyana, whose parents now live in Queenstown in Eastern Cape, comes from a theatre background. After graduating in 2009 with a degree in drama from Tshwane University of Technology, she was involved in some children's productions. She also toured with a music show to numerous schools in Gauteng.

"I did a little bit of behind the scenes and casting assistance. I learned a lot about the industry while trying to find my feet. The situation was not bad because I survived on voice-overs."

Like every other actor, the soapie star said that after graduating, finding work was not easy.

"When I was not getting any jobs there was a time whenI doubted whether I had chosen the right career path. I would have serious conversations with God, asking many questions. I am happy that something permanent came up."

But she is grateful that her dream of becoming an actress finally became a reality. Mfenyana said not all people achieved their dreams.

"Not many people are fortunate to have dreams that materialise. It takes a lot of passion and patience to get where I am. It has been a grateful journey - with all those experiences."

The young actress says she had always wanted to be an actress from a young age.

"I was always involved in all school plays. I knew from a young age that I belonged to the entertainment industry. I am happy that my parents supported the idea."

At heart, Mfenyana is a talkative, funny and witty person who is not fazed by the attention she receives. She still yearns to do more in the industry and hopes to one day help other aspiring actors in their careers.

Comments

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Wed May 22 10:47:33 SAST 2013 ::

Feb 10, 2012

MorenaWaPolelo

Ugly but talented I grant you that!
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Feb 10, 2012

GoatStyle

Rubbish.. You met the producer moShisa nyama, he gave you his business card, you called him, he invited you to his place, he banged you, banged you again, and again, then.. Vouala!!!!
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Feb 10, 2012

Uncompromising

MorenaWaPolelo
Ugly but talented I grant you that!
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Seconded comrade, seconded. But i will tap that for sure !
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Feb 10, 2012

MORNACHIES

Who the hell is this ?
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Feb 10, 2012

ntshware-ke-yawa

MorenaWaPolelo
Ugly but talented I grant you that
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but have you noticed her twisting those fleshy lips,,eishhhh,I wish I could be left with her for a week .Though she is a bit skinny,she is not like Dineo anyway,I'll still appreciate the moment together.
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Feb 10, 2012

Poponas

Her irritating and annoying character as Noluntu has certainly made the soapie more exciting.
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Like when?
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Feb 10, 2012

svavava

@GoatStyle----jealousy makes u ugly
keep up the good work Mfenyana bt nw try get a plce in Isidingo, coz generations , no future there

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Feb 10, 2012

svavava

@GoatStyle----jealousy makes u ugly
keep up the good work Mfenyana bt nw try get a plce in Isidingo, generations , no future there

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Feb 10, 2012

GoatStyle

@ MORNACHIES
Very good question. She looks very familiar though, I think I might've picked her up with her friends and went to News Cafe (Randburg) then she passed out on my couch.. *I'm 100% sure*
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Feb 10, 2012

Ann

ke thosa la nnete le.
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