House of Zwide, a South African soapie that premiered in July 2021, is fastly gaining prominence in the country. The e.tv original production serves as the replacement for Rhythm City, which was canceled by the TV channel in late 2020.
The show contrasts two worlds and two families – the Molapo family that resides in Tembisa and the fashionable Zwide family living in Rosebank. The drama series follows the rags to riches story of the well-off and fashionable Zwide family and their ruthless ambition to take the lead in the cutthroat fashion industry.
House of Zwide stars a handful of A-list South African actors such as Vusi Kunene, Bawinile “Winnie” Ntshaba, and Jeffery Sekele. The drama series is a co-production of Videovision Entertainment and The Bomb Production. It was created by Eva Khumalo Banda. In June 2022, the e.tv series had record-breaking views of about 4.8 million and has remained the second-most watched TV series on the channel behind Scandal since September 2021.
Full List of House of Zwide Cast Members
- Vusi Kunene as Funani Zwide
- Jeffery Sekele as Isaac
- Bawinile “Winnie” Ntshaba as Faith Zwide
- Khaya Dladla as Lazarus
- Nefisa Mkhabela as Ona Molapo
- Shalate Sekhabi as Shoki
- Matshepo Maleme as Rea Molapo
- Lwazi Mthembu as Nomsa
- Wanda Zuma as Nkosi Zwide
- Londeka Mchunu as Zanel Zwide
- Paballo Mavundla as Sandile
- Motlatsi Mafatshe as Uncle Molefe
- Sikelelwa Vuyeleni as Nambitha
- Noah Cohen as De Villiers
- Lois du Plessis as Pearl
- Linda Nxumalo as Soka
- Karabo Magongwa as Keletso
- Sello Sebotsane as Detective Jonas
- Nunu Khumalo as Young Faith
- Sophie Ndaba as Jo
- Andile Mbatha as Bra Carter
- Olwethu Mackay as Senzo
- Thandy Matlaila as Virginia
- Kelly Khumalo as Celeb/Kelly
- Nandi Nyembe as MaZwide
- Khutjo Green as Naledi
- Kayise Ngqula as Gugu
- Thembisa Mdoda as Nikiwe
- Gaisang Noge as Mampho
- Ernest Ndlovu as Zechariah
- Brenda Mukwevho as Dorothy
- Tshiamo Modisane as Nina
House of Zwide Actors and Their Ages
Following the renewal of House of Zwide for the second season, which premiered on July 18th, 2022, there are chances of new additions surfacing on the show. However, in the first season, more than 30 actors were cast in House of Zwide.
Their outstanding performances truly account for the growing popularity presently attained by the series in Mzansi. That said, here’s a sneak peek into the actors’ real life that brought the e.tv original production to life.
1. Vusi Kunene
- Role: Funani Zwide
- Age: 58 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
Veteran actor Vusi Kunene is one of the main cast members of House of Zwide. He plays the role of Funani Zwide, the owner and founder of South Africa’s biggest fashion house, House of Zwide. Though married to Faith Zwide, he still has a huge crush on Reabetstwe Molapo. Vusi Kunene is 58 years old. He was born on April 12th, 1966 in Meadowlands, north of Soweto in Johannesburg.
The South African actor was born on Friday the 13th, but as one of the nurses presumed it to be bad luck, she changed his birthdate to April 12th. He attended the Shell Road to Fame School of Arts, where he discovered his acting talent. He then whetted his skills at the Wits School of Drama, earning a degree in Dramatic Art.
While there, he kicked off his acting career and scored roles in several TV and feature films. They include Rhodes, Drumbeats, The Line, and Cry the Beloved Country. For excellently playing the role of Reverend Msimango in Cry the Beloved Country, Vusi Kunene won M-Net Africa All Africa Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and a Zimbabwe-Southern African Film Festival Award for Best Performance.
Upon graduation from the university, the adroit thespian was cast in The Coloured and eventually became famous for playing the role of Villain Jack Mabaso in Generations. In the past years, Vusi has landed roles in numerous TV series and films. His TV credits include Justice for All, Soul City, Yizo Yizo, and The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
2. Jeffery Sekele
- Role: Isaac
- Age: 50 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
South African actor and voice artist Jeffery Sekele is one of the veteran actors in the industry that helped bring House of Zwide‘s captivating storyline to life. He features in a lead role as Isaac Molapo in the hit series. His character is an Umkhonto we Sizwe veteran and gangster who helped his ex, Faith Zwide to murder Funani Zwide’s wife and steal his daughter, Onalerona, when burning down his house.
Isaac is married to Rea Molapo (Matshepo Malema), the mother of Keletso. Jeffery Sekele graduated from Technikon Pretoria and began his professional career in 1999, soon after his graduation. He is famous in Mzansi for scoring roles in TV series such as Task Force, Behind the Badge, 90 Plein, Isidingo, The Lab, and Zero Tolerance.
He played a starring role as Blade in the Mzansi Magic telenovela turned soap opera, Isibaya and has made appearances in theatre works for top-notch organizations in the country. They include SABC Sport, ABSA, Thobela FM, Woolworths, Vodacom, Fedsure, KPMG, and Sasol. Additionally, Jeffery has had roles in many movies, including Thriller 48 and Jerusalema.
The highlights of his numerous TV credits are Muvhango, Soul Buddyz, Jacob’s Cross, End Game, Gaz’lam, Strike Back, and Unsung Heroes. Jeffery Sekele was born in Leeuwfontein, Limpopo, on August 20th, 1973. He is multilingual and speaks Tswana, Zulu, Sesotho, Sepedi, and English fluently.
3. Bawinile “Winnie” Ntshaba
- Role: Faith Zwide
- Age: 48 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
Winnie Ntshaba is a 48 years old South African actress best recognized for portraying the character of Khethiwe Buthelezi in the SABC1 drama series, Generations. She is cast as Faith Zwide in House of Zwide and plays the role of Funani’s supportive better half.
She co-founded House of Zwide with her husband and knew the truth about Ona which she is trying to hide, working with her ex-boyfriend, Isaac Molapo. In 1997, Bawinile achieved a BA Drama Honours degree from the University of Natal (Durban). The following year, she became a member of the North West Arts Council.
She relocated to Johannesburg in 2000 and subsequently joined the cast of the educational and industrial theatres shows for AREPP Shoestring Productions. After appearing in Jozi Streets in 2004, the Generations star bagged a supporting role in the film, Yesterday, which got nominated for an Academy Award.
She later landed another supporting role in Russian Services Lethal Force and a lead role in Shreds and Dreams. In 2015, she scored a starring role in the Mzansi Magic series, The Road. Winnie Ntshaba established a soapie award show called Royalty Soapie Awards in 2013, and its inaugural ceremony took place on November 2nd, 2013, at the Durban International Convention Centre.
4. Khaya Dladla
- Role: Lazarus
- Age: 34 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 70 episodes
In July 2021, Khaya Dladla debuted as Lazarus in the e.tv original production. He plays the role of Funani Zwide’s friend and confidanté, who is responsible for interpreting and creating designs for the House of Zwide. The South African actor came to the center stage for his portrayal of flamboyant beautician GC in the multi-award-winning soapie, Uzalo.
He began a career in theatre at the age of 9, and after landing his first acting role with Uzalo in February 2015, he has been featured in TV shows such as the SABC1 music talk show, Zaziwa. Khaya Dladla has further served as the presenter of a handful of shows. They include SABC1 New Year’s Eve bash titled Come Duze and BET talk show, The Man Council.
He has also been a backup vocalist for musicians such as Thandiswa Mazwai, Hugh Masekela, and Salif Keita. He was featured as one of the eight celebrity contestants on Tropika Smooth Fan, an advertiser-funded game show aired on SABC1. Khaya Dladla was born in Umlazi on April 3rd, 1990. He attended Durban-based Brettonwood High School and studied Marketing and Media courses at college.
5. Nefisa Mkhabela
- Role: Onalerona “Ona” Molapo
- Age: 22 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
Nefisa Mkhabela is a 22 years old actress whose career breakthrough came with her role of Onalerona “Ona” Molapo in the e.tv drama series, House of Zwide. In the series, she aspires to be a fashion designer and then discovers the dark secrets of her past when she begins an internship at the eminent House of Zwide.
Finding out that the man she adores as a father was the hitman that killed her mother and stole her as a baby, Ona is torn between choices to revenge or seize her destiny. She is the biological daughter of fashion icon, Funani Zwide.
Mkhabela had her first acting role as Mbali in the 1Magic series, Unmarried, in 2017. She further reprised her role in the second season of the show in 2020. She also starred in Mzansi Original movie Ispaza Sasekhaya in 2021 and joined the cast of House of Zwide in July that same year.
6. Shalate Sekhabi
- Role: Bathong Shoki
- Age: 23 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 80 episodes
Born, Kgabang Sekhabi, Shalate Sekhabi is a fast-rising South African actress who rose to prominence for her role as Bathong Shoki in House of Zwide. She is one of the show’s main cast members and plays the role of Onalerona’s BFF. While Ona aspires to be a fashion designer, Shoki is passionate about modeling.
Thus, the two navigate the fashion world together. Shoki is also in a relationship with Funani’s son, Nkosi Zwide. Shalate Sekhabi is the daughter of famed playwright and director, Aubrey Sekhabi. She was born in Mahikeng in North West Province on July 27th, 2000.
She attended Crawford College and enrolled at the University of Witwatersrand in 2019 to study Film and Television. Before joining the cast of House of Zwide in 2021, Shalate Sekhabi played the recurring role of Millicent in The River in 2020.
7. Matshepo Maleme
- Role: Rea Molapo
- Age: 43 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 80 episodes
In 2004, Matshepo Maleme had her breakthrough role as Zandi in the SABC1 drama series, Bubomi Sana. Her height of fame got accentuated following her portrayal of Mapule in Muvhango and Bokang in After Nine.
Later in 2021, she joined the House of Zwide cast, playing the main role of Rea Molapo, the wife of Isaac Molapo, who seems to be bothered by her husband’s dark secret of keeping Ona as their daughter.
Matshepo was born Matshepo Kukie Maleme in Free State on August 23rd, 1980. She was raised by her grandparents for a few years before reuniting with her family in Johannesburg. The actress is multi-lingual, speaking SeSotho, Xhosa, and English.
8. Lwazi Mthembu
- Role: Nomsa
- Age: 32 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 50 episodes
South African actress, singer, and dancer, Lwazi Mthembu portrays the character of Nomsa in House of Zwide. She is a fashion designer who plays a motherly role to her younger sister, Bathong Shoki, since the death of their grandmother.
Also, Nomsa is Molefe’s ex-girlfriend who was involved in a love triangle with him and Dorothy. Lwazi Mthembu was born Lwazilubanzi Mthembu on July 11th, 1991. She studied for a Bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts at Wits University from 2010 to 2013.
In the same 2013, she made her TV debut with the SABC1 drama series, Intersexions and has moved on to land roles in TV series such as Thandeka’s Diary, Mzansi Love, Zabalaza, and eKasi: Our Stories. Lwazi has additionally made appearances in theatre productions, including Once Upon a Life, Aqua Mine, and By The Apricot Trees.
9. Wanda Zuma
- Role: Nkosi Zwide
- Age: 32 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 100 episodes
By portraying the character of Nkosi Zwide – the son of fashion icon, Funani Zwide in House of Zwide, Wanda Zuma’s popularity in Mzani grew by leaps and bounds. In the e.tv original production, the actor appears to be every woman’s dream man but has his demons. He sees himself as the heir to his father’s fashion empire, House of Zwide but lacks the artistic skills needed to keep the business running.
Wanda Zuma was born in Durban on September 7th, 1991. He obtained a Matric certificate at Grosvenor Boys’ High School in 2009 and then proceeded to Creative Arts College, where he studied Performing Arts. He graduated in 2014 and made his TV debut as a hitman in Uzalo four years later. In the last few years, he has featured in TV films such as Young Adults, Love and Maskandi, and TV series—eHostela, Imbewu, and Isibaya.
10. Londeka Mchunu
- Role: Zanele Zwide
- Age: 29 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 80 episodes
Born in Msinga on July 10th, 1994, Londeka Mchunu was raised alongside her actress sister, Nelisa Mchunu in Clermont, KwaZulu-Natal. She began acting in 2016 while studying Corporate Communications at Varsity College.
Although she is best known for her role of Snegugu in Isithembiso, the actress has become quite famous recently for portraying Zanele Zwide, the precious daughter of Funani and Faith Zwide in House of Zwide. She constantly seeks her mother’s approval and thus, proves herself to be valuable to the family business by working as a social media influencer.
11. Paballo Mavundla
- Role: Sandile
- Age: 24 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 50 episodes
Paballo Mavundla plays the role of Sandile in House of Zwide and is one of the main cast. He was friends with benefits with Zanele Zwide until she became an item with LJ. He also had a brief relationship with Onalerona. The South African actor was born on June 11th, 1999, and is 24 years old.
After graduating from the National School of the Arts in 2017, he kicked off his professional career with a role in the Mzansi Magic series, The Herd. In November 2018, Paballo joined the cast of the SABC1 soap opera, Generations: The Legacy.
12. Motlatsi Mafatshe
- Role: Uncle Molefe
- Age: 40 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 30 episodes
Molatsi Mafatshe is a 40 years old actor who plays the main role of Uncle Molefe in House of Zwide. He is best recognized for scoring leading roles in the e.tv soccer drama series, Shooting Star as Wandile Dhlomo (2007-2010), and in the SABC2 series, Hola Mpinji as Last Born in 2010.
Before that, Molatsi had roles in two mini-series titled, When We Were Black and uGugu no Andile in 2006 and 2008, respectively. Throughout his career, he has featured in numerous TV series. They include Single Guys, Home Affairs, Sokhulu & Partners, Scandal, Backstage, and Mtunzini.com.
13. Sikelelwa Vuyeleni
- Role: Nambitha
- Age: 25 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 30 episodes
Well-known for portraying Thando in the Moja Love telenovela, Hope, Sikelelwa Vuyeleni joined the cast of House of Zwide as Nambitha in 2021. She scores a main role in the smash TV series. The actress’ birthdate is August 26th, 1998. She attended Eersterivier Secondary School in Cape Town and studied Film & Video at the Peninsula University of Technology.
Sikelelwa made her acting debut with the e.tv drama series Traffic in 2014 while in high school. Three years later, she bagged a supporting role in the Mzansi Magic drama series, Isikizi. She was also featured in the seventh season of MTV Shuga as a Beautiful Girl and a Receptionist in The River.
14. Noah Cohen
- Role: Jacob De Villiers
- Age: 32 years old
- Cast Type: Supporting
- Number of Episodes: Over 30 episodes
In House of Zwide, Noah Cohen plays the role of Jacob De Villiers, a fashionista businessman with a villainous side. He is an American actor who began his career in 2010 by featuring in commercials for Utah Valley University and Speed Dating Online.
In 2012, he played lead roles in two theatre productions, 12 Angry Jurors and Urinetown. In the subsequent years, he featured in multiple theatre works including Wiley & The Hairy Man, Lend Me a Tenor, Never the Sinner, and Pippin.
His TV and film credits include Colorless Green (2014), Earth to Tara (2014), Big Brother (2015), All Things Wanting (2015), and Ring of Lies (2017). Cohen graduated with a BFA in Theatre & Film Production from the University of British Columbia. He moved to South Africa in the year 2016. He is associated with The Centre for the Less Good Idea as the Director of Cinematography and Editing.
15. Lois Du Plessis
- Role: Pearl
- Age: N/A
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 50 episodes
After spending almost 12 years in the United States, Lois Du Plessis returned home to South Africa in the year 2018. Three years later, she joined the cast of House of Zwide, playing the warm and loving character of Pearl. In the series, Lois’ character is passionate about everything she does.
For more than 20 years, the actress has been active in the entertainment industry. She has featured in TV series such as Jozi Streets, Stoute Boude, and Dube on 2. She has also been part of several theatre productions. They include Who Really Freed Nelson, We Will Rock You, Sexy and the City, and Walking Memphis.
Besides acting, Lois Du Plessis is a renowned singer who toured around the globe for 12 years with gospel act, Israel and New Breed. She began her musical journey as a member of Afro Z and has gone on to release singles such as ‘DJ’s at Work’ (2002), ‘Faces’ (2003), and ‘I Give’ (2007).
The Jozi Streets star is also an accessories designer and owns the accessory line, De-Anne Júanita. She was born Lois De-Ann Júanita Du Plessis and her birthdate is unknown. She grew up in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. Lois Plessis attended Steelcrest High School from 1992 to 1998. In 2002, she graduated from Tshwane University of Technology with National Diploma in Drama.
16. Linda Nxumalo
- Role: Soka
- Age: 26 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 30 episodes
The 26-year-old South African actor Linda Nxumalo was catapulted to fame after emerging as one of the main cast members of House of Zwide. He plays the role of Sokalweze, Ona’s love interest in the series.
Linda Nxumalo was born on June 10th, 1997 in Kwa-Santi, Marianhill in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Following his graduation from the Durban University of Technology where he bagged a National Diploma in Drama and Production, the actor relocated from KwaZulu-Natal to Johannesburg.
There, he worked in a restaurant before joining Star Quality Agency which helped him nab a minor role in the Mzansi Magic drama series, Isithembiso. Afterward, he was cast in Shaka Zulu, produced by Bomb Production. Later in early 2021, Nxumalo was called to join the House of Zwide cast by the director of Bomb Production.
17. Karabo Magongwa
- Role: Keletso
- Age: 16 years old
- Cast Type: Supporting
- Number of Episodes: Over 20 episodes
Keletso in House of Zwide is played by the 16-year-old South African child actress Karabo Mapongwa. She is an intelligent young girl in Grade 7 whose parents are Isaac and Rea Molapo.
Karabo was shot to fame following her appearance in the TV commercial for Oreos in 2013. Since then, she has landed multiple TV roles. They include Azania in aYeYe, Ntombi in The Road, Tjontjo in Abomama, Malefo in Bone of My Bones, Lesedi in Imposter, and Tshepiso in Mina Nawe.
18. Sello Sebotsane
- Role: Detective Jonas
- Age: 53 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
Tshwane-born actor, Sello Sebotsane plays a recurring role of Detective Jonas in House of Zwide. He is a well-known actor whose career has spanned over a decade and a half. He rose to prominence for his starring role of Philane in the SABC2 series, Stokvel (2006-2012).
He has also been featured in other TV series such as Home Sweet Home, 90 Plein Street, Isidingo, Hidden City, Madam and Eve, and Agency CI5: The New Professionals. The 53-year-old has additionally made appearances in numerous theatre productions.
They include Happy Natives at Grahamstown Arts Festival, Scribble at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, and Market Theatre Productions of Gugi Mzimba: The Spirit of Gerald Sekoto, Cold Stone Jug, and Sophiatown.
For his role in Happy Natives, Sebotsane won Naledi Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor. He graduated with a National Diploma in Speech and Drama from the University of Tshwane. He is the ex-husband of actress Shoki Sebotsane.
19. Nunu Khumalo
- Role: Young Faith
- Age: 32 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
House of Zwide actress Nunu Khumalo was born Nqobile Khumalo in Swaziland on April 15th, 1992. She portrays the character of Young Faith in the TV series. She is well recognized for her role of Relebogile “Riri” in the twelfth season of the SABC1 youth drama series Soul City.
Nunu has played roles in several popular SA TV series throughout her career. In 2013, she was featured as Cindy in Isibaya and two years later, she was cast as Thandi in SABC3 telenovela, High Rollers. She had a role in Scandal in 2017 and later played Zandile in Broken Vows (2017) and Dudu in The Herd (2019).
20. Sophie Ndaba
- Role: Jo
- Age: 50 years old
- Cast Type: Guest
- Number of Episodes: Over 3 episodes
South African actress Sophie Ndaba was born Sophie Mphasane in Soweto on June 29th, 1973. She completed her high school education in Zimbabwe and afterward pursued a modeling career. Sophie later made her first TV appearance in the series, Class of ’92.
Subsequently, she was cast in other TV series such as Egoli, Yizo Yizo, High Rollers, Soul City, Generations, and Isidingo. For her outstanding portrayal of Queen Moroka in Generations, Sophie Ndaba was nominated for Elle/Sunday Times Style Award, Duku Duku Award, and Children’s M-Net Award.
She took home the Duku Duku Award for Best Soap Actress in 2004. She then debuted in House of Zwide as Jo, a high-profile client in August 2021. Despite not having formal acting training, the actress has done voice-over for a handful of TV commercials. She is the founder of the Sophie Ndaba Foundation.
21. Andile Mbatha
- Role: Bra Carter
- Age: 42 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
Andile Mbatha is one of the well-known South African actors among the cast of House of Zwide. He plays the role of Bra Carter in the hit series. Andile is a multi-talented actor who has made himself relevant in the film industry by diversifying his skills. Not only does he work as an actor, but he is a trainee multi-camera director and a trained floor manager.
He gained his breakout role with Tshisa and portrayed the character of Skhokho Records producer, Sly in the second season of the series from 2008 to 2009. He additionally had roles in Muvhango, Mtunzini.com, and Soul City. Andile Mbatha was born on February 11th, 1982. He attended the Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre.
22. Olwethu Mackay
- Role: Senzo
- Age: 20 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
Senzo, the last born of the Zwide family, is played by young South African actor Olwethu Mackay. He was born in Mpumalanga on October 11th, 2003. Mackay was raised by his grandmother and grew up with his sister, Lungelo who has been into photography since 2017.
Influenced by his sister, Olwethu Mackay picked an interest in arts while attending Mondeor High School. He participated in his school drama and won the best actor award at a school ceremony. Upon graduation from the National School of the Arts, the 20 years old had his first TV role in House of Zwide.
His outstanding performance in the series sprung him to the limelight. Olwethu is also a music artist who goes by the stage name Mackhanic. He has released a song titled ‘Amakhosi’ (Myekeleni) and hopes to make more music in the future.
23. Thandy Matlaila
- Role: Virginia
- Age: 36 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
The character of Virginia in House of Zwide was brought to life by actress, Thandy Matlaila. The 36 years old is also a dancer, TV presenter, entertainer, and choreographer. She made a name for herself in the acting scene with her role of Lindiwe Ngema in the SABC1 drama series, Tshisha, from 2006 to 2013.
She is also famous for serving as the presenter of the SABC3 youth science program Knock Knock: Ball of Fame. She hosts a weekly online show called WOW (Wellness on Wednesdays). The AFDA graduate additionally serves as the Managing Director of a public relations agency called Aptitude Consulting. She runs a charity initiative called Bring-A-Tin.
Thandy, who has been dancing since childhood, was involved with the Ultra Always Keep Dancing Competition in 2007 as a dance manager. Over the years, she has greatly contributed to Industrial Theatre. She served as the co-writer of Transnet Awareness Campaigns and was featured in the tours which took place in South Africa from 2010 to 2011.
Furthermore, Thandy Matlaila has worked as an ambassador for Miss Earth SA and Afrika Tikkun (NGO). The highlights of her acting credit include The Queen, Rhythm City, A Place Called Home, Soul City, Vula Vala, Intersexions, and Ring of Lies.
24. Kelly Khumalo
- Role: Celeb/Kelly
- Age: 39 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
Kelly Khumalo is a 39 years old singer and actress who was shot to fame for her sensational performance at the Cruz Gospel Concert in 2003. She scores the recurring role of Celeb/Kelly in House of Zwide. She was born on November 11th, 1983, and grew up in Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal.
Following her performance at the Gospel Star Search in 2003, Kelly caught the attention of Bonsai and Sarah Shongwe who discovered her and helped her build a blossoming career as a gospel artist. She released her first studio album ‘TKO’ in August 2005. The album was a megahit and remained on national radio charts for five months.
‘TKO’ gained a nomination for the South African Music Award (SAMA) twice. The singer’s second album, ‘Itshitshi’ and third album, ‘Lobola,’ were also nominated for SAMA Awards. She has since released fourth and fifth albums titled ‘Simply Kelly’ and ‘The Past, The Present, The Future’ respectively. Besides House of Zwide, Kelly Khumalo has featured in TV series such as Mtunzini.com and Rolling With.
25. Nandi Nyembe
- Role: MaZwide
- Age: 73 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
Popularly known for her role as Sister Lizzie in the SABC1 drama series Soul City, Nandi Nyembe is a veteran actress whose career has spanned over three decades. She is cast in House of Zwide as MaZwide. Her alluring career portfolio consists of numerous film and TV credits.
In 1987, she scored the role of Miriam in the movie, Saturday Night at the Palace and was later cast as Sangoma Rachel Ndlovu in the 1999 film, A Reasonable Man. In the 2000s, Nandi had starring roles in series such as Yizo Yizo (2001-2004), Izoso (2006-2007), and Jacob’s Cross (2007).
She further clinched main roles in Soul Buddyz, The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Erfsondes, Sticks and Stones, Hillside, and 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls. Her other TV credits are Zone 14, The Coconuts, The Queen, The Road, Still Breathing, Roots, Rockville, Isithembiso, Generations, Isibaya, Gaz’lam, and Ashes to Ashes, among many others.
26. Khutjo Green
- Role: Naledi
- Age: N/A
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
Khutjo Green, a South African actress and director, is among the House of Zwide cast. She plays the recurring role of Naledi in the smash series. Green had her first TV starring role as Emily in the SABC2 series Guilt in 2018. However, she has scored recurring roles in several TV series in the past years.
They include Broken Vows and Skeem Saam. Throughout her career, the actress has been part of several theatre works. In 2014, she worked as the director of the play, Democracy at the National Arts Festival. For her performance in the play The Line, Khutjo Green bagged the Naledi Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role.
27. Kayise Ngqula
- Role: Gugu
- Age: 32 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
House of Zwide actress, Kayise Ngqula was born in East London on May 13th, 1991. She plays the recurring role of Gugu in the series. She had her first starring role in the SABC1 drama series, Mina Nawe.
In 2017, she won Mzansi Magic’s inaugural Our Perfect Wedding Presenter Search and hosted the seventh and eighth seasons of the reality TV series from 2017 to 2018. After that, she appeared in Ring of Lies and scored a recurring role in Skeem Saam. In 2019, Kayise was cast in the 1Magic drama series iThemba.
In the following years, she played the roles of Beauty in the second season of Housekeepers and Sister Palesa in Amazing Grace. The actress served as the host of the Moja Love reality series, Bring Back My Smile in 2020/2021. She then landed a recurring role of Nelisiwe in BET Africa telenovela, Isono in January 2021 and was cast in House of Zwide in July 2021.
28. Thembisa Mdoda
- Role: Nikiwe
- Age: 41 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 10 episodes
Besides being recognized for her acting endeavors, Thembisa Mdoda is a widely known TV presenter, DJ, singer, and writer. She plays the recurring role of Nikiwe in House of Zwide. Thembie is the elder sister of radio DJ and presenter, Anele Mdoda.
She is multilingual, speaking Setswana, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, and English. She was previously associated with Wits Radio as a newsreader. She also hosted 94.7 Highveld Stereo FM’s program, Highveld After Dark on Weekdays.
Thembisa Mdoda worked as the host of the Mzansi Magic reality series, Our Perfect Wedding during the sixth season. The TV series she has featured in include The Road and Mzansi Love.
29. Gaisang Noge
- Role: Mampho
- Age: 27 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 25 episodes
The character, Mampho in House of Zwide is portrayed by actress Gaisang Noge. She is Nkosi’s baby mama and played an ultimate bully during her internship at Zwide’s fashion house. Her acting skills in the series have garnered praise since her debut.
Gaisang Noge was born in Vaal Triangle, Gauteng Province, on June 15th, 1996. She had her first TV role in the Mzansi Magic series, Efa Motho Motho. She was also cast in a minor role in The River as Masseuse. In July 2021, the rising star debuted as Mampho in House of Zwide.
Also, it clinched the role of Naledi in the popular drama series, Hlomu The Wife – a TV series adaptation of Dudu Busani-Dube’s Hlomu The Wife book series. In addition to acting, Gaisang is a YouTuber who shares unpopular opinions on her YouTube channel.
30. Ernest Ndlovu
- Role: Zechariah
- Age: 70 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
Zimbabwean-born South African actor, Ernest Ndlovu had a recurring role of Zechariah in the e.tv series, House of Zwide. He is best known for playing the role of Vukani Khoza in the SABC1 series, Generations.
In 2009, he scored the role of Minister of Home Affairs in the SABC2 drama series 90 Plein Street. Then from 2012 to 2013, he was cast as Mzi Khumalo in the Mzansi Magic telenovela, Inkaba.
Other of his TV credits include African Skies, Rhodes, Madam and Eve, Tarzan: The Epic Adventures, Soul City, and Sokhulu & Partners. Ernest Ndlovu has starred in numerous films, including The Furth Reich, Dark City, African Story, Beat the Drum, A Dry White Season, The Endangered, and Primeval.
31. Brenda Mukwevho
- Role: Dorothy
- Age: N/A
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 15 episodes
Brenda Mukwevho is a talented actress who plays the role of Dorothy – Zwide’s family maid in House of Zwide. Though the role helped to make her more popular in Mzansi, it’s not her most famous TV role. Brenda made a name for herself in the film industry with her role of Lufuno in Muvhango.
She doubles as a director and worked as one of the directors of Muvhango from 2008 to 2011. Since 2012, she has served as the director of TV series such as Inkaba, My Perfect Family, and Rhythm City. She still retains her directorial role in Rhythm City to date.
Brenda Mukwevho’s birthplace is Makwarela in Limpopo, and her date of birth is unknown. She attended The National School of Arts and studied Theatre at Tshwane University of Technology (Technikon Pretoria).
32. Tshiamo Modisane
- Role: Nina
- Age: 34 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 10 episodes
Award-winning beauty and fashion stylist Tshiamo Modisane is one of the cast members of House of Zwide. She plays Nina, a character whispering in Lazarus’ ears in the e.tv drama series. During her childhood, she picked an interest in the art of cosmetic fashion and sold perfumes to her peers while in high school.
She then pursued a professional career as a stylist in 2011 and has moved on to become one of the eminent beauty influencers in SA. In the past years, Tshiamo Modisane has worked as a brand ambassador for Lux and has been associated with other brands such as Absolut Vodka, Castle Larger, Kleenex, and Bernini.
In 2021, she made her acting debut with the SABC1 series African Dreams, playing a transitioning gender-queer character, Thabang Sithole. In January 2022, she landed her second TV role as Dorothy in House of Zwide.
