Zenande Mfenyana finally gets her flowers with a first SAFTA win

Few actresses have built a career as consistently compelling as Zenande Mfenyana. Over the years, the actress has become a household name through unforgettable performances. From her fan-favourite role as Goodness in hit telenovela The Queen, to her latest role as the resilient and complex Thumeka Mabandla in Inimba.

She plays Thumeka, a woman whose life and troubled marriage is shaped by loyalty, heartbreak, and resilience, which earned the actress her first-ever win at the 19th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela.

As she celebrates this milestone, Mfenyana reflects on the journey behind the role, diving into the emotional weight of Thumeka’s story, and what this long-awaited SAFTA win means to her.

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What sets Thumeka apart from characters you’ve portrayed before?

She’s a well-grounded individual, very set in her ways. She’s also a loving and devoted woman who deeply values her family and she is incredibly family-oriented. She’s not as outspoken as some of the characters I’ve played in the past, but she is learning to find her voice and develop her own opinion.

Have women reached out to say they see themselves in Thumeka? What have those conversations been like?

Those conversations are very touching. I often find myself consoling someone in a store aisle because seeing me triggers the hurt they’ve gone through. My DMs are always filled with messages about how Thumeka is such a relatable character, and many women see themselves in her.

What is Thumeka’s greatest fear? The one viewers may not immediately notice on screen.

That she’ll end up all alone without a husband or child. Her whole life revolves around family and togetherness, so living alone isn’t something she has ever been accustomed to in any shape or form.

What can fans expect from Thumeka in Season 2?

The audience can expect a more heightened performance because the storylines are intense. I’m going to need to step it up a notch from Season 1.

What has this role taught you about the power and resilience of women in society?

When given the chance, women can change the discourse of society for the better. In many cases, we’ve seen women grow tired of waiting for that chance to show and tell, and instead take the bull by the horns, challenging societal norms and practices.

What has been the most surprising reaction from fans to Thumeka’s journey?

No real surprises, but the hate she receives makes me think ‘this character really gets under people’s skin’ because they can see themselves in her or know a Thumeka in their lives. The character mirrors things they would rather sweep under the carpet than bring to light.

Which scene in Season 1 was the most emotionally taxing for you to film?

It was definitely the hospital scene when Likamva is being rolled away. That scene took everything out of me.

Where were you when you received the news of your nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 19th annual SAFTAs?

I was happily busy with house chores, and my phone was on the charger. The next moment, calls started coming in, and I wondered why my phone was buzzing so much. I checked social media, and there it was, the official announcement.

Who was the first person you called after hearing about the nomination?

I called my best friend, Nomvuyo. She and her husband, Theo, are huge fans of the show, so I thought it’s only right to inform them first, knowing they’d be over the moon with genuine excitement for me.

After 19 years in the industry, what does this first SAFTA win mean to you personally and professionally?

It’s definitely the industry nod I needed, a pat on the back saying “We see you”. It’s a recognition of all my hard work over the years, culminating in this very special moment in my career.

After 19 years in the industry, I am finally holding my Golden Horn. Thank you to the SAFTAs, and to the NFVF for believing in me and my talent. It’s a great nod from the industry, and I’m truly honoured to finally hold this in my hands. Thank you to my family for always believing in me, and to my supporters, honestly, day in and day out, bayabukela Inimba (they watch Inimba). Thumeka wouldn’t be who she is without the love and support you give me. I can’t mention all of you, but ndinithanda ukufa (I love you so much).

[Mwah!] Keep supporting Inimba at 8:30 PM on Mzansi Magic.