Rags to Riches: The inspiring story of House of Zwide star actress Winnie Ntshaba
From rags to riches, this best describes the life of one of House Zwide’s leading actors, Bawinile (Winnie) Ntshaba. Winnie Ntshaba plays the role of Faith Zwide on House of Zwide, a South African soapie that has kept viewers glued to their seats. Winnie Ntshaba is a lady who has risen from the dust and is now a popular figure in the acting industry. She has also acted in popular soapies, including Generations.
Winnie Ntshaba’s Biography
Winnie Ntshaba was born on the 1st of September 1975 in Eshowe, Kwazulu Natal. She grew up in a low-income family where she would use cooking oil as lotion due to her family’s poor status. However, Ntshaba did not allow her low-income family status to stop her from achieving great things. She took inspiration from her sister, one of the two graduates in the village she grew up in, to take her education seriously.
She got married to Thabo Modise in 2007 and got divorced in 2014. She has one child with Modise, and instead of being pessimistic about love and marriage, she has remained hopeful. In her own words, she said her next relationship should be forever and that she is now wiser, knows better, and knows how to handle things. Her mother’s death in 2017 has also shaped her perception of life. She says, “living to impress people at the expense of own happiness is not worth the ride.”
Winnie Ntshaba rose to fame
Winnie Ntshaba started her acting career with small gigs from 2000 until 2005 when she was cast as a supporting actress alongside Leleti Khumalo in the film Yesterday. She became a lead actor in Shred and dreams after receiving positive reviews for her role in the film Yesterday. In the same year, she audited for the role of Khethiwe Buthelezi in the SABC 1 series Generations, of which she got the part. Her role in Generations made her rise in the acting industry until 2015 when she was fired along with 16 other leading actors. The firing was due to their alleged illegal strike for better salaries, contract extensions and royalties from rebroadcasted episodes.
Two years later, she appeared in Mzansi Magic’s The Road and in 2018, she got the lead role of Mam’Ngandi on The Herd. She also played the role of Mam’lihle on isThembiso. In 2022 she got the lead role on etv’s House of Zwide as Faith Zwide.
Winnie Ntshaba’s story is one which her fans can gain lessons from. From remaining positive regardless of life’s misfortunes to the rewards that come to those who work hard to achieve what they want. Winnie is not only an actor, but she is also a voice-over artist, influencer, founder of The Royalty Soapie Awards and motivational speaker. We can expect to see more from Winnie Ntshaba in the future.
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