Durban University of Technology (DUT) alumna in Drama and Production Studies, Nontethelelo Ndwandwe known as Sthabile on Uzalo was over the moon as she scooped two awards at the African Young Queen Recognition Awards in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday, 21 March 2024.

The awards ceremony aims to recognise aspiring female artists making a mark in their spaces.

The KwaNongoma-born star from KwaZulu-Natal who made her debut on SABC 1’s popular soap, Uzalo last year recently won the Best Actress of the Year and the Public Choice Award. She could not contain her excitement at her remarkable achievement.

‘’I would like to thank everyone who voted for me, believed in me, and those who shared my posters asking people to vote for me. I would like to thank God for blessing me with the family that I have. They are very supportive, and they have been with me from day one until the day I received my awards,’’ she said.

Nontethelelo said the year 2023 was magical in both her academic and acting career.
“It was my first time performing at a professional level on Uzalo in 2023 and within a blink of an eye I got nominated and in the same year, I completed my studies. So, to scoop two awards was an honour,’’ she said.

Reflecting on her character ‘Sthabile’ said although it was challenging, she thoroughly enjoyed playing such a character role.

“I knew nothing about the screen when I got there. Directors would make me feel comfortable, and the crew was very patient with me. It became easier for me to portray my character (Sthabile). They were so kind, and I learnt a lot from them,” she said.

Pictured: Nontethelelo Ndwandwe.

Vukani Langa