We meet at Mama Mexicana restaurant in the eclectic Maboneng Precinct in downtown Johannesburg for our cover shoot.
A car door opens and out steps Zola, stylishly clad in a grey athleisure ensemble. A passer-by is so fixated that he trips, saying with a laugh that he’s a huge fan. A group of young girls gathers round to ask for a picture with her. She happily obliges – a totally unplanned moment that seals a bond with her fans.
THE LITTLE GIRL WITH MOVES
Born 28 years ago in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, Zola is the youngest of five. As a child, she was known as the little girl with moves to match an adult. ‘I really enjoyed “uku’jaiva” (dancing), and I still do,’ she laughs. ‘I always knew I wanted to perform. I never imagined myself doing anything else.’ She still has vivid memories of watching a show called Interrogation Room. ‘I remember watching Nambitha Mpumlwana and marvelling at how amazing she was, saying to myself this is what I want to do. I knew acting was my calling. My family has been very supportive, although they didn’t understand it at first – my siblings are more academic.’
DISCOVERING HER FUNNY BONE
In 2013, after completing her BA (Hons) in Dramatic Arts from Wits University, she clinched her first TV role on season two of the popular TV show Intersexions. She went on to star in comedy shows such as Single Galz and iThuba Lokugcina. ‘Here I had the opportunity to show off my funny bone,’ she says. This was followed by a movie called Ingoma, which gave her a chance to showcase her diversity – she had to act, sing, and dance. Which paid off, because her efforts earned her a South African Film and TV Award (SAFTA). She has since been on DStv’s prison drama series, Lockdown, for five seasons, playing Monde. ‘My acting journey has been amazing,’ says Zola. ‘God has been so faithful. I have been fortunate enough to have had opportunities to work in different genres. Playing Monde has been fun and exciting but also scary, frustrating and challenging.’
A BRAND-NEW CHALLENGE
Much has changed since her TV debut. Zola recently became a mom for the first time. ‘Having a newborn is a lot of work,’ she laughs. ‘It’s exciting, demanding and absolutely rewarding! Being a new mom has been a crazy but fun journey. I have never experienced or felt this type of love before.’ Her radiant smile is ample proof that motherhood was meant for her.
‘Before pregnancy, I’d hit a plateau and needed something I didn’t know; something new. That’s why Cebelihle was such a good idea.’ She laughs at the play of words – Cebelihle means ‘a good idea’. Motherhood has helped her realise she still has so much more to offer. ‘It has given me a greater purpose in life,’ she beams.
FIERCE AND POWERFUL
‘I’ve entered a new phase of my life; it’s as though I’ve been given a second chance,’ she adds. ‘I’m now Zola 2.0, and she is fierce, powerful, bold and courageous!’ Zola and her boyfriend, actor Thomas Gumede, decided not to reveal the pregnancy until they were ready. ‘Anything can happen; I had to protect myself and my spirit,’ she says. ‘It is so easy to absorb all the noise, so keeping things private helped. Also, culturally, one has to protect the beginning stages for a certain time.’
When they were ready they shared the news on Instagram. When it comes to social media, Zola takes more of a logical stance than an emotional one. ‘I am careful of the spaces and environments I put myself in, and the people I have around me. I have grown to learn and understand the engine of social media,’ she says. Wise words indeed.
MIRACULOUS BLESSINGS
It was while she was pregnant that she found herself closest to God. ‘My highlight was seeing what my body was capable of,’ she smiles. ‘Carrying a human being is one of the most miraculously amazing blessings.’
A typical day now involves some gym, prayer, time with her son, and work. ‘Having a child, I realised the importance of giving myself attention. Working out has always been a way of prioritising myself. Sometimes the most selfless thing to do is to be selfish.’ She stresses the importance of filling one’s cup before pouring into others. ‘Being a mom doesn’t mean your life is over; it’s actually a new beginning.’
Going back to work has been a difficult transition, she reveals. ‘Leaving him and going back out has been scary and a bit painful,’ she says. ‘But when I am out there, and I think about him, I get so excited, and I push even harder to make him proud.’
UNDERSTANDING THE INDUSTRY
With full-day shoots and parenthood, how do Zola and Thomas make time for one another? ‘We understand the industry we’re in, so we make an effort to support one another,’ she says. Quality time at home is a priority. ‘We love making each other laugh, and it’s great that we both have a playful nature. We enjoy watching movies and series together.’
A YEAR OF INTROSPECTION
As with most other people, 2020 was a challenging year for Zola. ‘I definitely grew in 2020,’ she says. ‘It was a year of introspection, quietness and stillness. Having a chance to listen to your thoughts without the noise was good.’
Any new year resolutions? ‘Not at all!’ she says. ‘I make plans at the beginning of each year, because I believe that failure to plan is a plan to fail. ‘I’m looking forward to cementing myself as a new mom and new working mom.’
We can’t wait to see what Zola does next.
A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS
THE LITTLE GIRL WITH MOVES
Born 28 years ago in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, Zola is the youngest of five. As a child, she was known as the little girl with moves to match an adult. ‘I really enjoyed “uku’jaiva” (dancing), and I still do,’ she laughs. ‘I always knew I wanted to perform. I never imagined myself doing anything else.’ She still has vivid memories of watching a show called Interrogation Room. ‘I remember watching Nambitha Mpumlwana and marvelling at how amazing she was, saying to myself this is what I want to do. I knew acting was my calling. My family has been very supportive, although they didn’t understand it at first – my siblings are more academic.’
DISCOVERING HER FUNNY BONE
In 2013, after completing her BA (Hons) in Dramatic Arts from Wits University, she clinched her first TV role on season two of the popular TV show Intersexions. She went on to star in comedy shows such as Single Galz and iThuba Lokugcina. ‘Here I had the opportunity to show off my funny bone,’ she says. This was followed by a movie called Ingoma, which gave her a chance to showcase her diversity – she had to act, sing, and dance. Which paid off, because her efforts earned her a South African Film and TV Award (SAFTA). She has since been on DStv’s prison drama series, Lockdown, for five seasons, playing Monde. ‘My acting journey has been amazing,’ says Zola. ‘God has been so faithful. I have been fortunate enough to have had opportunities to work in different genres. Playing Monde has been fun and exciting but also scary, frustrating and challenging.’
A BRAND-NEW CHALLENGE
Much has changed since her TV debut. Zola recently became a mom for the first time. ‘Having a newborn is a lot of work,’ she laughs. ‘It’s exciting, demanding and absolutely rewarding! Being a new mom has been a crazy but fun journey. I have never experienced or felt this type of love before.’ Her radiant smile is ample proof that motherhood was meant for her.
‘Before pregnancy, I’d hit a plateau and needed something I didn’t know; something new. That’s why Cebelihle was such a good idea.’ She laughs at the play of words – Cebelihle means ‘a good idea’. Motherhood has helped her realise she still has so much more to offer. ‘It has given me a greater purpose in life,’ she beams.
FIERCE AND POWERFUL
‘I’ve entered a new phase of my life; it’s as though I’ve been given a second chance,’ she adds. ‘I’m now Zola 2.0, and she is fierce, powerful, bold and courageous!’ Zola and her boyfriend, actor Thomas Gumede, decided not to reveal the pregnancy until they were ready. ‘Anything can happen; I had to protect myself and my spirit,’ she says. ‘It is so easy to absorb all the noise, so keeping things private helped. Also, culturally, one has to protect the beginning stages for a certain time.’
When they were ready they shared the news on Instagram. When it comes to social media, Zola takes more of a logical stance than an emotional one. ‘I am careful of the spaces and environments I put myself in, and the people I have around me. I have grown to learn and understand the engine of social media,’ she says. Wise words indeed.
“I’m now Zola 2.0, and she is fierce, powerful, bold and courageous!”
MIRACULOUS BLESSINGS
It was while she was pregnant that she found herself closest to God. ‘My highlight was seeing what my body was capable of,’ she smiles. ‘Carrying a human being is one of the most miraculously amazing blessings.’
A typical day now involves some gym, prayer, time with her son, and work. ‘Having a child, I realised the importance of giving myself attention. Working out has always been a way of prioritising myself. Sometimes the most selfless thing to do is to be selfish.’ She stresses the importance of filling one’s cup before pouring into others. ‘Being a mom doesn’t mean your life is over; it’s actually a new beginning.’
Going back to work has been a difficult transition, she reveals. ‘Leaving him and going back out has been scary and a bit painful,’ she says. ‘But when I am out there, and I think about him, I get so excited, and I push even harder to make him proud.’
UNDERSTANDING THE INDUSTRY
With full-day shoots and parenthood, how do Zola and Thomas make time for one another? ‘We understand the industry we’re in, so we make an effort to support one another,’ she says. Quality time at home is a priority. ‘We love making each other laugh, and it’s great that we both have a playful nature. We enjoy watching movies and series together.’
A YEAR OF INTROSPECTION
As with most other people, 2020 was a challenging year for Zola. ‘I definitely grew in 2020,’ she says. ‘It was a year of introspection, quietness and stillness. Having a chance to listen to your thoughts without the noise was good.’
Any new year resolutions? ‘Not at all!’ she says. ‘I make plans at the beginning of each year, because I believe that failure to plan is a plan to fail. ‘I’m looking forward to cementing myself as a new mom and new working mom.’
We can’t wait to see what Zola does next.
A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS
- I love that my craft captivates and inspires people.
- Durban is my ideal holiday destination in SA.
- My go-to outfit is a cap, tracksuit and sneakers.
- You will never find me without gratitude.
- I enjoy working out.
FOLLOW ZOLA
Facebook: @Zola Nombona
Instagram: @znombona
Twitter: @zolanombona
ZOLA NOMBONA TALKS ABOUT THE MAGIC OF MOTHERHOOD
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
December 18, 2020
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
December 18, 2020
Rating:
