Television and film star Nambitha Ben-Mazwi is fast becoming one of the leading actresses in South African film. The star who is currently on etv show Broken Vows as Lulama chatted to DRUM about her life and more.
What nickname did you have while growing up and how did it come about?
Family members and people who I’ve known for a long time call me “Nampo” , I have no idea how the name came about but I had those necklaces where you’d write your nickname and Nampo was on it. My recent nickname is Nam or Namnam.
Having studied Business Sciences, how would you say it relates with your current career as an actress?
Studying Business Sciences came in handy because I use those skills to make my own projections, setting up targets, strategizing and re-evaluating my progress.
What did you miss most about South Africa while staying in the U.S?
I missed the people. Their warmth, friendliness, sense of caring and Ubuntu. Europeans have boundaries whereas South Africans are usually very loud and friendly people. I missed the food and the music too. Whenever I felt homesick, I’d lock myself up and play TKZee and go crazy.
Which food would best describe your personality and why?
A nice summer salad with watermelon and cashew nuts. I’m all over the place so the salad would best describe my bubbly, vivacious and colourful personality.
What is on your bucket list?
Leaving a legacy, starting my own empire and helping people especially young women.
What do you think every woman should try atleast once in her lifetime?
Every woman should step out of their comfort zone and travel, doing that helps you to depend on yourself and to also build your character.
What is your favourite colour and why?
To look at- baby blue and white because they have a calming beach effect.
To wear- Green because it looks beautiful against my skin and because I’m a nature lover.
What item in your closet do you wear the most?
Apart from the wig I use for work, I enjoy wearing my gowns. In summer I wear a satin gown and nightdress that make me feel so sexy and in winter I wear my comfortable cotton gown. I actually have a collection of all sorts of gowns.
What makes your blood boil?
I hate feet. I don’t want people showing me their feet and I don’t want any feet near me. Apart from that, I’ve learnt not to allow things to get to me anymore.
What brings you the greatest satisfaction?
Overcoming obstacles and fears.
What do you do in your free time?
I love to hike, going for bottomless mimosas with friends and going to church twice on Sundays to do my duties.
If you had to have a superpower, what would it be?
To see into the future.
What is your biggest fear?
It used to be failure but I’ve gotten over that so my biggest fear would be not having enough time to do the many things I want to do.
What languages do you speak?
My home language isiXhosa, English and a bit of Afrikaans. I can follow the other South African languages.
Which productions have you been on?
Traffic season 2 on e.tv, Doubt on Mzansi Magic, Black Mirror on Netflix, Madiba and currently Broken Vows also on e.tv.
Which role did you enjoy playing most and why?
The role of Nandi on Madiba because I had to step out of my comfort zone by being more real and vulnerable. I also enjoyed having to be so authentic and natural looking in my bantu nots and with no make- up on. I also got to experience something I’d never experienced before.
What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
Love and kindness. I really enjoy that.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
I wish I knew that adulating would be so hard! I really wish that life had a user manual.
What quote do you live by?
I live by a scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Do you boo!”
Are you in a relationship, married or engaged?
Haha you will never know. You can dig as deep as you can but you will never know.
