Actress, influencer and ORS Olive Oil brand ambassador Nefisa Mkhabela is rewriting the script — owning her narrative with intention, faith and quiet confidence. From early beginnings in front of the camera to becoming a familiar face in South African homes, she reflects on growth, grounding and the power of staying true to herself in an industry that rarely slows down.
At just 24, Nefisa Mkhabela is not merely on the rise; she is steadily cementing herself as a household name in the intensely competitive South African entertainment industry. Her recognisable presence spans popular shows like House of Zwide , the film Losing Lerato 2 , and, most recently, the highly- anticipated series How To Ruin Love. Her relationship with performance and the camera is a lifelong one, having begun working in television commercials at the tender age of three. When reflecting on those formative, early experiences, she shares a fascinating perspective. “To be honest, I don’t really remember the technical details as much as I remember how it felt. Though I was really young, being on set always felt like home. It felt natural, almost like a play. I then came to realise very early that stories could be told without force, just presence. That comfort stayed with me and became a foundation rather than pressure.”
Born and raised in the sprawling, dynamic metropolis of Johannesburg; a city she still affectionately calls home, Nefisa believes the ‘City of Lights’ actively shapes its inhabitants, often forcing them out of their comfort zones. “It’s fast, layered, ambitious but still very community driven,” she notes. “It taught me resilience at a very young age, especially going from audition to audition and not getting every role you had hoped for. Yet I still dreamt so big because of it, and learnt to stay grounded in that process. That balance helps me navigate in my personal and professional capacity.” This foundational grounding is key to her approach to her craft. On how the city influenced the woman and artist she is today, she shares that she realised early on that doing things in a uniform manner didn’t limit her, “if anything it actually gave my creativity room to breathe.” Nefisa was known as the child who was always on stage, while simultaneously holding various leadership roles at school, a seemingly contradictory balance that proved invaluable. She admits that leadership taught her responsibility, while performance taught her expression. “They complemented each other in a way I couldn’t really explain.”
From house plays and participating in competitive theatre to earning well-deserved Best Actress nominations in high school, was there a definitive moment when acting shifted from a pastime into a necessary pursuit? “Honestly, I’ve always felt that acting was something I was supposed to pursue,” she says. “There was always a knowing that never left my spirit, though I might’ve had other interests or considered doing something else.”
Nefisa’s career trajectory is distinguished by a steady, intentional rise, a testament to dedication rather than fleeting, overnight success. Opening up about her journey of ‘becoming,’ she shares that patience profoundly shaped her relationship with God. “To learn to trust him and his timing rather than my own. Especially when things felt slow or if I ever felt like I was missing out on ample opportunities at the time because I was still in school and had to pour my focus into that and only that.” She attributes the upward trajectory of her career not just to talent, but to unwavering consistency. “It taught me discipline and obedience, especially with God. Which then filters into the rest of my life. I’ve “I give to my work fully, but I protect my inner life” also learned that longevity matters way more than ‘speed,’ and that growth feels way more rewarding when it’s earned, not rushed.” Winning a Royal Soapie Award marked a major, validating milestone in her career. “It affirmed that quiet work still speaks. It reminded me that showing up fully, even when no one is watching closely, matters. That recognition came at a time when I needed reassurance more than applause.”
She’s had the privilege of portraying a wide and interesting range of characters across both television and film, and I’m curious about her rigorous approach to choosing roles.
“The story has to really speak to me and scare me in a sense,” she reveals. “If a character stretches me emotionally or mentally, and feels removed from what I’ve done in the past, and still aligns with my core values, then that’s it. I want growth, not noise.” As a lead on the popular House of Zwide, she has become a familiar presence in countless South African homes. Navigating this heightened visibility while maintaining a sense of privacy and personal balance is a delicate act. She admits she’s learnt that accessibility doesn’t require full access. “I give to my work fully, but I protect my inner life. Balance comes from knowing where to draw that line.”
With more than 700 000 followers on Instagram, Nefisa’s feed reflects a deliberate, considered and stylish approach to fashion and public image, one driven by self-expression rather than mere excess. She notes that her personal style is constantly evolving. “I’m always new to different ways of expressing myself and where I’m at in life. And where I’m at now, my style is personal. I don’t dress to impress, I dress to express. It’s a mix of comfort, confidence, and feeling like myself in whatever space I’m walking into.” Given that style can often speak volumes, what does she hope people understand about her when they first see her? “That I’m comfortable in my skin. That I don’t need to prove anything. And that softness and strength can co-exist.
Beyond her professional acting work, Nefisa has appeared on and engaged with major industry platforms. As a young woman in the industry, she says stepping into those spaces represents the fact that anyone can achieve their dreams. “I always say I really hope my story of how I got to where I am today is a testimony of God’s goodness and that they see my story as a symbol of hope for themselves.” It is abundantly clear that faith plays an important, guiding role in her life. Specifically, how does it guide her through moments of uncertainty and growth? “My relationship with God is a big part of that. I know for a fact that I’m where I am today because of God and his faithfulness. From my career and my personal life to my family and friends, all of that is heavily influenced by God. I’ve also found comfort in confiding in him when life feels weird and uncertain. I’m reminded to keep God at the centre of my life and not to let circumstances, people, places or things determine my joy or life.”
The gorgeous thespian, who is also diligently studying law alongside her acting career, shares the dual motivation behind her academic pursuits. Initially, she started her law degree to honour her dad’s wishes. “But along the way, I genuinely fell in love with it. I realised it had been a passion of mine for some time. I realised his guidance came from a place of care, observation and wanting stability for me. Today, he’s my biggest supporter. Studying law reminds me that I’m not limited to one space. Studying keeps me disciplined, in routine and curious about the world.”
Considering that this is a Mind/Body Issue, I ask Nefisa to share her personal approach to wellness and holistic health. When the cameras are off and the noise of the industry quietens down, what “It affirmed that quiet work still speaks” helps bring her back to herself? “Being in my own space. My home really is my sanctuary. There’s so much comfort and gentleness for me in that space. My people too. Spending time with them always seems to ground me.” In the midst of a busy and highly visible career, to prioritise her mental and emotional well-being, she says she’s learned to listen intently to her limits. “Rest is not an option, it’s a necessity. I’ve also learnt how to set more boundaries. At some point in my life I think I lacked a lot of boundaries and feel like that forced me back into my shell for a while. I’ve learnt to let my yeses be yeses and my no’s be no's. This has helped me stay aligned."
