Thespian, mom, creative force and modern tastemaker, Natasha Thahane has mastered the art of embracing every facet of herself. From her evolution on screen to her journey of self-discovery, faith and intentional living, she represents a new generation of women redefining success on their own terms. Through the lens of the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series, Natasha shares how technology, creativity and authentic storytelling intersect, capturing not just how life looks, but how it feels.
Natasha Thahane needs no introduction. A household name and one of South Africa’s most celebrated actresses, she has captivated audiences on both the small and big screens for years. Many first fell in love with her portrayal of Enhle on the hit SABC1 drama Skeem Saam , a role that made her a familiar face in homes across the country. Since then, she has built an impressive body of work, including her role as Wendy Dlamini in Netflix’s Blood & Water , where she showcased her versatility to a global audience. Her standout performances also include appearances in The Queen, Isono , and, most recently Dear Sis Dolly; a film that has resonated deeply with South African audiences and further cemented her place as one of the country’s leading talents.
With more than six million followers on Instagram, Natasha continues to captivate not only audiences, but also leading brands with her influence, authenticity and style. Having already forged a successful partnership with HUAWEI, this collaboration naturally lends itself to a GLAMOUR cover moment, particularly for our Women’s Month issue, the most celebrated issue of the year. his issue also celebrates women embracing every facet of who they are. Letting us in on what her current chapter represents, Natasha says, “It’s my ‘both, and’ chapter. I don’t have to choose between being soft and being driven, being a mother and being ambitious, being private and being seen. I have had some great women behind me and this Women’s Month, specifically after the loss of my grandmother who was unapologetically herself, reminds me that we’re allowed to be all of it at once, no apologies needed. I am a mother, an actress, a businesswoman, a creative and a friend.” She admits that she used to think that she had to compartmentalise these parts of herself, “but this season represents bringing them all to the table. It’s about celebrating the soft, quiet moments just as much as the loud, high- fashion ones.”
Natasha embodies the modern renaissance woman: accomplished, influential and multifaceted. Her career, entrepreneurial spirit and cultural impact make her the ideal cover star to celebrate women who are shaping the future while inspiring a new generation. The woman who has steadily evolved into a powerhouse describes herself as grounded, curious and intentional. Expanding on why these words feel true in this season of her life, she says, “Grounded because I finally feel rooted in exactly who I am. Curious because I’m still chasing new stories, new skills and new versions of myself. Intentional because lately I have been choosing where my energy goes very carefully.” The multifaceted powerhouse grew up in the public eye, and every chapter seems to reveal a different version. Letting us in on the evolution she’s experienced over the past few years, she shares that she’s gone from performing certainty to actually feeling it. “Earlier on, I think I was playing the role of ‘having it all figured out’. Now I’m far more comfortable saying to people that ‘I’m still figuring this out’ and giving myself the space to learn. I would say that there has also been a shift from wanting to please everyone to fully embracing my own rhythm.”
She admits that the reality of people having a front-row seat for her trial-and- error phases used to scare her, but says that she has now evolved from trying to fit into moulds to confidently carving out her own lane with less worry about external noise. Having built a career around telling stories on screen, what still excites her about acting, and what kinds of roles is she drawn to at this stage in her career? “The sheer magic of transformation never gets old! Stepping into someone else’s shoes, feeling their heartbeat, not judging them, and bringing their truth to life is still an absolute thrill.” At this stage, she’s deeply drawn to complex, layered female characters who are beautifully flawed, resilient, and whose stories challenge the status quo. “Women who are complicated on purpose: flawed, funny, a little messy, deeply human. I want roles that make people feel seen, not just entertained.” If you’re wondering what Natasha’s been up to recently, she shares that she’s been quietly busy behind the scenes. “While I have to keep a few details under wraps for now, people can definitely look forward to seeing me in spaces where I’m pushing my own creative boundaries. There are some incredibly exciting on- screen projects in the pipeline on Netflix, some familiar characters, and others that show a completely different side of my acting range.
Beyond acting, she’s also shaping her own narrative through the work she chooses, her business ventures and social platforms. Expounding on how her approach to storytelling has evolved over the years, she asserts that it has become much more active and deliberate. “When I started out, I was just happy to be cast in someone else’s story. Now, I realise the power of my own voice. Whether I’m curating my grid, choosing a business partnership or producing, I want the story to be authentic, empowering and visually striking. I definitely want to explore directing and that is on my radar as the next level of storytelling; shaping how others present characters.”
Social media often feels like a highlights reel, but Natasha has always shared her life with intention. On her approach to deciding which moments become part of her story and which ones she chooses to keep for herself, she says, “If a moment still means something to me after the excitement fades, it’s usually one I want to share. I ask myself: does sharing this spark joy, connect, or inspire? If it’s purely performative, it stays in the drafts. My family, my deepest healing moments and the quiet spaces where I just get to be are a little sacred.” Still on the topic of moments, HUAWEI’s philosophy, “Now is Your Moment”, is about celebrating self- expression and encouraging people to capture life’s defining moments from their own unique perspectives. What resonated with her most about that message? It reminded me to stop waiting for the ‘perfect’ future and start living in the present. Too often we’re so busy looking ahead that we miss the wonder happening right under our noses. ‘Now is Your Moment’ is a beautiful reminder that our everyday, unfiltered lives are worthy of being celebrated and captured.”
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