After five memorable seasons on House of Zwide, actress Nefisa Mkhabela has officially bid farewell to the hit e.tv drama, sharing an emotional tribute to the show, its cast and crew, and the character that shaped her journey as an actress.
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Taking to social media, Nefisa reflected on the life-changing opportunity she received as a teenager and the profound impact portraying Ona Molapo had on her personal and professional growth.
‘I had big dreams and little experience’
The actress revealed that she was just 19 years old when she first stepped onto the set of House of Zwide, unaware of how significantly the experience would influence her life.
“I had big dreams, little experience, and no idea how much this opportunity would change my life.”
Nefisa said the show gave her far more than a successful acting career.
“This show gave me so much more than a career. It gave me purpose, confidence, lifelong friendships, and the opportunity to tell the story of a young woman who reminded so many people, including me, that our dreams are valid,” she penned.
Inspiring hope through Ona’s journey
Reflecting on the impact of her character, Nefisa expressed hope that Ona’s story inspired viewers to believe in themselves despite difficult circumstances.
“In a country where so many young people are searching for hope and opportunity, I hope Ona’s journey reminded you that your circumstances don’t have to define your future. If she inspired even one person to dream bigger and believe in themselves, then every early morning, every late night and every challenge was worth it.”
Nefisa Mkhabela thanks the team behind the show
The actress also expressed gratitude to the production team and network executives who believed in her from the beginning.
“To etvonline, Bomb Productions, Thabo Boom, and Desiree Markgraaff, thank you for taking a chance on a 19-year-old girl and trusting me with a character that changed my life. Thank you for believing in me before I fully believed in myself. Dopezuluboi, thank you for always believing in me, for being my safe place and for creating a space where I always felt heard. I’ll always be grateful,” she said.
“To our incredible costume, hair, makeup department, cast and crew, thank you for becoming family. Thank you for every lesson, every laugh, every memory and for helping bring Ona to life. I’ll carry each of you with me forever.”
Also see: ‘House of Zwide’ cancelled after 5 seasons
‘We grew up together’
Perhaps the most emotional part of her farewell was the message she addressed directly to her character, Ona.
“Through you, I experienced so many of life’s firsts. We found our voices together, and you taught me to dream fearlessly, believe in myself and trust that what God has placed in my heart is possible. You’ll always hold such a special place in my heart,” said Nefisa.
The actress concluded her tribute by thanking the viewers who supported House of Zwide over the years.
“Most importantly, thank you to every single person who watched, supported, laughed, cried and believed in us over these past five seasons. You changed my life in ways I’ll never be able to put into words. This chapter may be ending, but I know it’s only the beginning. The end of an era I’ll never forget,” she concluded.
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Also see: Shalate Sekhabi bids farewell to her ‘House of Zwide’ character
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