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Zola Nombona

Actors / To The Max

Zola Nombona

Actress · TV presenter · Digital entrepreneur

An Eastern Cape-born actress, presenter and digital entrepreneur with an honours degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her work spans television, film, theatre and brand storytelling.

The body of work

Screen & stage.

01

My Brother’s Keeper

Fakazile

02

Z’bondiwe

Seasons 1–3 · Roxanne Nozulu

03

Isono

Season 1 · Zoleka

04

Sokhulu & Partners

Season 3 · Zizi Shongu

05

iThuba Lokugcina

Seasons 1–2 · Zodwa Bhengu

06

Intersexions

Breakout television role

07

eHostela

Season 1 · Constable Brightness

08

Boxing Day

Vele

09

Lockdown

Seasons 1–4 · Monde Mzansi

10

iNumber Number

Season 1 · Zee

11

Forced Love

Kat Minola / Sindi

12

Single Galz

Season 1 · Lerato

13

Trapped

Season 1 · Ayanda

14

Generations: The Legacy

Pamela

15

Dancing with the Stars South Africa

Season 1

16

The Suite

Theatre · Directed by James Ngcobo

Defining moments

Recognition & projects.

Awards & honours

  1. 2016

    SAFTA — Best Achievement by a Lead Actress in a Made-for-TV Movie

Nominations

  1. 2024

    Forty Under 40 — Theatre & Arts

  2. 2021

    SAFTA — Best Supporting Actress

  3. 2020

    Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards — Favourite Actress

  4. 2018 & 2019

    SAFTA — Best Actress in a Lead Role, TV Drama

  5. 2017

    Golden Horn Award — Best Actress in a TV Comedy

Influence in partnership

Brand partnerships.

A selection of the brands and collaborations in Zola Nombona’s portfolio.

  • Hisense
    Since 2021
  • Foschini
  • Savanna
  • Huawei
  • Betway
  • L’Oréal
  • Lancôme
  • CeraVe
  • Armani
  • Magnum

A closer look

Campaigns & collaborations.

Zola Nombona in Betway campaign imagery
Betway
Zola Nombona in a branded food campaign
Campaign portfolio
Lifestyle campaign imagery from Zola Nombona’s portfolio
Lifestyle campaign
Zola Nombona’s digital and entertainment campaign imagery
Digital storytelling
Zola Nombona in Magnum campaign imagery
Magnum

In the spotlight

In the press.

BONA cover featuring Zola Nombona
BONA
Hello cover featuring Zola Nombona
Hello
Tribal Fit cover featuring Zola Nombona
Tribal Fit

The person behind the name

About Zola Nombona.

Zola Nombona, a true homegrown talent from the Eastern Cape, she embodies the classic South African success story. Her journey to stardom is a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional skill, deeply rooted in her native soil. Nurtured at the esteemed Victoria Girls High and polished at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she earned an honors degree in Dramatic Arts, Zola's educational foundation set the stage tor her timeless appeal in the entertainment industry.

This quintessential South African actress first captivated audiences with her breakout role in the acclaimed drama series, "Intersexions." Her performance showcased a raw, homespun talent that resonated with viewers across the nation. Recognized as a true thespian of classic caliber, Zola has since shattered records and garnered numerous award nominations, cementing her status as one of South Africa's most promising stars. Her trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable, headlining award-winning productions such as "My Brothers Keeper," "Lockdown," "iNumber Number," and "eHostela," while also gracing the screens of beloved soap operas like "Isono" and "Generations." True to her roots, Zola's heart remains in the theatre, where she has taken on lead roles in productions such as "The Suite," under the direction of the esteemed James Ngcobo, showcasing her versatility as a timeless performer.

Beyond her contributions to the performing arts, Zola's influence extends into the digital realm, where she brings her homegrown charm to various social media campaigns. As a digital entrepreneur, she has become the face of classic South African brands, serving as the first brand ambassador for renowned companies such as the Foschini Group and Savanna Cider. Not content with just being the face of brands, Zola has ventured into entrepreneurship, solidifying her position as a savvy businesswoman with a classic sense of style. Her relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment to excellence have not only made her a key opinion leader within the entertainment industry but also positioned her as a visionary on a mission to build an empire-one inspired step at a time.

Off-screen, Zola's life is equally compelling, epitomizing the essence of a classic power couple in the entertainment industry alongside award-winning actor, filmmaker, and executive producer Thomas Gumede, as they raise their son, Cebelihle. Zola Nombona stands as a beacon of strength, independence, and unparalleled style, a homegrown talent who has blossomed into a classic South African star.

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Discover more

Explore the portfolio.

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