Actress Nompumelelo Vilakazi (24) sacrificed a possible teaching career for acting.
She had just completed her Bachelor of Education when she landed her role in DiepCity.
“Acting has always been my first love, but I pursued a degree in education. I wanted something to fall back on, just in case things didn’t work out. Fortunately as soon as I completed my degree, I got this role,” she said.
When she auditioned for the role of Sne via Instagram, she had little hope of getting it.
“When the auditions opened I wanted to try my luck. I knew I could do it, but I was struggling with connectivity. The signal kept cutting my recording. Eventually I managed to make a clear recording that I sent through to the producers,” she recalled.
Fortunately she got the role.
“DiepCity is my biggest and first TV break, and I’m still excited. I’m humbled to play alongside established actors.”
Originally from Bergville in the village of Magangangozi, KZN, she went on to say: “I suppose I’m one of the lucky ones in the industry. I say this because such opportunities do not come easily. Most actors take years before they get their break.”
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Nompumelelo said she did not have extensive experience.
“I’ve always been active, but not in terms of acting. Otherwise, I’ve won a few competitions such as Miss Personality.”
She added that playing Sne’s character was not easy.
“It was challenging because Sne is an abused woman. In real life, I’ve never been abused. I had to put myself in her shoes in order to understand how it feels. I did thorough research and also drew from my own emotions in order to portray her.”
Nompumelelo is one of the actors and actresses nominated for the Royalty Soapie Awards.
“I’ve been nominated for Best Newcomer, and I’m grateful. This nomination means my work is being recognised and that people are loving it. I’m hopeful that I’ll bring it home.”
