HE is a seasoned TV and film actor and one of Mzansi’s most recognisable faces . . .
But Jet Novuka believes his heart will always be in his kasi, Ngangelizwe in Mthatha, where he was born and bred.
He is a proud Eastern Cape man!
Novuka (44) rose to fame at an early age and is well known for his acting roles as Zakes in the SABC1 drama series Yizo Yizo and currently as Sizwe Zondile on the SABC3 soapie Isidingo.
He is known for playing roles where he speaks isiXhosa well, of which he is proud.
“I’m a passionate umXhosa. No matter the glitz and glamour of being a celebrity, I still find peace in my hometown of Mthatha,” he told the SunTeam.
Jet honoured an invite from Walter Sisulu University to speak to first-year students at a gala dinner.
Many could not hold their excitement, especially afterwards, when they got a chance to take photographs with him.
The friendly Jet smiled and posed on the DJ’s decks, letting go of his celebrity status.
He said that as a patriot, community builder and philanthropist, he travels a lot but spends most of his time in Mthatha doing motivational talks, community outreach programmes and spending time with his home boys.
“I still remember the small fishing camps I used to have at Mthatha Dam with other village boys and the long walks I took across Kwa-Stwayi kasi to Ikhwezi kasi back in the day,” he said.
Jet believes that when you are on the ladder of success, you should always remember where you come from.
Speaking at the gala dinner at Walter Sisulu University, Jet highlighted the importance of education.
“With education and a focused mind, no poor background can stop a person from succeeding in life,” he said.
He was joined by Eastern Cape-born actress, former Generations and now Ashes to Ashes star Zenande Mfenyana, who encouraged the students to steer clear of booze and parties in order to reach for their dreams.
