PHINDILE Gwala has found popularity playing nosy
receptionist, Nonny, on Muvhango.
But most people don’t know she went to 30 auditions and was rejected every time before the role was created for her!
The 29-year-old, who is originally from KZN, recently sat down to talk to the SunTeam about how never giving up paid off, and how she loves acting.
“I had rejection after rejection, but I kept on auditioning without giving up because I had a burning desire to see myself on TV,” said Phindile.
She said after her first day of shooting for the popular soapie she couldn’t leave her character behind on set.
“That showed how curious I was about the character. I wanted to tell Nonny’s story to the rest of Mzansi.”
Phindile said as a young girl she wanted to be a psychologist as she wanted to know what was going on in other people’s minds.
This has helped her put herself in the shoes of the character she plays.
Phindile described Nonny as a Kim Kardashian from the rural areas, who has big dreams for her future.
“I admire Nonny’s personality. She is friendly at all times and holds no grudges.”
Phindile said she mastered her craft through the workshops Muvhango ran at the beginning of her acting career. She said acting had given her life purpose.
“I can change people’s lives, particularly women, by giving them self-
esteem and confidence,” she said.
Phindile said although her life looked glamourous on TV, she has gone through hard times.
“When I first came to Joburg I used to sleep on two jackets and used my hands as a pillow.”
