Viewers of e.tv’s Scandal know Zinzile Ngema as a traditional Zulu woman who obeys her husband.
But Gcina Nkosi, the actress who plays the part, believes it’s important for women to voice their opinions.
Speaking to Daily Sun, the 48-year-old from Umlazi, south of Durban, said: “However, we must not forget that we are still women. We will never be the same as men.
‘That is where respect comes in. Even the Bible says the man is the head of the family.”
Gcina said Zinzile is loving, respectful and humble.
“Most importantly, she keeps her family together and her household in good shape,” she said.
Gcina told SunBuzz she first discovered her acting talent when she auditioned for Skwiza, a play about women and drug abuse, at The Playhouse in Durban.
“Before that I was a classical singer and contemporary dancer. I was a backing vocalist for different music groups in Durban.”
Gcina later played the roles of Lady Macbeth and Intombi in a production of Welcome Msomi’s, Mabatha, in New York.
Scandal was her big TV break. She said she originally auditioned for the role of Shakira, but she was too old. The producers recognised her talent and created the role of Zinzile, a domestic worker, especially for her.
Her other dream, besides the ones she has realised, is to one day run a spa for domestic workers.
“My mum was a domestic worker too. We’ll never have a healthy environment without them,” she said.
