Nefisa Mkhabela

Nefisa Mkhabela
Born
Nefisa Tarisca Mkhabela

(2002-02-14) 14 February 2002
Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
EducationUniversity of Johannesburg
Occupations
  • Actress
  • influencer
Years active2018–present
Notable workHouse of Zwide

Nefisa Tarisca Mkhabela (born February 14, 2002) is a South African actress and influencer.[1] She is best known for her starring role as Ona Molapo in e.tv telenovela House of Zwide and Losing Lerato 2 as Lerato.[2][3][4]

Early life

Mkhabela was born on 14 February 2002, in Soweto, Johannesburg. She attended the University of Johannesburg where she studied Bachelor's of Law after finishing her matric at Greenside High School.[5]

Career

Mkhabela made her television acting debut in the recurring role of Mbali on the 1Magic drama series Unmarried Wives, first appearing in the series premiere in 2018.[6] In 2020, she reprised her role, showing off her skills as an actress.[7]

In 2021, she landed a leading role in the Mzansi Original Movie called Ispaza Sasekhaya. Later that year Nefisa landed her first starring role in television when she was cast as Ona Molapo,[8] a young fashion designer who navigates the world of fashion with her BFF played by Shalate Sekhabi, in the e.tv soapie House of Zwide.[9][10] In 2024, she played a lead role as Lerato, in a film Losing Lerato 2 [11] and also appeared on a soapie Kleva-ish as Mandy.[12]

Filmography

Year Film Role
2018 Unmarried Mbali Recurring role
2021–present House of Zwide Onalerena Molapo Lead role
2023 Kleva-ish Mandy Main role
2024 Losing Lerato 2 Lerato Lead role, season 2
How to ruin love Omphile Starring role

Awards and nominations

Year Association Category Nominated works Result Ref.
2024 Royalty Soapie Awards Outstanding Newcomer House of Zwide Won [13]
National Film and TV Awards Best New Comer Nominated [14]

References

  1. ^ Naidoo, Alicia (2021-07-31). "Five things to know about 'House Of Zwide' star Nefisa Mkhabela". The South African. Retrieved 2025-05-31.
  2. ^ Katlego (2023-07-04). "Actress Nefisa Mkhabela on buying her mom a house at 21". KAYA 959. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
  3. ^ Tlhoaele, Kgalalelo. "House of Zwide actress reveals biggest insecurity!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
  4. ^ Mzandisi, Keitumetse Maako and Iviwe. "Emotional rollercoaster: Nefisa Mkhabela and Kagiso Modupe's journey in 'Losing Lerato 2'". Life. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
  5. ^ admin (2022-02-25). "Nefisa Mkhabela biography known as Ona on House of Zwide". Soapie Celebs. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
  6. ^ "Nefisa Mkhabela | TVSA Unmarried". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2025-05-31.
  7. ^ "Unmarried | Full Cast | Season 1 | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
  8. ^ Birjalal, Alyssia (2021-07-18). "A-list actors join new e. tv soap 'House of Zwide'". IOL. Retrieved 2025-05-31.
  9. ^ Ngcobo, Mavi. "House of Zwide actress lands big role". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
  10. ^ Tlhoaele, Kgalalelo. "House of Zwide actress reveals biggest insecurity!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-05-31.
  11. ^ Mdaka, Zintle (2024-07-08). "Nefisa Mkhabela joins Losing Lerato 2". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
  12. ^ Seleme, Rae (2023-07-26). "'Kleva-ish' cast". The South African. Retrieved 2025-05-31.
  13. ^ Zuma, Mbalenhle (2024-08-26). "Moments of doubt led me to this award – Skeem Saam's Lethabo". Sunday World. Retrieved 2025-01-31.
  14. ^ "Celebrating Excellence: National Film & TV Awards South Africa 2024 Nominees Announced". Underground Press. September 23, 2024.