Zikhona Sodlaka and Motlatsi Mafatshe Celebrate Big Wins at Royalty Soapie Awards and Share Ambitions for Industry Growth

In a captivating interview with Sowetan LIVE, South African actors Zikhona Sodlaka and Motlatsi Mafatshe opened up about their recent accolades at the 7th annual Royalty Soapie Awards, their career journeys, and their visions for the future of the entertainment industry. Mafatshe, who took home the Outstanding Lead Actor award, and Sodlaka, who was named Outstanding Lead Actress, are both eager to push the boundaries of their craft.

Mafatshe, known for his riveting role as Molefe in House of Zwide and his career-defining portrayal of Sechaba in Isidingo,  expressed his deep desire to expand his horizons beyond acting. “One of my biggest dreams is to direct and produce a telenovela or a soapie,” Mafatshe revealed. “We’ve had the same producers and production houses running the show, it’s time that we also get our chance to direct and produce shows.”

Despite his success, the 40-year-old actor is hungry for more opportunities to diversify his career. “I didn’t go to school to learn how to act, I went there to produce… all I need is a chance,” he emphasised. Mafatshe is calling for a shift in the industry, advocating for more opportunities for actors to step into roles behind the camera. “I’m not saying they [producers] should be without a job, but I want to see progression for actors in the acting industry.”

Sodlaka, who was honoured for her powerful performance as Bulelwa Mxenge, also known as Bullet, in Gqeberha: The Empire,  echoed a similar sentiment about the significance of industry recognition. “Receiving a stamp of approval from your colleagues and peers is one of those unspoken, exciting parts of life,” she shared. “These awards represent something different in your career. They validate different parts of your journey as an actor and the many characters you’ve carried.”

Looking ahead, Sodlaka is passionate about uplifting the creative sector in her home province, the Eastern Cape. “Since we had our very first telenovela in 2023, the Eastern Cape has ventured into creative storytelling. It’s taken us so much time to get here, but I’d like to see our province being self-sustained in terms of film and television production,” she said. Sodlaka hopes to see more investment in the region, enabling young talent to flourish without having to leave for Johannesburg.

As both actors continue to shine on screen, their ambitions signal a future where they hope to shape the industry from both in front of and behind the camera.