Phindile Gwala Looks Back on Her Life-Changing 2016

Actress Phindile Gwala recently took a walk down memory lane as she shared moments from what she describes as one of the most important years of her life. Posting a series of throwback pictures, the star reflected on her busy, productive, and blessed 2016, a year filled with career highs, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences.

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Sharing her thoughts, Phindile wrote, “Ngicela ukungasali ku-2016, (can i please not be left behind in 2016) kodwa I can’t find most of my content on cloud (Second slide I was in Atlanta, hosting a life-changing program with Ma’am Felicia Mabuza-Suttle as one of our main speakers).” The actress revealed that despite missing some of her content, the memories remain clear and meaningful.

2016 marked a major milestone in her acting career. Phindile was one of the lead actors on Muvhango, where she played the beautiful and complex character of Nonny. The role helped cement her place in the South African entertainment industry and opened many doors for her.

The year also saw her gracing major international stages. She attended the Hollywood & African Prestige Awards (HAPA), where she was part of the planning team and proudly became the first host from South Africa. During her travels, she also met global television star Steve Harvey. In a moment she still finds unbelievable, she shared that he jokingly asked her to marry his son, even though she did not know him, and she also visited the real Family Feud studios.

Phindile travelled extensively throughout the year and remained committed to giving back. Through her foundation, she made meaningful donations and spent time supporting communities in need. Although she usually avoids appearing in music videos, 2016 was different. She agreed to shoot a tribute for her late friend R.

Speaking on that emotional moment, she shared, “Mashesha, yooo, angikaze ngikhale kanje. Ngikhumbula uMampintsha etshela uTira: ‘Yey uyakhala lomuntu, uzokwazi kodwa ukushutha’” and added, “Mashesha, yooo, I’ve never cried like this before. I remember Mampintsha telling Tira, ‘Hey, this person cries a lot, will you manage to shoot.’” She ended the tribute by wishing them peace, saying, “May their souls rest in peace.”

The actress also shot Zaziwa in December, which aired in the first week of January and became the most watched show at the time. Above all her achievements, Phindile says 2016 was the year she grew closer to God, spent more time with children when time allowed, and found deeper purpose. She described it simply as “One of the best years of my life.”