Soap opera fans are buzzing with excitement and mixed reactions after the arrival of a fresh face on *Sibongile & The Dlaminis*. Nsikelelo Mthiyane, a rising star, has stepped into the role of Sibongile, a character previously played by the much-loved Luyanda Zwane. While the show’s fans are still adjusting to the change, Mthiyane is already facing heavy scrutiny from viewers, with some openly comparing her to her predecessor.
At just 21 years old, Nsikelelo, who hails from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is already learning the realities of stepping into an iconic role. Viewers, who had grown attached to Zwane’s portrayal of Sibongile, have been quick to criticize the new actress, claiming she lacks the essence of the character as they’ve come to know and love her.
Despite the harsh opinions, Nsikelelo isn’t letting the negativity phase her. In a recent interview with *Daily Sun*, the young actress addressed the criticism with grace and confidence. “I know that people will compare my looks and acting skills with those of Luyanda. It is their right as viewers. But that won’t bother me. I will only take the constructive views or criticism and I’ll ignore the negative ones,” she said. Her calm and positive approach shows she’s determined to rise above the negativity and focus on improving her craft.
Beyond her resilience, Nsikelelo is driven by a desire to grow and learn every day, both as an actress and as a person. “I’m a strong young woman, and I learn about life experiences every day,” she shared during the interview. With seasoned actors guiding her and helping her hone her skills, she’s confident that she will win over fans in time. “I know that I have filled big-sized shoes, but everything will be well,” she declared, her optimism shining through.
While the pressure is certainly on, Nsikelelo has a unique advantage—she’s no stranger to the set of *Sibongile & The Dlaminis*. Before landing the lead role, she had previously worked as an extra on the show. Her familiarity with the cast and crew has provided her with a deeper understanding of the character dynamics, and it was during this time that the show’s casting agent encouraged her to audition for the main role. This opportunity has given her a jumpstart in what has already proven to be a remarkable journey in the entertainment industry.
Balancing her acting career with her academic aspirations, Nsikelelo recently graduated with a diploma in teaching from the Durban University of Technology. As if that weren’t enough, she’s currently pursuing her first year of journalism studies. Juggling both careers is no easy feat, but Nsikelelo’s determination and passion for both fields make her story all the more inspiring.
As Nsikelelo steps into her new role as Sibongile, she’s ready to take on both the praise and the criticism. Her approach to handling the inevitable comparisons and negativity highlights her maturity and focus. She serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, resilience, growth, and positivity can carry anyone through tough times.
So, next time you tune in to *Sibongile & The Dlaminis*, keep an open mind and support this talented young actress as she brings her own flavor to the beloved character of Sibongile. Nsikelelo Mthiyane is just getting started, and her journey is one to watch.