Meet ‘Isibaya’s’ Zanele

Sibusisiwe Jili has always been labelled as the ‘Wild Card’.

Born in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, Jili moved to Johannesburg to pursue her acting career after she was offered a role on Mzansi Magic’s hit drama show Isibaya.

“I love acting, and playing ‘Zanele’ has been a great opportunity for me and there’s definitely more in store for her. So I’d suggest that people should keep watching Isibaya to find out what happens next,” said an enthusiastic actress.

Jili (26) a Randburg resident, added that acting for the show that keeps numerous South Africans glued to their screens has been an eye opener for her as she now knows numerous aspects of life she did not know previously.

This young, free-spirited woman wants to add more roles into her hat.

“I see myself in powerful characters like a female tycoon, and sexy scenes… I think I would play a good psychopath because nobody would expect it,” she said with a laugh.

Her favourite actress is Zoe Saldana whom she is normally likened to.

Denzel Washington and Trevor Noah are on the top of her list of favourite famous actors.

Although she holds a BA degree in Social Science, her acting career began in primary school.

“No matter what I do, acting always found its way into my life. It was something to calm my nerves but I have grown as an actress. Every role I play is some sort of adaptation and I become natural.”

The highly confident model said there is no role she would not do.

“There is no role I wouldn’t execute. For example I would play a stripper as long as I understand the background of the character and why they are doing it.”

Jili is not only an actress but she is also a model whose face has been spotted on several TV commercials, magazines and brand campaigns.

She is a motivational speaker who is passionate about empowering both the young and old.

She recently registered her own NGO that will focus on changing the lives of South African’s nationwide, one step at a time.