Zola Nombona knows who she is, a character trait that has served her well on her journey as an actor and now as Foschini’s first brand ambassador. She spoke to Editor Ingrid Corbett about her career so far, and what got her to where she is now.
She knows how to make an entrance. And yet, I’m struggling to put my finger on what it is exactly that captures my attention the minute she bursts into the room. She’s early, for starters, which is practically unheard of in this industry.
She’s dressed down in a plain T-shirt paired with cute high-waisted pants that flatter her hourglass frame. She greets everyone with a smile and it’s clear that she’s in high spirits. There’s a buzz of energy around her that makes me realise she’s also a little bit excited, which is kind of cute, considering she has spent half of her life in front of a camera. I decide I like her at once.
Zola’s face is familiar, of course. She’s an award-winning actress who has starred in numerous local drama series, including Intersexions, Generations and Legacy. In 2016, Zola received the Golden Horn Award for Best Achievement in a Made for TV Movie at the Saftas for her role in Ingoma. Two years later, she was nominated for her pivotal performance as Roxanne in the final season of the e.tv crime series Z’bondiwe.
The role was a turning point in her career. ‘It established my diversity as an actress, and it opened a lot of doors,’ shares Zola. That same year, she dazzled viewers with her performance alongside partner Tebogo Mashilo in Dancing With The Stars, making it to the finals. I’m not surprised to hear she can dance.
Her phone is synced to a speaker on set, and as she takes her place in front of the camera for the first shot, she makes eye contact with her manager, nodding her head just a fraction to indicate it’s time to press ‘play’. I am hovering in the background as Zola begins to move to the music. She shifts gracefully between poses, in a practised and fluid routine that makes me think one thing: ballet.
The camera loves her. And so it should. Zola is a skilled performer, and her ability to captivate an audience has garnered her a fan base of more than 1.5 million followers on Instagram, establishing her as an important social media influencer. Linked to a number of established brands, Zola’s most recent appointment as an ambassador for Foschini is a pretty big deal. Ingrid Corbett fired off a few questions to find out more about the journey that led her here.
‘BEING AUTHENTIC HAS ANCHORED MY SUCCESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA.’
You’ve performed in theatres and on film, but social media has put you in the spotlight on a global stage. How do you feel about being in the public eye? Did you find the transition daunting?
I have always been a social butterfly. I enjoy people and am comfortable being the centre of attention, so the transition felt quite natural. Storytelling has always been part of my make-up. Social media is where I am able to observe and experience the impact of my work. I find it quite fulfilling to connect so directly with my supporters.
Was it part of your plan to position yourself on this platform?
The shift was organic. I was already in the public eye… expanding my footprint on social media was the logical next step and it has proven to be a great extension of my brand.
How did you become a brand ambassador?
I actively worked on building my personal brand until I felt it was strong enough to be a voice for others. I signed up with my current agency, To The Max Management, and we put in some hard yards to position Zola Nombona as a label that carried clout. Thanks to the efforts of my agent, I was in the right place at the right time, and I was able to capture the attention of my first key clients.
What are the key factors you consider before you agree to represent a product or a brand?
There has to be a clear alignment between the product and my personal brand. If there’s a disconnect, it affects my ability to be authentic, which in turn impacts the degree of influence I can deliver.
What are some of the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Imposter syndrome! I’ve questioned myself more than once during this process. Does what I have to say really matter that much? Am I being honest about the part I play in this world?
I’ve come to realise that these moments of self-doubt stem from my subconscious, and are linked to my own insecurities. I have learnt to push past them. I have worked hard to be considered as a brand that brings value to the table.
Positive feedback from your followers must be immensely validating. Have you ever been trolled? How do you handle criticism when it comes from a complete stranger?
I’m thankful that I have never been trolled. But I have had to deal with negative criticism. I remind myself that I’m only human and do my best not to internalise comments that stem from a place of ignorance or misunderstanding. My family and friends are my biggest support structure. When I start to doubt myself, they build me up.
You’re constantly changing your look and seem comfortable adapting to different roles. Do you think your skill as an actress is one of the reasons behind your success on social media platforms?
Being authentic has anchored my success on social media. Transformation is one of my superpowers, and my acting career has definitely helped me stay relevant in a world that is constantly shifting. I am adept at stepping into different roles, but I will always keep it real.
Foschini has never had a brand ambassador. How does it feel to be the first?
Being the first woman to represent Foschini as a brand is a dream come true. I feel honoured to work with a business that supports women and is committed to carving out a space for the attributes that make us proudly African.
What are the duties and responsibilities that come with this appointment?
I am the face of the brand. Through various marketing campaigns, I showcase everything from the latest fashion items and accessories to skincare products. It’s a badge I wear with pride.
From hosting events, to gigs as an MC, to photo shoots and content creation for your long list of clients, you are constantly on the go! Where do you find the energy?
I’m living my dream, and the sense of purpose associated with that recharges me. The people I meet in my line of work also have an immense positive impact.
You have a son with your partner, actor and movie producer Thomas Gumede. How do you carve out time for your family? Would you say you’ve found the right balance?
Balancing work and family is something that I am constantly working on. My days are unpredictable so it definitely helps that I’m with someone who understands the nature of the beast. We support each other in our different ventures and value the importance of making time for one another.
You travel back in time 10 years… would you do anything differently?
Yes. I would be more fearless and more intentional about my talents and where they could take me.
Zola In A Flash
FACE TIME: Part of Zola’s success as a brand ambassador has been her ability to transform into different characters with ease.
FAMILY TIES: Zola works hard to carve out quality time with partner actor and film producer Thomas Gumede and their son Cebelihle.
REAL WOMEN: Zola launched her shapewear line Lxve in 2022 to ‘celebrate bodies in all shapes and sizes’.
Photographs by: Zhann Solomons
Stylist: Mia Tess Smith
Photography Assistant: James Heron
Stylist Assistant: Thuliyani Gxasheka
Hair: Viwe Gqobana
Makeup: Sikilela Nkuku
