FROM humble beginnings, acting in the film, New York/ New Brighton, in Port Elizabeth, Zintle Ncipa has worked her way up the entertainment ladder since the age of 13 and is now a published author.
The determined star’s journey began when she accompanied a friend to an acting audition.
“I can remember acting at the Opera House in Port Elizabeth, when I was just starting out with my career. I had no idea what I was doing and was literally ‘acting’ the entire time.
“It was good experience because it allowed me to dream. For the first time in my life, I was actually good at something,” Ncipa said.
This sparked her interest in acting and she decided to study drama at the Monnyth Dance and Drama House, which is based at the Pretoria State Theatre.
Ncipa played a role in the well-known TV-series, Rhythm City, and acted in the movie, Safe Bet.
“After high school, all I wanted to do was to act. I fell in love with the arts and while studying, I knew for a fact that acting was my calling.”
However, the turning point for Ncipa was when she started struggling in the entertainment industry and had to turn over a new leaf.
“I would get a role here and there, but I still was not as successful as what I’d seen on TV or heard through the media.
“My parents were starting to get impatient. My first and only dream was failing and I had nothing left.”
Ncipa decided to study life coaching and received training as a speaker.
“This was when it hit me – acting was just a vehicle to get me to realise that I can dream, and I can be whoever I want to be.
“This realisation allowed me not to be narrow-minded.”
In 2016, Ncipa found herself in a new country, studying in Chicago, Illinois, on her own, with no family support – but she persevered because she had a dream.
She decided to write several books on her journey in order to inspire others.
“I have taken time to grow and prepare myself to succeed. As a young girl I did not have a purpose or a dream and now I do.
“My books speak about that. Many people are waiting to get married, to have children, to further their education, and to succeed.
“However, what sets us apart when those opportunities come, is our level of preparation.
“My latest book is based on personal experience of waiting, and the practical things I did to be ready for what I expected.”
The aspiring author is currently working with a close friend from Sydney, Australia on a new book, which will be released soon and made into a movie.
“I am extremely excited about the project and will be involving PE a lot in the scenes. I recently started conversation again with Rhythm City, so I might be going back there but nothing is confirmed as yet.”
Ncipa was raised in Motherwell and attended Swartkops Primary School and Westville High School.
As someone who was previously disadvantaged, she says she knows the feeling of hopelessness and brokenness so well.
“It is my greatest desire to get one young girl or boy to dream big and believe that they are more than what life has thrown at them. They should believe that they too have the capacity to succeed.”
Ncipa believes that there are no limitations in life. Her philosophy remains to rise above one’s circumstances.
“Change your limiting beliefs and that will completely change your whole life.
“Your background, and failures don’t have to be the end of you. We all have the power and inner ability to bounce back from whatever life throws at us. Don’t quit on you. Don’t give up on yourself! Ever! Get up and try again.”
