Loving the action and drama on Gomora, weeknights on DStv Now on Mzansi Magic and Showmax at 19:30? Then you’ll know that Mazet isn’t the kind of character you want to mess with. She’s fiercely loyal to her crime lord boss and her friends, yet at the same time she’s got a soft heart and just wants to be accepted by people, like her hot hook-up Ntokozo (Ntobeko Sishi).
But what about the actress playing Mazet, Siphesihle Ndaba? Where is she from, what’s she like compared to her character, and if she could, how would she change hijack gang leader Mazet? Here are her answers, in her own words.
Education: Undergrad – Bachelor of Social Sciences in psychology, economics and drama (Rhodes University); Postgrad – Bachelor of Social Sciences in Drama (Honours) (Rhodes University).
Siblings: I have 18 siblings that I share a father with. However, my mother only has three children, with me being the only girl and last born.
Raised in: Soweto in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Hobbies: I used to be in an orchestra but now because I have less time on my hands, I mostly just do outdoor activities like quad biking, going to the shooting range, zip-lining… really fun outdoorsy activities.
Favourite sport: I played touch rugby, cricket and tennis in high school, so those are my favourites to this day.
Favourite food: Anything with bacon, avo and feta!
Food you don’t like: Gherkins and pickles… eew!
Nickname: Sihle or Hlehle.
Favourite item of clothing: Mommy-jeans and bodysuits.
Favourite TV show: 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, but something more recent that I’ve really enjoyed is biographical drama Godfather of Harlem on Showmax with Forest Whitaker.
Android or iOS: Yoh, it depends. iOS for picture quality but Android for most other things.
Favourite car: 1967 Ford Mustang 😍
Best friend on set: We’re all pretty close, but I mostly have a lot of heart-to-heart convos with Sicelo Buthelezi (Teddy).
What made you decide to get into acting? I didn’t decide to go into acting. It was more of a right place, right time moment. I always knew that I was going to be in the arts but always thought I’d be behind the scenes, directing, writing, composing (I studied music as well).
What has been the most eye-opening aspect of being an actor? I don’t know about eye-opening, but something that has made me hyper vigilant is being recognised everywhere I go. I’m usually quite a reserved person who likes blending in the background, so being noticed is definitely something that I’m still getting used to.
Your favourite TV character as a viewer? Gina Torres as Jessica Pearson (in law dramas Suits and its spin-off Pearson) and Regina King as Angela Abar/Sister Night in sci-fi action series Watchmen (Regina won the 2020 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie for this role).
And if you could change anything about your character, what would it be and why? I would give her more of a backbone. She is highly loyal to Sonto (Connie Chiume), sometimes to her detriment. So I would advise her to stand up for herself as she does with other people.
Watch new episodes of Gomora every weekday on DStv Now and on Showmax at 19:30.
