Life started at 40 for actress and GBV survivor Sannah

Gomora firecracker Sannah Mchunu is the perfect example that life begins at 40. Seven years ago the 47-year-old actor known for playing comic relief Zodwa on the Mzansi Magic telenovela packed her bags and left the home she had built with her family in Florida on the West Rand.

A survivor of gender-based violence (GBV), Mchunu recalls how her home was broken after years of emotional and physical abuse.

She left her seven children behind and moved back to her parents’ home in Mofolo North, Soweto, with nothing to her name.

Mchunu admits that she was afraid, but she had enough and she finally had the strength to rebuild her life from scratch.

“Looking at my past and my history I have come far – from my broken marriage to being a ‘return soldier’ (township lingo for a woman who returns home after a collapsed marriage) and appearing crazy to people,” Mchunu says.

“I was a joke because I had seven kids and no education. But I never gave up because as a woman no matter how many times you fall, you get up, dust yourself off and continue.

“I did exactly that, no matter how bad it was and with God by my side. Look at me now.”

While accompanying her childhood friend and singer Winnie Khumalo to an audition she serendipitously discovered her acting talent.

At 43, Mchunu kicked off her acting career with a role in eKasi: Our Stories – Life Turned Upside Down.

Before long, supporting roles in Muvhango, Isibaya, The River and It’s Complicated followed.

But it’s her role as Zodwa when Gomora launched in March that has been a turning point in her career. Much like Mchunu’s real-life story, Zodwa’s pivot is also a story of hope – a single mother and recovering alcoholic trying to make her son proud.

It started small and now viewers tune in to brighten their day.

“I never thought people will be this excited for the character because it’s difficult to please viewers,” Mchunu says.

“I think the character has been a hit with viewers because she (Zodwa) is relatable and believable. We all know a person that is like Zodwa in our community.

“So a lot of characters on the show are very serious, but Zodwa always goes Sho’t Left.

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“There are similarities between Zodwa and Sannah because Zodwa has a lot of love for her son and I also love my seven kids equally.”

It’s mainly because of her quirky one-liners delivered in broken English that has had viewers rolling on the floor with laughter and turning her into a meme.

“I have rights. You can’t just chase me [fire me]…. I will go to MCMSA [CCMA] or just send them a ‘please call me’… they’ll sue you for a life sentence,” Zodwa says in one of the scenes that had Mzansi in stitches.

Mchunu reveals that some of those lines were ad-libbed.

“I looked at all the characters on the show, then I thought 'let’s spice it up here' and my intention was just to make everyone at home smile. Guess what? It worked,” Mchunu says.

The role has now resulted in Mchunu portraying a similar light-hearted role, MaChiliza, on Rhythm City.

Her biggest career validation has been her nomination for outstanding supporting actress at the Royalty Soapie Awards for playing Zodwa.

Get rid of that fear of being afraid to start from scratch – afraid of what you will eat and become without a man

“When I got nominated it was the validation I need. It said to me I needed to leave my marriage, go back home and find my true calling of acting.

“I think that really pushed me to pursue my talent because I genuinely believed I was useless. I think if I had stayed I would have just added more babies.”

Mchunu implored victims of GBV who feel trapped to break free.

“Get rid of that fear of being afraid to start from scratch – afraid of what you will eat and become without a man,” Mchunu urges.

“Please choose yourself and leave a man when it’s bad. I know it’s not easy.

“It breaks my heart to see women in jail because they stayed too long. When God closes one door another one opens.”

Mchunu had her first child at 14 and by 21, she already had three children. She advises young women to focus on getting an education.

“I always tell young people 'don’t make the same mistake as I did'. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids and they are a gift from God.

“I urge every young woman to get an education and men will always cherish you. With no education you turn into a playground for men. Don’t be like me, get education and you have your entire life to have children.”