TV actor, businesswoman and Ukhozi FM radio presenter Zimiphi Biyela does not regret dumping teaching for radio broadcasting and the television industry.
Biyela, who has achieved success in both the radio and television industries in her first decade, had her life set on being a teacher. The 38-year-old was in the middle of her bachelor of education degree at the University of South Africa when Ukhozi FM spotted her talent during their talent search show.
Though initially the plan was to hire one aspiring radio presenter, then station manager Bonga Mpanza was forced to hire two people because of Biyela’s impressive skills. Since then, Biyela who is popularly known as Zim Dollar among Ukhozi FM listeners, has grown in the 10 years as a radio presenter and even won awards.
When Biyela realised she had settled in as a radio presenter, she spread her wings to television acting. In 2014, she landed a role in Uzalo as Samukelisiwe Nzuza, which was followed by another big role in eHostela where she portraits the character of Fortunate.
Fast forward to 2021, Biyela currently plays the role of matron Nobuhle Nkabinde in the e.tv telenovela Durban Gen that is flighted daily at 6.30pm. As much as she masters the role, Biyela is hungry for a lead role or a role as gang leader. Biyela wants roles that will challenge her and push her to grow as an actor. She says the three characters she portrays expose her softer side and now she wants to unleash the acting monster inside her.
“I believe the characters that I have played so far are not challenging enough. I still want to play a lead role and just unleash what I am feeling inside. I want to explore gangsters’ roles and play a character of someone who has this massive anger,” she says.
The Obuka, Melmorth-born actor says she mastered the role of matron Nkabinde because they have a lot in common. She defines matron as a hard-working woman who is dedicated to her work but loves bossing people around.
“I see a bit of me in matron Nkabinde. I enjoy being in control of things and being bossy in real life. Not in a negative way but I like to be in a lead position. But matron is just overdoing it. She does not have another life and the hospital is her second. Even the cast of Durban Gen understands me when I continue to boss them around off camera. They just laugh it off.”
As Durban Gen returns for its second season, which started on Monday, Biyela promises more sparks as matron’s patience will be tested. She says the arrival of a new nurse at Durban General Hospital will create drama that will last for the whole season.
“The new nurse was a matron where she was working. Now she joins Durban Gen as a nurse not matron but she starts acting like she is a matron. This will cause a lot of conflict between matron Nkabinde and her. Nurses will be caught up in the drama involving the two. The arrival of the new nurse will unsettle matron.”
In radio, Biyela presents two shows Sigiya Ngengoma on Saturdays, one of Ukhozi’s famous shows which boast 2.7-million listenership. On Thursday night, she hosts Zidlumnjonjo between 11pm and 2am.
Since she landed a role in Durban Gen, Biyela juggles being a single mother, actor, radio broadcaster and businesswoman. She has successfully managed to hold all jobs together, thanks to her supportive big family. She regards hosting Sgiya Ngengoma as a great accomplishment in her career because African traditional music shows are mainly presented by male broadcasters.
For her passion and determination for radio presentation, Biyela was last week rewarded with the Best Female in Radio Award at the Sebenza Women Awards. She is winning the same award for the second time this year. Sebenza Women Awards celebrates women excellence in different fields, including broadcasting. For Biyela, who never studied radio broadcasting, it is a big achievement.
“Looking at where I am at I say it is God's grace. What I know is that when I was growing up I saw myself on TV but I never thought that one day I’d be where I am on Friday. God has made it happen for me. Winning the two awards just proves that women are capable of presenting African traditional music shows. The statuettes encourage me to even work harder though many male maskandi fans still believe in a male presenter. What people do not know is that radio is my life and I grew up singing maskandi. I am Zulu woman who is proud of her culture that is why I enjoy presenting the show,” she shares.
The multitalented Biyela has recently ventured into the taxi business, an industry that is deemed dangerous and full of violence. Whether people are judging her, the radio and TV star does care less. She has ventured into the industry because her family is in the taxi business. Biyela owns six taxis and has six drivers.
Biyela sees herself one day in a big position in the executive structures in the taxi organisations, representing women.
“I tried my luck in the taxi industry because I believe that we all come to this world carrying different keys to open different life doors. Since I am also a motivational speaker I always say that we all need to tap into those other talents that we have and explore them. I am that person who is never satisfied with where I am.
“The taxi industry is intimidating and it is still male-dominated and you can see that when you attend meetings. Despite everything that is happening to it, I am here to make money just like others,” she says.
Biyela joined Mbongeni Ngema’s Committed Artist as a vocalist and dancer after completing her matric. Biyela who is also vocally talented, relaxes by singing. She has released an album before and has collaborated with Mbuzeni Mkhize, one of maskandi greats.
Fact file Zim Dollar
Favourite artist: Fikile Mlomo
Favourite TV show: The River
Favourite TV actor: Sindi Dlathu
Favourite music: Maskandi
Favourite saying: Every dog has its day
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