School's Out, But Drama's In!

Famous as Zama Ngwenya on Isibaya, LINDA MTOBA, 25, tells us about marriage, fame and switching from teaching to acting.

- Phila Tyekana

Mzansi Magic’s telenovela, Isibaya, brought a new talent to our screens in March 2016: Linda Mtoba. She plays Zama, a member of the notorious Ngwenya family and the troublesome daughter of infamous taxi boss Judas, played by the renowned Menzi Ngubane.

Hers is an overnight success story. Linda quit her job as a part-time primary school teacher in Durban after a friend made her audition for a talent search by Bomb Productions. She also dropped her third-year studies in marketing management for Isibaya. “My friend Nombuso practically bullied me to fill in the audition form, saying that if I didn’t, our friendship would be over. I did as I was told and went for the audition, and the rest is history!” says the KZN-based actress.

She lives in Durban with her husband and family, and flies to Joburg when she has scenes to film for Isibaya. She tells us more about her dear friend: “My friendship with Nombuso is amazing. We support each other and have known each other for almost 10 years now. She saw something in me that I didn’t before, that I’m now discovering and enjoying to the fullest.”