Nelisa Mchunu's biography: All about SA's beloved TV star
From a young age, South African Nelisa Mchunu knew she wanted to become an actress. She is best known for portraying Fikile in Uzalo. In a 2020 interview on the Afternoon Express show, Mchunu shared a glimpse of her journey to becoming a household name in the South African film industry, saying:
I have always had a soft spot for drama. Although I started as a model and once worked as a waitress, my love for the big screen has remained unwavering all these years.
Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Nelisa Mchunu made her acting debut in 2015.
- She has siblings who are also in the film industry.
- In 2018, Mchunu walked the runway for Mita-N Dezynz clothing brand.
- She is widely recognised for her philanthropic endeavours.
Nelisa Mchunu's profile summary
| Full name | Nelisa Mchunu |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 2 February 1992 |
| Age | 33 years old (2025) |
| Zodiac sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Wartburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Black African |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 5'5" (165 cm) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Marital status | Unmarried |
| Profession | Actress, model, writer, motivational speaker |
| Years active | 2016-present |
| Social media | InstagramFacebook |
Nelisa Mchunu was primarily raised by her mom: Insights into her background
Nelisa lived with her mother and two older brothers (one of whom is actor Nkanyiso Mchunu) in the suburbs of KwaZulu-Natal until she was in Grade eight.
But due to the financial struggles as a single parent, the actress's mom moved her kids to Inanda, a township in Durban, to live with their grandmother. While speaking to News24 in October 2019, Mchunu narrated how the transition affected her, revealing:
It was not easy to adjust to the changes. I was used to my mom dropping me off and picking me up from school. But at my grandmother's, I had to wake up at 4:30 a.m. and use public transport to get to school on time.
Nonetheless, Nelisa reflected on the good times she shared with her grandmother during her stay there, stating:
I enjoyed my granny making nice clothes for me. Unfortunately, she passed away when I was in Grade 11.
Source: Original
Mchunu inherited her fierce spirit from her mom, who she describes as a "guide"
During her appearance on the Afternoon Express show, Nelisa credited her mom for the woman she has become. She said:
I learned about being independent from my mom, who I saw raise three kids alone. She has always allowed us to be who we are unapologetically and express ourselves freely.
In her interview with News24, Mchunu also showered her mom with praise, revealing:
My mom and I share a close relationship. She is the sweetest person I know. Not only did she teach me good manners and the need to treat people with kindness, but she has also guided me through the different phases of my life.
She has fond memories of her late father
Mchunu's dad passed away when she was 4. On 29 July 2018, she took to Instagram to reveal a trait she inherited from him via a post that read:
One of my dreams is to help young people who are in need. I get this from my late dad who had a giving heart.
Source: Instagram
Nelisa reportedly has several siblings from his father's side, including actress Londeka Mchunu. An alumna of Varsity College, she is widely recognised for starring in House of Zwide, Isibaya and Isithembiso.
On 31 March 2021, Nelisa penned a heartfelt message to her other sibling, Sleezy Mchunu, on Instagram. She wrote:
Happy belated birthday to my baby sister, who is not a baby anymore!
Nelisa Mchunu dropped out of the university due to financial difficulties
After graduating from high school, Mchunu enrolled at Wits University to pursue a degree in Media Studies.
Although she wanted to study drama, her mom disapproved of it. Unfortunately, Nelisa dropped out in her third year because of a lack of fees. She worked as a waitress before bagging an assistant role in a PR company.
Source: Instagram
She had her break into the industry with a role on Isidingo
In 2015, Mchunu joined the SABC 3 soap opera as an extra. She told News24:
One of the directors on the show told me I am good at acting. This was a conviction that my childhood dream was getting closer.
Nelisa joined the Uzalo cast the following year and played Fikile until 2021. This role catapulted her to stardom. Between 2020 and 2023, she starred in Generations: The Legacy, Isifiso, My Brother's Keeper and Shaka iLembe.
Nelisa Mchunu is passionate about giving back to the community
In November 2023, Nelisa partnered with Domestos to refurbish toilets at Khuthala Primary School in Umlazi.
Source: Instagram
On 25 December 2024, she posted a video on Instagram of her celebrating Christmas Day by donating food supplies to the less fortunate. Her caption read:
Being able to do this is a dream come true for me. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this selfless endeavour.
Wrapping up
Nelisa Mchunu's story is a testament that sometimes the path to success is not linear. From dropping out of the university due to financial struggles to working as a waitress to make ends meet, she has worked hard to realise her childhood dream of becoming an actress.
READ MORE: Obed Baloyi's story: from street vendor to SAFTA-winning actor
Briefly.co.za shared the biography of South African actor Obed Baloyi. As a young boy, he helped his mother sell fruits and vegetables on the streets. Baloyi began acting in high school around 1987, but formally entered the theatre scene in 1996, when he formed the Mangava Drama Group.
Baloyi transitioned to television in 2000 and played Tsutsuma in Ga Re Dumele for six seasons. His performance in this role earned him two nominations for Best Actor in a TV Comedy at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA), winning in 2014.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
