She is a veteran TV presenter, actress, and businesswoman. Zandi Nhlapo best known for being a continuity presenter on SABC1, in the early part of the 21st century recently celebrated turning 50 years old.
In a series of images shot in her birth township of Soweto, Nhlapho celebrated the milestone.
“Fifty years ago, in the shadow of the iconic Orlando East Towers, my mother brought her ‘extension’ into the world – Zandisile. These towers are such a distinct childhood memory,” she captioned.
“When I asked her why she chose that name, she smiled and said she had been yearning for her best friend, so the only way to have one was to give birth to her. Neither of us could have imagined the journey that would unfold.”
Standing in front of the towers is symbolic to her.
“Five decades later, she is now walking beside me in spirit, and I am doing my utmost to live a life of meaning,” she said.
“I often stop to reflect and ask my darling friend, Me: How has it been? Was it what you hoped for? How are you feeling? Do you love the life unfolding before you? How are you showing up? What makes your heart leap? Are you truly happy, and do you carry joy within you? Are you learning to let go? And is there a way to live this experience called life with deeper fulfillment? When I imagine my final reflective moments, I hope to look back with peace and a happy heart. What I know for certain is this: I have lived with profound gratitude, a gratitude that grounds me beyond any circumstance or state of mind. As I step into the next chapter (the 2nd half), may it be guided by less regret, greater courage, audacity, clearer and cleaner relationships, and fewer unresolved emotional debts. Here’s to the journey ahead. May it be intentional, honest, and deeply lived.”
Zandi is a renowned businesswoman. After leaving SABC1 in 2003, she became a partner in a branding logistics company. She then opened her own events management and branding logistics company.
She returned to television as host of e.tv’s cooking show, Cooking Gospel, in 2013. On the show, Zandi cooked with a celebrity each week while playing gospel videos.
On 13 October 2021 she made her acting debut on e.tv soapie Imbewu, in the role of Nompi Khanyeza, Fikile’s (Phindile Gwala) mother.
