Zolani Phakade Expresses Gratitude Over How The River Uplifted His Career

Zolani Phakade Expresses Gratitude Over How The River Uplifted His Career. Talk about starting from the bottom and going all the way up. Zolani Phakade has been in the film and television industry since 2001, starting at junior level, working his way to the top. More than 20 years ago in KwaZulu Natal he worked at a cinema as a cleaner, and now Zolani is one of the best directors in the country.

The award winning TV director has directed shows many shows, Gold Diggers, Greed and Desire, Mina Nawe, Easy Money, Nqobile, The River, Kings of Joburg, Zulu Nomhlaba, and Rockville, among others. Zolani has also done lengthy commercials as an assistant director. Furthermore he has worked on international films like, Blood Diamond, 10 000 BC, District 9 as an assistant director.

For his amazing work Zolani has won 2 SAFTA’S and was nominated for an International Emmy award. As much as he has worked for many productions, The River remains unmatched. Zolani states that he will forever be grateful for the opportunity. He gave a shout out to his executive producers Pathu Makwarele and Gwydion Beynon, who gave him such range. Being at Tshedza Pictures has been amazing as he got the liberty to stretch.

“#TheRiver1Magic gave me a chance in my career that is soooooo unmatched, I literally have no words to explain. My executive producers, ( bosses) Phathu and Gwydion, gave me suuuuuch a range… I’m super grateful for this show,” Zolani said in gratitude.

#TheRiver1Magic gave me a chance in my career that is soooooo unmatched, I literally have no words to explain. My executive producers, ( bosses) Phathu and Gwydion, gave me suuuuuch a range… I'm super grateful for this show.

— Zolani Phakade (@ZolaniPhakade) January 29, 2024