10 Interesting Facts About Izitha’s Kwanda Manyathi (Velaphi)
10 Interesting Facts About Izitha’s Kwanda Manyathi (Velaphi). He is one of the rising stars to look out for. Kwanda Manyathi nails his role as Velaphi on the hit series, Isitha. Learn more about him from the 10 facts below.
1. Kwanda Manyathi is a 21-year old young man from Umlazi.
2. He started acting at a young age, performing in school shows and events from when he was in Grade 9.
3. Post matric, he followed his passion in theatre, believing that since theatre is the mother of acting, you would not have a foundation without it.
4. In 2019, Kwanda worked with Intuba US Development, where he worked as a freelancer until 2013. He has also worked with Brightness Production where they did William Shakespear in Zulu version.
5. He got his big break, when he got cast as Velaphi on e.tv’s daily drama, The Black Door. The character began as a carefree teenager who was responsible, clever and focused on his future as a soccer star. Life took a troubling turn for him when his mother confronted her rapist, who turned out to be his father.
6. Over time, Velaphi’s character grew to becoming a class act. He moved on with the show, when it got revamped and changed its name to Isitha. He is now a father, who keeps on trying to change his life, but his criminal activities always catch up with him
7. The rising star got the role after auditioning for it back in 2021, he won the second audition in 2022. Kwanda said he made sure he won the hearts of the judges during his monologue performances,and the rest is history.
8. For the role, Kwanda was nominated under the Best Actor category in the 6th edition of the Royalty Soapie Awards. He was up against such legends like Jack Devnarain, Mduduzi Mabaso, Masilo Magoro, Mpho Sibeko, Lawrence Maleka and Lunga Mofokeng. He was also nominated for Outstanding New Comer.
9. Through his achievements, he wants to show other young people that anything is possible. They must never give up on their dreams, and should always have faith.
10. Despite playing a hardcore criminal, Kwanda is a God fearing young man in person.