Baniwile “Winnie” Ntshaba the KwaZulu-Natal, Eshowe born and bred artist is best known for her role as Khethiwe in Generations. She wears the hats of a businesswoman, artist and mother. Growing up in a spiritual home shaped Bawinile to be a resilient person she is. She attributes her spirituality and God to be the centre of her life and this has helped in coping with difficult situations.
“Even though I may experience tough times, I know that God is working it out for my good. There’s always a silver lining for me in that. Also, I don’t look at challenges as challenges, but rather as lessons. Amidst of problems there are solution.
Bawinile exclaimed that female artists still experience abuse on sets, men are still regarded as superior and therefore bags more lead roles. And if women happens to get a lead role, they are either a witch or “shayasbhamu” meaning gangster. She applauded what “The republic” team did when they put in Florence Masebe on a lead role as the president.
“It gave me hope that we are going somewhere as the industry.”
She went to say being an artist is like freelancing, one minute you are working and the next you have nothing to do. It therefore make it difficult to plan your life. And she doesn’t see herself on a 9-5 job because feels at home when she tell stories.
Her advice to someone who wants to venture into this industry is that they must find a reputable agent and must get themselves a qualification.
Apart from acting, Bawinile runs her passion project, The Royalty Soapie Awards, which are meant to recognize some of the best works of art in the soapie world. She appeals to the viewers to vote for their favourite nominees when the announcement goes out on the 1st sept.
Her message to women, “love one another. Spread kindness. And let’s embrace one another.
