Born on 1 September 1975, Bawinile “Winnie” Ntshaba is a South African actress renowned for her portrayal of Khethiwe Buthelezi on the SABC 1 soap opera Generations. She kickstarted her acting journey in the 2000s, achieving a significant career milestone with her performance in Yesterday. Additionally, Ntshaba honed her acting skills at the University of Natal (Durban).
| Full Name | Bawinile Ntshaba |
| Date Of Birth | September 1, 1975 |
| Place Of Birth | Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Spouse | Thabo Modise |
| Children | 1 |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, Voice-over Artist, Motivational Speaker |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1 million |
Early Life And Education
Born on 1 September 1975 in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Ntshaba has an older sister who motivated her to pursue higher education. She enrolled at the University of Natal (Durban) and earned her BA Drama Honours degree.
Career
In 2000, she relocated to Johannesburg and engaged in educational and industrial theater productions with AREPP Shoe String Productions.
Subsequently, she starred in the 2004 TV drama Jozi Streets. Ntshaba secured a supporting role in the 2004 film Yesterday alongside Leleti Khumalo, garnering positive reviews for her performance.
That year, she landed her first leading role in the 2004 film Shreds and Dreams under the direction of Claire Stopford. She later appeared in three productions, including Russian Services Lethal Force in a supporting capacity.
Ntshaba, known for her role as Khethiwe Buthelezi on the SABC 1 soap opera Generations, has been a significant part of the series since she auditioned for the role in 2005.
In 2013, she initiated the Royalty Soapie Awards, holding the first ceremony at the Durban International Convention Centre on 2 November 2013.
In 2015, she along with 15 other actors from Generations were dismissed for participating in an illegal strike demanding improved salaries and contract extensions.
Following her departure from the soap opera, Ntshaba made appearances on Mzansi Magic’s “The Road” and MTV’s “Shuga.”
After a three-year break, she made a return to television in 2018, portraying the lead character Mam’Ngadi in the popular drama series “The Herd” on Mzansi Magic. Additionally, she played Mam’Lihle, Palesa’s mother in “Isithembiso.”
In 2021, she took on the role of Faith Zwide in the eTV drama series “House of Zwide,” portraying the conniving wife of Funani Zwide, a prominent designer and businessman.
Personal Life
Ntshaba got romantically involved with SABC Cameraman Thabo Modise in 2005, eventually tying the knot in 2006.
Their union welcomed the arrival of their son, Phenyo Modise, on 9 July 2007. However, after seven years of marriage, Ntshaba filed for divorce in 2013, and the divorce was finalized in the same year.
Filmography
Winnie Ntshaba has appeared in several notable films and television shows:
Movies
- Yesterday (2004) – Village Woman
- Shreds and Dreams (2004) – Lead Role
- A Queen’s Lobola (2023)
Television
- Generations (2005–2014) – Khethiwe Buthelezi
- The Road (2015) – Neli
- Isibaya (2015–2019) – MEC Zondi
- The Herd (2018–2021) – Mam’Ngadi
- House of Zwide (2021-present) – Faith Zwide