Having made her name as one of Uzalo’s original cast members, Smangele, Sihle Ndaba’s career has gone from strength to strength, with two big roles already this year. After starting 2024 with a Netflix romcom, A Soweto Love Story, she now moves onto another feel-good comedy with One Weeks, which premieres on Showmax today.
One Weeks is a family comedy about Fana, a charming high school dropout from the streets of Soweto who can’t believe his luck when he finds himself dating Lihle, a successful lawyer. But he has to rely on the help of her sharp-witted 10-year-old daughter, Angie, to avoid losing Lihle to rich men.
Created and written by Chris Q Radebe (Icala, Isifiso), the Showmax Original co-stars Zakhele Mabasa-Mokone (Isibaya) as Fana and Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu as Angie.
Showmax sat down with Sihle to find out more.
What drew you to the character of Lihle?
When I read the first two episodes, I admired how much love Lihle has in her and how much of a responsible mother she is. She’s a woman who’s so full of life and she can be quite feisty as well, which is something I appreciate.
How would you describe Fana and Lihle’s relationship?
Apart from them having so much love for each other, what I appreciate about Fana and Lihle is that they constantly choose each other, despite their differences and the constant challenges they face. Their relationship might not make sense to the world, but it makes sense to them.
What I also appreciate about the two is that they understand that they are each other’s safe place. Fana is extremely kind and sweet, and although he messes up a lot, Lihle still chooses him, and he reciprocates that gesture by showing up for her in his special way. It’s an entertaining and beautiful relationship to witness.
In a parallel universe, would Sihle date someone like Fan?
[Laughs] I don’t think so, but the beauty of acting is that we get to portray people in real-life situations. Many couples in our society are faced with Lihle and Fana’s situation, and we are just vessels mirroring those types of relationships. Hopefully what we portray resonates.
From a woman’s perspective, what do you think Lihle needs to improve on?
I’ve loved all the characters I’ve played in my career—and they’re all flawed. From my perspective, Lihle needs therapy. Without giving away too much, I say that because how far does one have to go to impress one’s parents? Lihle is someone who wants to make their parents proud—but to what extent? Lihle compromises so much of herself to appease her parents. For me, that’s like borderline selling your soul.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o685Elru8KE.
FACT BOX
Birthday: 13 June
Languages: isiZulu, English, and Afrikaans
Most challenging role you’ve ever played: Miss Manzi on Gomora and Kayise on The Herd
The craziest request you’ve gotten from a fan: To be their mother
Favorite past time: solo dates
Favorite book to read that’s related to acting: “An Actor Prepares” by Konstantin Stanislavski
Favorite travel destination: Singapore
