Zikhona Sodlaka is a well-known South African actress recognized for her leading roles in popular television series and films. She has become a celebrated figure in the industry due to her impressive range and captivating performances. Over the years, she has earned critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, affirming her status as a prominent talent in South African entertainment.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Zikhona Sodlaka |
| Date of Birth | 7 June 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Mthatha, Eastern Cape |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Eastern Cape Province |
| Partner | Unathi Platyi |
| Children | One son |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer, Dancer, TV Presenter |
| Net Worth | R1.5 million to R8 million ($80,000–$430,000 USD) |
Early Life and Education
Born on 7 June 1985 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, Zikhona grew up primarily in KwaZulu-Natal. She attended Excelsior Senior Secondary School until grade 9 before completing her secondary education at Warriors Rust High School in Margate.
She went on to pursue tertiary studies at Shepstone College, where she earned a diploma in Business Administration. Later, she moved to Johannesburg, enrolling as an IT student and studying computer programming before fully committing to a career in the arts.
Career
Zikhona’s career began with small roles in television commercials and modeling, but she quickly rose to national prominence with her role as Zukiswa in the television series Tsha Tsha. This breakthrough role endeared her to millions and positioned her as a rising star.
In 2007, she gained wider recognition nationally and internationally when Tsha Tsha received an Emmy nomination. That same year, she played Ayanda Tau, a local musician, in the soccer drama Shooting Stars, where she showcased her singing talents alongside acting.
Her career continued to flourish with diverse roles, including her portrayal of Lady Macbeth in the drama Entabeni and the character Palesa, a homeless gang leader, in A Place Called Home.
She took leading roles in various television series such as Montana, Rhythm City, Soul City, Generations, and Housekeepers, displaying her versatility across genres.
In film, she appeared in acclaimed productions like Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and The Two of Us. More recently, she starred as Mandisa in the acclaimed Showmax series The Wife and as Sithenjwa in Blood Psalms.
In 2023, she took on the lead role of Bulelwa “Bullet” Mxenge in the popular telenovela Gqeberha: The Empire, marking a highlight of her career.
Additionally, she participated in the first season of The Masked Singer South Africa as “The Fox,” further expanding her presence on television.
Personal Life
Zikhona is a proud mother of one son with actor Unathi Platyi. While details of their current relationship are private, they have maintained a professional connection and supported each other in their careers.
She is recognized as a talented actress, singer, and dancer, motivated by creativity and breaking new ground. She is based in Johannesburg and remains active on social media, sharing moments from both her career and personal life.
Zikhona Sodlaka Net Worth
Her estimated net worth ranges from R1.5 million to R8 million, which is approximately $80,000 to $430,000 USD. This wealth reflects her longstanding and successful career in acting, singing, television appearances, and commercial endorsements.
Filmography
Television:
- Tsha Tsha (2007) as Zukiswa
- Shooting Stars (2007–2008) as Ayanda Tau
- Rhythm City
- Soul City
- Entabeni (2008) as Ava (Lady Macbeth)
- A Place Called Home
- Montana
- Generations
- Housekeepers
- The Wife (2021–2022) as Mandisa
- Blood Psalms (2022) as Sithenjwa
- Blood & Water (2021–2022)
- Gqeberha: The Empire (2023–present) as Bulelwa “Bullet” Mxenge
Films:
- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)
- The Two of Us (2014)
- Other notable film roles
Awards and Nominations
Zikhona has won and been nominated for several prominent awards including Best Actress in a Telenovela and other South African television honors. She has been recognized by the National Film & Television Awards and Royalty Soapie Awards, and was part of the Emmy-nominated Tsha Tsha series early in her career.
