She started her career when she was a teenager, presenting kiddies shows, hosting and MCing before moving into acting. She grew in front of the limelight and made some mistakes. But now actress, influencer and TV presenter Khanya Mkhangisa (35) says she is in a content era of her life. She has achieved a lot more than she had set out for herself and is taking downtime from having to work hard and chasing the dream.
DOWNTIME
She recently acted on the Fantasy Epic series, Blood Psalms and after romantic drama series Unmarried 3. Khanya is also gearing up for the release of Yellowbone Productions series Kings Of Queenstown, which is set to premiere in the next few months where she plays Phelisa, a cheerleader and dancer longing to leave the small town for the big city. Khanya says she loves acting and wishes to secure more acting roles. But after years of chasing the dream and goals, Khanya tells ZiMoja she is taking some downtime to find a more meaningful role. "I love acting, I would never stop. Despite our industry challenges and how we are compensated at times and how it can be disheartening at times, it will not push me to quit. I am just hoping for a great project," she says. "I have been working since I was 15 years old and never had a break. But because of the economy, one can’t afford not to work, but I’ve realised that I need to take some downtime for myself." Khanya says she doesn’t want to take on work, just for the sake of being employed. "I am not just working for the sake of working but have become very selective about the work I do."
AGING GRACEFULLY
Turning 35 years old this year, she says it comes with lots of pressures but she is more self-assured than she was in her 20s. "I am 35 years old this year and I want my next project to be of value and meaningful. I love doing ‘bubble gum’ projects but something like Shaka Ilembe would be fulfilling to me." The Khanya that started 20 years ago was fun, excitable, and competitive and she says as she grows, she is learning to be calmer and settled. "I have grown in the industry. I have experienced the pressures and overcome them. But I am calmer, now that I am slowly approaching 40," she says. "We all put pressure on ourselves to achieve certain goals when we get to a certain age. I have been the same but I am happy and content with the work that I have done. "She says even the low moments have come with lessons. In 2019, she was arrested for drunk driving and caught on camera insulting a police officer. "I have grown. I am so much calmer and understand everything comes with a price," she says. "At this age, I didn’t think I’d be so secure because I was working hard and taking on everything. But now, I feel the work speaks for me. I am calmer and more settled." She hopes for a stable family life one day. "In as much as it’s been a highlight, it’s been a challenge convincing myself that it’s okay to age and not feel pressured. I love a good stable home and hope to have that one day."
