She is the eldest sister in the Mbatha household while actress Nomzamo Mbatha is the second born and actor Zamani Mbatha is the middle child. They have a younger brother, Siyanda (20) who is an architect and far removed from the limelight. Businesswoman, owner of NCC Skincare products, Perfect Crown Hair, and NehNeh Fashion brand founder, Wendy Nokwazi Mbatha famously known as uMa Ka Nandi recently sat down with her sister Nomzamo and Unathi Nkayi for the Festive Get-Together in The Life Artois where they shared details on their bond as a family. Wendy tells ZiMoja how they plan to spend this festive season.
FAMILY BONDS
Having a sister who is award-winning and highly acclaimed may come with many pressures, but Wendy is taking it easy. "There's four of us, Siyanda is the smartest. Siyanda and Zamani look alike, and we all have a seven-year gap between all of us. Two boys and two girls," Wendy says. "I could never feel any pressure. I know my lane; I know my place. There's absolutely no pressure. Whatever my siblings do, I support and embrace it. I have always been supportive. I will never let society ruin our relationship. Society tends to compare people and make you feel pressured. I do things in my own lane and in my own time," Wendy says.
FACING FEARS
While shooting the Festive Get-Together in The Life Artois with Nomzamo, Wendy says she got to address some of her fears, such as death."I am always scared of speaking about death with my siblings. I get so emotional and always wish to tell my siblings that I wish I could die before them. We are so close and I am scared of one day feeling the pain of losing them." Wendy says this conversation brought her and Nomzamo closer. "My sister is not a celebrity to me, she is my blood. I celebrate her and I am proud of how far all my siblings have come." Wendy says in most cases when people ask her if she is related to the famous Mbatha's, she denies it. "Just for the fun of it," she giggles.
A SEASON TO BE JOLLY
Every festive season for the Mbatha's is family time. "No matter where we are in the world, we always come together for Christmas. Nomzamo always travels home from wherever she is and we have family time," Wendy says. "Christmas lunch, seven colours... I know how to cook but Zamo is the best. She cooks and I serve the bev and sit there and look cute," Wendy laughs. She says it has been a tough year financially and she will cut down on splurging for New Year's Eve. "Financially, emotionally and business-wise, it was tricky. It was just a wave, a learning curve for me. It was steady but not too progressive. I survived," she says. "My siblings and I spoke about it and we said, we just need to pray. I am looking forward to next year as it's my daughter's first year in high school, so my energy and focus is there."