From humble beginnings in Limpopo, Wiseman Zitha is emerging as one of South Africa’s most recognisable rising stars, skillfully establishing a vibrant career in television, fashion, and digital media.
Known for his breakout role in Giyani: Land of Blood, Zitha continues to evolve as a storyteller while staying grounded in the values that shaped him.
Growing up in Limpopo, Zitha says the lack of representation in the entertainment industry forced him to develop resilience early on.
“I think coming from a place where opportunities in the entertainment industry are limited, and you hardly see anyone on TV who comes from your village, I knew if I really wanted to do this, I had to have absolute self-belief and patience,” he shares.
He shared with Drum that his upbringing taught him to dream beyond his environment while remaining deeply connected to his roots.
“I don’t take any opportunity for granted because I understand what it means to come from humble beginnings and have to create your own path,” Zitha said.
Today, that foundation informs everything he does, from acting to content creation, as he proudly carries Limpopo with him in every space he enters.
Although he initially focused on mathematics and science in school, Zitha admits the decision was influenced by societal expectations.
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He explained that when one comes from the villages, the only people who look ‘successful’ are engineers, doctors, nurses, so one ends up choosing those subjects because of fear of the unknown.
However, a gap year changed everything.
“I’ve always been creative, even as a child, but it only really clicked later. That gap year made me realise: actually, we’re going to art school,” he said, adding that he has always believed in destiny guiding his journey.
Zitha’s big break came with his lead role as Musawahosi Baloyi in ‘Giyani: Land of Blood’, a moment he describes as perfectly timed.
“Musa chose me at the right time when I wasn’t even expecting him. It meant a lot because it was the first Xitsonga television drama in history, and it was my first acting job straight from varsity,” he said.
The role not only launched his career but also allowed him to contribute to a cultural milestone: “I’m glad I got to tell our story; it’s something that will last for generations.”
Since then, Zitha has appeared in productions such as ‘Muvhango’, ‘The River’, ‘Queen Modjadji’, and Netflix’s ‘Blood Legacy’.
Despite the diversity of roles, his approach remains consistent.
“I treat every character like a real person with their own story,” he explained.
“For a character to have life, actors must bring honesty. I need to understand what drives them, how they think, and how they move through the world,” Zitha added.
He jokingly compared the process to “another kind of mathematics,” highlighting the precision and depth required in his craft.
Balancing acting, modelling, and digital content creation, all while managing himself, is no easy feat, yet Zitha embraces the challenge.
He admitted to always being busy, but he’s managed to find his own balance: “When you’re grounded and focused, you’re able to do all of it.”
Zitha shared that being detail-oriented allows him to maintain control over his brand and career direction.
“I understand myself better, and I do things my way,” he said.
In 2025, Zitha made history as the first man to appear on the cover of ‘Top Charts Africa’, a milestone he describes as both humbling and affirming.
“It shows that I’m being seen by the right eyes and that what I do matters,” he said.
More importantly, he hopes his journey inspires others who feel different or overlooked.
“I’m doing this for the kids who are like me, the ones who were called weird. You are weird for a reason. Embrace who you are and be authentic.”
With a growing social media following, Zitha has cultivated a loyal online community drawn to his fashion, lifestyle, and travel content.
“If there’s one thing I don’t compromise, it’s me. I’m not trying to be liked or validated, I’m just being,” he highlighted.
This authenticity, he believes, is the key to his success: “I don’t follow trends, I am the trend.”
Fluent in multiple languages, including Venda, Tsonga, Xhosa, Zulu, English, and Shona, Zitha credits language as a powerful tool in his career.
“I learned this early during my drama studies,” he recalled, sharing how a lecturer encouraged him to learn his peers’ languages.
Today, that advice has paid off, as he’s able to audition for any role.
“It’s been part of my growth, and I’m still learning more.”
Beyond the screen, fashion plays a central role in Zitha’s identity, allowing him to express himself without limits and to “create and deconstruct.”
His passion for high fashion seamlessly complements his work as a model and content creator, reinforcing his position as a creative who thrives outside the box.
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Looking ahead, Zitha hints at an exciting year filled with new projects.
“2026 is going to be beautiful with a lot of surprises. I just wrapped a show last month, so people must keep their eyes open.”
While he remains tight-lipped about most details, he confirms one thing fans can look forward to: the return of ‘Blood Legacy’ for a second season.
Chuma Nontsele
www.news24.com
