Zikhona Bali Returns to the small screens in ‘Code 13’: A Journey of Growth, Purpose, and Passion
Zikhona Bali, a highly skilled actress from Mzansi, has once again graced our small screens with her presence in Mzansi Magic’s Code 13. This captivating series boasts a stellar cast, including the likes of Lunathi Mampofu, Primo Baloyi, and Zolisa Xaluva, along with Bali’s remarkable performance.
Her return to television follows her impressive portrayal of the character Asanda in DiepCity, capturing the hearts of audiences with her compelling performance.
However, Bali’s journey into the spotlight had already commenced, with an impressive array of projects already under her belt, including appearances in Mfolozi Street, Rhythm City and Is’Thunzi, among other notable productions.
Describing her career trajectory thus far, she says it had various crevasses—peaks and troughs, some bigger than others but all collectively growing her craft.
But the biggest growth lessons come from the times when work wouldn’t come as quickly.
“It is mostly those moments when I’m not casted that I grow the most because it is then that I get to work on myself and improve my craft. And also those moments where I have to say no to projects that don’t have my name on them.That is where most of my growth happens,” she said.
Acting, for Zikhona, has always been a childhood dream that tugged at her heart strings, but at this point in her journey, acting seems to be choosing her back, allowing her to fulfill a higher purpose.
“Acting has always accompanied me somehow. I remember as a young girl, I’d shyly entertain my grandmother’s friends, and they’d beg me to dance in front of the TV unpaid,” she said jokingly. “But it was my teachers, Mrs. Caroline Moulang, Miss Glen Whitehead, and Mrs. Sandra Gerber, who steered me in the right direction, and through it all, I remember having my grandfather as my biggest cheerleader.
“So, analysing this craft closer, I can say that there is a bigger calling attached to it.
“I come from a family of storytellers, the ‘let me tell you the story’ kind of bunch. I’m told that if they weren’t on the sports fields, they’d be in church choirs or are animatedly telling each other stories. I’m also told that the many who have passed on all possess the same characteristics. So acting is nothing new to my family; I’m just doing it on TV with a larger audience,” she said.
Zikhona, who hails from the Gqeberha, has portrayed an array of characters in her career and says the freshness of this series’ storyline, its fast pace and the intense reality drama was what drew her to the production.
“The cast was just a bonus. The story is different, it’s a fast-paced playground for unexpected plot twists. We get to explore a lot of Joburg locations and everyone has put their time and heart to make the project a success.”
About her character, whom she describes as a kick ass ammunition specialist whose job is to solve crimes, she said: “Azania is a highly skilled combat agent. She’s micro focused on her work. Her kids are where we see her soft nurturing side. Aza is intentionally living under her late fathers’ shadows, catching criminals soothes her wounds.”
When asked what the big dream that she is working towards is, she said: “The big dream is to dream bigger. Do the undone. Unlearn the learnt. Overcome the fear of failure. Listen more.
“As an emerging artist, even with several productions under your belt, be a student. Fundiseka (be teachable). Don’t be a follower at the cost of your health, remember that your pace is at the right pace. A fellow cast mate, Aluve Mjali recently said: ‘take what can help you in people and leave what you don’t need’. And I couldn’t agree more,” she said.