Ayakha Ntunja shines as Qhawe in Inimba, showcasing her impressive growth and emotional depth in a powerful drama that explores the complexities of family, love, and sacrifice.
By Tshegofatso Tube
Ayakha Ntunja has graced our screens with standout performances in NTASH (2021), Intlawulo (2024), and Youngins (2024). Her latest role in Inimba is a bold new step that shows just how far she has come as an actress.
Driven and optimistic, Ayakha has always enjoyed challenging herself. From a young age, she was involved in sports and ballet. She discovered her love for the stage at the age of fourteen through theatre. “Ever since then, it’s been a passion of mine,” she says.As Qhawe in Inimba, that passion shines even brighter.
Inimba is a heartfelt series that explores love, sacrifice, and the strong bond between a mother and her child. Ayakha plays Qhawe, a brave and determined young woman. Qhawe’s strength and the challenges she faces drew Ayakha to the role. This character is very different from the younger roles she’s played before, which made the opportunity even more exciting.
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What Ayakha enjoys most about Inimba is its honest portrayal of real families. “It’s just a family story that everyday South Africans can relate to,” she says, appreciating that the show focuses on drama and relationships rather than violence or crime.
When she read the script, Ayakha immediately connected with it. “I felt so drawn to the story,” she says. Taking on the role of Qhawe pushed her to grow by stepping into a more serious and adult role. It was a big shift that allowed her to explore deeper emotions and experiences.
The story keeps viewers emotionally invested as Qhawe’s relationship with her mother develops. At first, Qhawe struggles to trust her because of past lies. She builds a strong connection with Thumeka, played by Zenande Mfenyana, who she believes is her mother, early in the series. As the truth begins to surface, Qhawe unknowingly starts to bond with her real mother, Zoleka.
Ayakha says the role includes some of the most emotional and challenging scenes of her career. Instead of drawing from her own past, she focuses on Qhawe’s perspective. “It takes away from the essence of who Qhawe is and not who Ayakha is,” she explains. She uses the “white wall” method, which allows her to stay focused and present in each scene. “You get to understand why Qhawe is hurt and feel it in that moment,” she adds.
Working with Zenande Mfenyana has had a big impact on Ayakha, both professionally and personally. “I learn a lot from Sis Zenande and her help and teachings,” she says. She describes the cast as one of her favourites to work with. One of her most touching scenes is when Qhawe is ironing her shirt and Thumeka helps her.This is a quiet, tender moment that captures their bond before everything begins to change.
Playing Qhawe has taught Ayakha a lot about motherhood, having a career, and building a family. One memorable scene shows Zoleka wanting to take Qhawe to America, but her father refuses. These types of scenes highlight the real decisions and sacrifices mothers often face. Seeing women on set who are also mothers has inspired her. “It shows that it is possible to have it all as a woman. I truly believe that I can build a home and a career. In my mind, I can do it all.”
Her favourite scene is the gala event, where Qhawe, a waitress, meets Zoleka, her mother, in a powerful moment. Despite the secret surrounding their relationship, their interaction is filled with unspoken love and respect, making it a very memorable scene.Ayakha hopes that audiences see Qhawe as a hardworking young woman who is determined to grow.
To aspiring actors, Ayakha shares that hard work always pays off. “Opportunity meets preparation,” she says. She reminds young actors to stay ready, keep improving, and stay committed to their craft.
Ayakha Ntunja continues to rise with every role, showcasing her love for storytelling and growth. Catch her on Inimba, weekdays at 9PM on Mzansi Magic, DStv Channel 161.