Nefisa Mkhabela Bids Farewell to House of Zwide
OkMzansi | 29.06.2026 14:44
After five successful seasons, House of Zwide has officially come to an end, and actress Nefisa Mkhabela has shared an emotional goodbye to the show that changed her life.
The popular e.tv drama aired its final episode on 26 June 2026, bringing its journey to a close after entertaining viewers since its premiere in 2021.
Nefisa played the lead role of Onalerona “Ona” Molapo, an ambitious young fashion designer from Soweto who chased her dreams in the fashion industry. As one of the show’s original cast members, she became a fan favourite as audiences watched Ona grow through life’s challenges and successes.
Looking back on her journey, Nefisa described the moment as the “end of an era.”
“The end of an era.
I was 19 years old when I first walked onto the House of Zwide set. I had big dreams, little experience and no idea how much this opportunity would change my life.”
She said the show gave her far more than just a career.
“This show gave me so much more than a career. It gave me purpose, confidence, lifelong friendships and the opportunity to tell the story of a young woman who reminded so many people, including me, that our dreams are valid.”
Nefisa also reflected on the impact Ona had on viewers.
“In a country where so many young people are searching for hope and opportunity, I hope Ona’s journey reminded you that your circumstances don’t have to define your future. If she inspired even one person to dream bigger and believe in themselves, then every early morning, every late night and every challenge was worth it.”
She thanked Bomb Productions, the producers and the team for believing in her when she was just 19 years old.
“To @bomb_productions @thaboboom @zwabheka, thank you for taking a chance on a 19-year-old girl and trusting me with a character that changed my life. Thank you for believing in me before I fully believed in myself.”
She also thanked producer, Teddy Geldart for being her safe place, as well as the costume, hair, makeup department, cast and crew for becoming family and helping bring Ona to life.
Speaking directly to her character, Nefisa shared one of the most heartfelt parts of her message.
“And to Ona… Thank you. We grew up together.”
She added that through Ona, she found her voice, learned to dream fearlessly and trust in herself.
Nefisa ended her tribute by thanking everyone who supported House of Zwide over the past five seasons.
“Most importantly, thank you to every single person who watched, supported, laughed, cried and believed in us over these past five seasons. You changed my life in ways I’ll never be able to put into words.”
Although the chapter has come to an end, the actress believes there is still more to come.
“This chapter may be ending, but I know it’s only the beginning. The end of an era I’ll never forget.”
She also revealed that her very first YouTube video went live on the same day, giving fans a chance to spend her final day on the House of Zwide set with her.After five successful seasons, House of Zwide has officially come to an end, and actress Nefisa Mkhabela has shared an emotional goodbye to the show that changed her life.
The popular e.tv drama aired its final episode on 26 June 2026, bringing its journey to a close after entertaining viewers since its premiere in 2021.
Nefisa played the lead role of Onalerona “Ona” Molapo, an ambitious young fashion designer from Soweto who chased her dreams in the fashion industry. As one of the show’s original cast members, she became a fan favourite as audiences watched Ona grow through life’s challenges and successes.
Looking back on her journey, Nefisa described the moment as the “end of an era.”
“The end of an era.
I was 19 years old when I first walked onto the House of Zwide set. I had big dreams, little experience and no idea how much this opportunity would change my life.”
She said the show gave her far more than just a career.
“This show gave me so much more than a career. It gave me purpose, confidence, lifelong friendships and the opportunity to tell the story of a young woman who reminded so many people, including me, that our dreams are valid.”
Nefisa also reflected on the impact Ona had on viewers.
“In a country where so many young people are searching for hope and opportunity, I hope Ona’s journey reminded you that your circumstances don’t have to define your future. If she inspired even one person to dream bigger and believe in themselves, then every early morning, every late night and every challenge was worth it.”
She thanked Bomb Productions, the producers and the team for believing in her when she was just 19 years old.
“To @bomb_productions @thaboboom @zwabheka, thank you for taking a chance on a 19-year-old girl and trusting me with a character that changed my life. Thank you for believing in me before I fully believed in myself.”
She also thanked producer, Teddy Geldart for being her safe place, as well as the costume, hair, makeup department, cast and crew for becoming family and helping bring Ona to life.
Speaking directly to her character, Nefisa shared one of the most heartfelt parts of her message.
“And to Ona… Thank you. We grew up together.”
She added that through Ona, she found her voice, learned to dream fearlessly and trust in herself.
Nefisa ended her tribute by thanking everyone who supported House of Zwide over the past five seasons.
“Most importantly, thank you to every single person who watched, supported, laughed, cried and believed in us over these past five seasons. You changed my life in ways I’ll never be able to put into words.”
Although the chapter has come to an end, the actress believes there is still more to come.
“This chapter may be ending, but I know it’s only the beginning. The end of an era I’ll never forget.”
She also revealed that her very first YouTube video went live on the same day, giving fans a chance to spend her final day on the House of Zwide set with her.
