7 fun facts about ‘Shaka iLembe’ star Ntando Zondi who plays young Shaka Zulu

While Shaka iLembe has certainly lived up to the hype since it aired on TV, there are a few rising stars on the show who fans do not know much about and one is Ntando Zondi.

The young actor plays the son of King Senzangakhona kaJama (Senzo Radebe) of the Zulu and Queen Nandi kaMbengi (Nomzamo Mbatha) of the eLangeni. Born out of wedlock and later an outcast, he was subjected to humiliation and faced adversity from a young age.

Here are a few facts about the young star:

• Age: 15   
• Birthplace: KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Casting: Out of hundreds of teens Ntando was chosen to portray the role of the young Prince Shaka. He has no formal training in acting but has loved it for years and always dreamed of becoming an actor. When casting directors called him back for a second audition, he almost did not answer as it was an unknown number. Little did he know it was a call that would change his life. The assignment for the Bomb Production casting team was to cast a young teen who had talent and a similar looks to Lemogang Tsipa, who plays the adult Shaka.
• Occupation: Student (grade 8)
• Mentors: Nomzamo, who plays his mother Nandi in the series. She calls him her boy. She was always by his side when filming Shaka iLembe. 
• Future: Ntando takes his studies seriously. This is his first year in high school. Ntando was awarded certificates in drama (2), arts and culture (1) and academics (1) in his final year of primary school. His dream is to become an entrepreneur and international actor.
• Parting shot: “Being part of this production is an honour and very special to me and my family. I cannot believe I am part of a series that is so epic and telling an important story. I am so grateful for the opportunity and taking on the big role of young Shaka Zulu who grows to become a formidable king in the future. For me this is a life-changing experience.”