Zenande Mfenyane is fast making her mark on television thanks to her role on popular local soapie, Generations. Siphelele Buthelzi caught up with Zenande to chat about her You Spectacular award as the favourite actress.

Zenande was nominated alongside Isidingo actress Kgomotso Christopher, Pam Andrew (Rhythm City), Dawn Matthews (Scandal) and Annelis Weiland (7de Laan). Being nominated alongside actors who have also made their names in the industry, anyone can assume Zenande might have been nervous on the day of the awards. But she tells a different story.

“Honestly I was not scared of anyone, it did not matter that they have been in the industry longer than I am. I am also showing my work and the awards are about the people who votes for us, I knew I have a huge following,” said Zenande.

Although she did not make it to accept her award on the night, her manager represented her.

“I couldn't be there because of work commitments but even until this day I have been so excited by the news. This is my baby, this is my first award and it means a lot to me. It shows that I am being recognised for the good job I do. YOU Spectacular awards are the same as the People's Choice awards overseas because it is the people who watch us that get to be the judges by voting,” explains Zenande.

She said the You Spectacular award will not be her last award but she wishes to get more awards.

“Although there are people who cannot differentiate between my character and my real self, I still love my job and enjoy it. Whenever I come across such people I just laugh it off and walk away because I cannot be rude to them,” said Zenande.

For Zenande the Journey of acting began at the University of Pretoria where she graduated with a degree and four years later landed a job in Generations, her patience is starting to pay off.