"I was not aware of the impact of it at the time. To me, I just thought, well it is one of those films that will end up being screened in little places, at political rallies. I did not really think that it was going to be big. I was very, very proud at the end. I remember being invited to a women's conference called "Malibongwe" in Amsterdam, which was organized by the ANC women, and it was at the same time the release of Mapantsula. It was a huge thing. I thought, "Oh my, I am in Hollywood or something."

"In fact, I did not act in that movie. I just became myself; I just did what I did when I was a nanny. It was funny, because the woman who played the role of my madam is a very nice person. We worked together at the Market Theater. She found it very difficult to be harsh. They tried to push her saying, "You have to be harsh to be in this role." After the take she would come and say, "You know, I did not mean to do that." I would say to her, "Please, come on, we are acting here!" She would take it so personally. She would wonder if she was being too pushy. They would tell her, "In fact, you must be more pushy."

"It’s a beautiful movie which tells the familiar story of siblings who pretend their lives are perfect when they’re actually terrible."

"It certainly extended me as an actress and made me dig deep, which is great because I would hate to be stereotyped."

"I’m the oldest sister who has a complicated and miserable life with an abusive husband and a wayward daughter. Simply, I’m washed out."

"Working together was great fun and we are all so proud that the film was entirely made in and around Durban, with the family home set in Kloof. From the beaches to the city, it really showcases Durban and its people."

"I’d finish school on a Friday afternoon, fly to Joburg and work all weekend and then fly back on the red-eye on a Monday morning in time to get to school."

"When I walked into the campus drama department, I knew I was home. I lived and breathed theatre, but I decided teaching was my safety net."

"Change is not always easy. But I’m always up for a challenge. I’ve always given my total commitment to anything I have undertaken. This was no exception. Having said that, I also believe in staying true to myself. And I would like to concentrate on other projects that I feel passionate about. It’s very important not to stagnate so it’s new and exciting times for me and my production company. We have many shows on the way."

"I will be more regular on stage with my new comedy shows and will be holding workshops on TV presenting. I wish Mela all the very best and would like to thank Saira Essa, Imraan Vagar and Mark Corlett – they have become family to me."

"In my grandfather’s house and my great-grandmother’s house there is no such thing as an only child."

"It's the little things. When I wake up feeling too heavy to get up, he’ll massage my feet, help me up or make breakfast. He makes sure I’m not doing any strenuous activities. Those little things mean everything"

"Most of my childhood was spent with my grandparents, who were together for over 54 years. That kind of lifelong love is inspiring to me, and I’ve always wanted to be with someone for the long haul."

"I’m having such a great time with this pregnancy, simply because I am taking it one step at a time and not allowing my fears to overshadow my future."

"I had my life planned out, advance my career, get married and then, at 35 or older, start thinking about children. When I found out I was pregnant, I was shocked. I immediately went down on my knees to pray, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude filled my heart."

"‘I’m actually very excited when I get to play someone’s mom. I love kids, and it’s a nice change from playing someone’s side chick or a young, unfocused character. I’ve only played a mother twice, but I really enjoyed it. So, it’s not just about the roles I take; it’s also about what I need and where I want to go in my career.’"

"I’m so childlike; I don’t see myself as the age I am now. Even when I audition, they ask me to try out for both 25-year-old and 35-year-old roles, because I can play both. I see that as a blessing. I don’t have to worry about staying young to play younger roles, or feeling I need to play all the young roles before moving on to older ones. Whatever comes my way, I can do it."

"I am also constantly learning and challenging myself, staying prepared and camera-ready for any opportunity. Additionally, I attribute my youthful appearance to God and my mom for the genes – they’ve blessed me with a childlike energy that starts from within and keeps me looking and feeling young"

"This feeling has never plagued me, and it never will,’ she says, ‘because I’m surrounded by industry veterans who have remained relevant throughout my lifetime. They’ve imparted to me the key to their relevance: kindness above all."

"Work hard, never let anything get to your head. Respect people around you, stand firm for what you believe in. And plan, plan, plan and plan some more"

"I would love to be a household name and a passionate, powerful actress for the rest of my life"

"Some doors were closed but I always found a way to break through them and create a whole different golden road for myself"

"I credit my success to everyone who has helped me build the woman I am today, to everyone who is giving me a chance to sit down and ask questions"

"I’m nervous about the challenges that are still yet to come"

"Until I reach my full potential I’ll keep my cards close to my chest"

"I have had to learn that I can’t do everything"

"I also am fighting for the bigger dream of being an international force"

"The biggest hurdle I think I had was fighting to be authentic and creating a mark within the industry without having to change who I am"

"I landed myself in acting and that never left me after seeing the movie Sarafina no one could change my mind. I was made to be an actress"

"To anyone going through what I went through, I advise that they keep the optimism and the strength. I chose strength. I chose to share my story to inspire the next person going through what I am going through"

"But since it has happened, I have chosen to focus on my blessings, and being grateful that I am alive to see my children grow"

"Resilience is key in situations like this because it is not just a physical battle; It is an emotional and mental battle that I was determined to win.” said the actress"

"My strong character also really helped me. I'm a very strong person in general and always take the bull by the horns at all times in life"

"Mentally, I prepared myself. I was definitely better equipped for the situation if it ever came back, and it did"

"If you are used to working, not having a steady income can be really tough"

"It took me nine months before I could secure my first big role"

"I took a six-month break from The Lion King and joined Muvhango, to test the waters"

"Being close to death makes you rethink everything. Knowing that it can come back teaches you to appreciate the small things"

"You count your blessings"

"In some cultures,’ she says, ‘people believe cancer means you are paying for something you did. A lot still needs to change"

"My bones are fragile,’ she says, ‘but it is a small price to pay for gaining 15 more years of my life"

"I had my family taken from me when I was young, but my aunt took me in. There is no need to dwell on what I don’t have"

"That is my song – if you are vigilant, you can catch it early and stop it."

"I was in denial when I received the results"

"My breasts were sore,’ she says, ‘with a rash and discolouration"

"Allow your will power to do its work. You are stronger than your pain. Imagine that this, too, shall pass. Tap into that feeling of surviving"

"We lived in a one-room shack"

"I asked myself, who do I want to inspire when playing this character, given that Khanyisile is a CEO so the answer would be young people who want to be CEOs one day. So at the moment, I know exactly who I’m doing this for."