Nambitha Ben-Mazwi shines in her lead-role in Diamond City
“Sometimes losing innocence is necessary to prove innocence”
A talent, who, through her impactful roles, has stolen the hearts of viewers returns to our screens on Sunday, 14th October for the highly anticipated 13-part legal/prison drama: Diamond City. Nambitha is fast becoming one of South Africa’s favourite leading ladies as she announces her new role as an attorney on SABC 1’s newest series.
Boasting an impressive resume starring in local and international productions such as Black Mirror, Madiba, and most recently Broken Vows, Nambitha is well-prepared and set to stun the SABC 1 audience in her new role as Benathi Zwide; a timid yet bold lawyer set to solve a high profile case. Nambitha stars alongside; veteran actress Noxee Maqashalala and is skillfully supported by Angela Sithole, Lehlohonolo Makoko, and Thabang Molaba.
“We have a stellar cast that captivates the story and ensures all scenes are compelling to the viewer. The SABC audience has not seen anything like it before and can expect to be on the edge of their seats. They are guaranteed to end off their Sunday evenings with a gaping mouth and absolute wonder from the thrill,”
says Nambitha.
Diamond City, a prison on the outskirts of Johannesburg, is home to some of South Africa’s most dangerous female prisoners and the story takes place in two worlds; each as complex and dark as the other. One is the gritty, fast-paced, and intricate legal realm in Johannesburg. A city where the law is held to the highest standard and is the ultimate pillar of order in the community. However, as the story progresses, we learn that corruption and greed can infiltrate even the purest of places and turn men and women alike into monsters, and if caught, they may find themselves in Diamond City.
Nambitha expresses she always endeavours to play characters vastly different to the ones she’s played before.
“I never want to be type-casted,”
she says,
“so it’s great to see how that’s played out in my career thus far. Viewers will be stunned to see me in this light, I enjoyed every minute of becoming a criminal law attorney. My research into the character and law helped with my role. I wanted Benathi to be an effortless and believable lawyer so my body language in itself is vastly different to what viewers expect.”
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi plays a lead-role as Zandile’s lawyer, Benathi Zwide, a young advocate who has recently been admitted to the bar. As a hungry and determined young woman who is passionate about the law Benathi defies the ordinary and takes on Zandile’s case to prove herself. Even though her anxiety and feebleness can often overshadow her drive, Benathi’s biggest challenge will be to overcome her nerves and insecurity to become a bold, confident, and focused advocate.
Outside of her craft as an actress Nambitha has been using her influence and platform as an advocate for women empowerment. She recently launched her own women’s empowerment movement known as #SheSpeaks that encourages self-assurance, confidence and she can’t wait for the viewers to meet Benathi: a direct extension of this passion.
“She [Benathi] is vastly different to me with her clumsiness and uncertainty, but her journey of growth into becoming a self-assured, fearless attorney is beautiful to watch and witness,”
says Nambitha. Benathi Zwide, who will be introduced in the second episode of the series, will be a relatable character for viewers, especially those who are inspired by her #SheSpeaks initiative.
“Everyone can relate to her journey as it is a mandatory one of self-assurance and stepping into your own when situations get real,”
adds Nambitha.
Directed and edited in a classical style, Diamond City is driven by captivating performances and an eclectic score and frequently uses flashbacks to thrill.
Diamond City will air every Sunday from 14 October 2018 – 6 January 2019 at 20:00 on SABC 1.
