This is the biography of Sannah ‘Sana’ Mchunu, she is a renowned South African actress. Sannah is best known for her role as Zodwa on Gomora
Sannah Mchunu Age
She was born on 19th of March 1972. As of 2023, she is 51 years old.
Sannah Mchunu Biography (Image Credit: Instagram @sanamchunu7)
Early Life
Born in Mofolo North, Soweto, South Africa, Sannah faced early challenges, leaving school due to motherhood. Growing up in poverty with late parents Johanna and Pitros Kobese and sister Ntombizodwa, her life took a turn after her parents’ death. Moving in with her fourth child’s father, she took a janitorial job for survival.
With no certificates, Sannah embraced janitorial work, striving to provide for her family.
Sannah Mchunu Career
Sannah embarked on her career during her teenage years, initially dancing for the late Brenda Fassie. However, this pursuit was interrupted by multiple pregnancies. Acting wasn’t initially part of her aspirations, as she sought a job to support her family without struggles.
Rise to Fame
Fate intervened when, by chance, she accompanied her friend Winnie Khumalo to an audition. Asked to audition herself, Sannah recounted, “When we got to the audition, Winnie asked me to queue for her. When I got close to the door, one of the directors asked me to audition.” This marked the beginning of her acting journey, leading to her selection for a supporting role in the e.TV anthology series eKasi: Our Stories.
In 2013, Sannah joined the fifth season of the e.tv anthology series, portraying “Mrs Simelane,” often referred to as “Sis K.” Her involvement continued in the sixth season with multiple roles such as “Rebecca,” “Mrs. Khumalo,” and “Gladys.” She expanded her presence in the industry, featuring in various serials, including the SABC1 mystery thriller End Game and the Mzansi Magic mini-serial Shabangu P.I in the same year. Notably, she played “Nomarashiya” in the SABC2 soap opera Muvhango.
Sannah Mchunu Biography/ screen from Gomora (Image Credit: Instagram @sanamchunu7)
The following years saw Sannah’s versatile talent showcased in productions like Isibaya, It’s Complicated, Keeping Score, Ring of Lies, Ses’Top La, and The River. Her remarkable contributions continued in 2019 with roles in Isipho and The Queen, culminating in her acclaimed performance as “Zodwa” in the 2020 Mzansi Magic telenovela Gomora.
Filmography
- 2013: Vuka Mawulele as Grace Letsoalo
- 2013: eKasi: Our Stories as Mrs Simelane/Sis K/Rebecca/Mrs. Khumalo/Gladys
- 2013: End Game as Mrs Qoboza
- 2013: Shabangu P.I. as Sibu
- 2013: Stepfather Se Voët as Tamsy
- 2014: Sticks and Stones as Aunty Nena
- 2014: Amagugu as Lizzy
- 2014: Gauteng Maboneng as Rebecca
- 2014: Generations (Guest role)
- 2014: Hope as Nelly
- 2014: Ihawu as Rebo Modise
- 2015: Isibaya as Ma Ruth
- 2016: It’s Complicated as Nobesuthu
- 2016: Keeping Score as Sunday Voice
- 2016: Muvhango as Nomarashiya
- 2016: Ngempela as Tryphina
- 2016: Rhythm City as Machiliza
- 2017: Ring of Lies as Mayor’s Wife
- 2017: Ses’Top La as MaGumede
- 2018: The River as Matilda
- 2019: Isipho as Mam Lindi
- 2019: The Queen as Tryphina
- 2020–Present: Gomora as Zodwa
Awards
In 2022, she won the DStv Mzansi Viewer’s Choice Awards for Favorite Actress. She has also won a Royalty Award for her role as Zodwa on Gomora.
Also Read: Sicelo Buthelezi Biography| Age, Career, Education, Early Life
Sannah Mchunu Personal Life
At the tender age of 14, Sannah embraced motherhood for the first time. Welcoming her second child at 19, she faced another pregnancy after her parents encouraged her return to school. Following her parents’ demise, she resided with the father of her fourth child. Unfortunately, during her fifth pregnancy, her husband subjected her to both physical and emotional abuse. Amidst the tumultuous circumstances, she made the difficult decision to leave her children with him. Currently, Sannah is a devoted mother of seven.
Marriage and Abuse
Presently unmarried, Sannah’s early marriage succumbed to the harsh realities of domestic violence. Her husband subjected her to a nine-year ordeal of abuse until she courageously spoke out and walked away from the marriage when the pain became unbearable. Reflecting on her past, Sannah expressed,
“I had to return home to Sgodiphola in Soweto with nothing to offer my children. He had the money, and all I knew was to give birth and stay home. Sometimes you must walk away from situations that do not serve you and learn to start over again. Look at me now – telling incredible stories and making the country laugh.”
