Johannesburg – Ronnie Nyakale, the actor beloved for his portrayal of Cosmo in the SABC1 soapie Generations: The Legacy, has recently found himself in the spotlight for a reason quite different from his acting career. A few weeks after departing the show, Nyakale has taken on a new role – that of a Bolt driver – and he’s not shying away from it.
In a candid interview with Daily Sun, Nyakale discussed his decision to become a Bolt driver, emphasising that it wasn't a difficult choice at all. He articulated his philosophy on pursuing one's passions, regardless of public opinion: “A passion sees no ‘what will people say?’. A passion is a burning desire inside a human to do what they wish to do, not to wish what they want to do. It involves love, discipline, dedication, and respect. My fame doesn't put stories I want on the table; it's those stories that have made me famous.
"Stories I lived with before breaking the character for fame. Fame to me is the last thing I think about. Fame is dangerous; it blinds and makes one live by satisfying the expectations of ‘abantu bazothini’ (what will people say). People are waiting for one's downfall to laugh and embarrass them. I know I'm famous, but I don't want that to be stuck in my mind,” he explained.
Nyakale’s perspective on fame is refreshingly down-to-earth. He acknowledges his fame but refuses to let it define his choices or dictate his life. He values the genuine connections he makes with people more than the fleeting nature of celebrity.
He has embraced the positive response he’s received from fans, stating: “I've seen extreme love and support from fans. I deeply appreciate it, am deeply touched, and so humbled. It's an offering I have accepted with an open heart,” he said.
His experience as a Bolt driver has been far from a mere job; it's been a journey of personal growth and connection.
“My journey as a driver has been experimental since day one. Meeting different people and listening to their stories kept me going. I know their happiness when they see me, the love they have, their first reaction when they realise who I am. That's the story that kept me going. I love how I appear to them and give them a one-on-one opportunity to be with me. The love God gave me from far lands is so big, I’m so humbled, and I serve it in return to be with them one-on-one. Driving works perfectly for me,” Nyakale shared.
The actor has clearly found a fulfilling balance between his acting career and his new venture. He is adamant that he’s not taking a break from acting but rather using this time to explore other opportunities and grow his career.
“I'm definitely not taking a break or stopping my acting career. There are things I want to do that aren't an overnight thing to do. Taking a break from Generations will allow me to risk myself to explore things I want to do. I want to grow and work in a different environment and get to know other production houses and producers. There’s Netflix and Showmax I haven't touched yet, and the journey leads there,” he said.
Nyakale's story is one of resilience, self-awareness, and a refusal to be confined by societal expectations. His decision to embrace a new career path while maintaining his passion for acting serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that success isn't defined by a single role or career path, but rather by the pursuit of one's passions and the genuine connections made along the way. His journey as a Bolt driver is not a step down, but rather a deliberate choice reflecting his values and his desire for a richer, more meaningful life experience.
