Actress Nothando Ngcobo, known to millions as Hlelo on the popular soapie Uzalo, is back on our screens, and she's ready to face the world again. After taking a break from acting and social media to focus on her mental health, Ngcobo says she's feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes her way.
"I needed this break to focus on many things," Ngcobo explained. "I was able to focus on my family and myself. But most importantly, I focused more on my mental health."
Ngcobo, who hails from Hammarsdale outside Durban, KZN, acknowledged the unique challenges of being a public figure. "Being a public figure is not easy," she said. "Sometimes I don't know how to deal with everything, my fans, personal life and fame all at once."
She revealed the pressure of living under the public eye can take a toll, especially when trying to manage expectations and maintain a positive image. "Sometimes I ask myself if I was going to be loved this much even if I wasn't a celebrity," she said. "The pressure of acting a certain way in public because there are people who are looking up to you and also to avoid ruining your reputation is a strain on its own. And people don't know how much pressure their favourite celebs are under. That's why I say I needed this break," Ngcobo shared.
Ngcobo's absence from the screens for a couple of weeks left fans wondering about her whereabouts. She's now back as a mum raising her child in jail, a storyline that's sure to keep viewers hooked.
"Sometimes we should stop overdoing things," Ngcobo advised. "We must avoid trying to please everyone. We must also know when it's time to rest. That way, we are taking care of our mental health. And this is very important."
Ngcobo's return to Uzalo is a testament to her commitment to her craft and her dedication to her fans.
Her decision to take a break and focus on her mental health is a courageous one, and her return to the screen is a powerful message that it's okay to step back and take care of yourself.
