Meet Ayanda Bandla, the actress playing Thandiswa in Smoke & Mirrors
Since its April 2023 debut, Smoke & Mirrors has soared to become e.tv’s most-watched 9 PM drama, with Ayanda Bandla anchoring the story as Thandiswa Mseleku. The former TV presenter turned actress sees the role as a new chapter in her growing career. She said:
All of my roles have been a stepping stone to the actor I am today, and I can't wait to see what unfolds next.
Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Ayanda Bandla is a South African actress and a graduate of political science from the University of Pretoria.
- She rose to fame in 2011 on One Day Leader, later anchoring e.tv's Sunrise.
- Her breakout role as Thandiswa Mseleku in Smoke & Mirrors (2023) marked her as a leading figure in local drama.
- In April 2024, she married South African film director Mqondisi Ngubane in a private ceremony.
Profile summary
| Full name | Ayanda Bandla-Ngubane (neé Mandisa) |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 28 June 1989 |
| Age | 36 years old (as of 2025) |
| Zodiac sign | Cancer |
| Place of birth | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Black (South African) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | 5'6" (167 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Married |
| Husband | Mqondisi Ngubane |
| University | University of Pretoria |
| Profession | Actress, entrepreneur, voice artist, media personality |
| Social media | InstagramTikTok |
Ayanda Bandla landed her first starring role as Thandiswa
In 2023, actress Ayanda Bandla landed her first main role as Thandiswa Mseleku in Smoke & Mirrors, a suspense-filled e.tv drama set in the mining town of Emnyameni. The series follows Thandiswa, a hairdresser and escort, as she seeks justice against three corrupt men known as the "Unholy Trinity."
The cast also features Hlomla Dandala, Kabomo Vilakazi, and Meshack Mavuso-Magabane. During a 2023 interview with TshisaLIVE, the lead star reflected on the experience, saying:
I've been a lead in a few productions, but I would say this is the first time where I'm the leading lady on the production. This is my first experience as the leading lady. It feels surreal sometimes. I'm so grateful because this has been a journey of growth for me.
Source: Original
She grew up in Protea North, Soweto
The television star grew up in Protea North, a suburb of Soweto in Johannesburg, South Africa. At 36 in 2025, Ayanda Bandla brings depth of experience to her craft.
Despite her growing public profile, Ayanda Bandla’s family has remained out of the public eye, as she keeps much of her personal life private.
Ayanda holds a Political Science degree
The Soweto-born actress holds a B.A. degree in Political Science with a specialisation in International Relations from the University of Pretoria. Given her success on screen, many assume she has formal training in drama. During a 2023 interview with SowetanLIVE, she clarified:
I didn’t get to study to be an actor, I am a political science graduate and specialise in international relations. I also come from a debating background, which I thought I was going to venture into. However, my love for the arts led me to where I am today.
Source: Instagram
Her TV career began with One Day Leader in 2011
The South African actress launched her media journey in 2011 as a contestant on SABC1’s One Day Leader, a youth-focused reality TV show. This marked the beginning of Ayanda Bandla’s background in broadcasting and civic work.
Her role in youth debates and current affairs led to recognition as a Play Your Part ambassador. She later joined e.tv’s Sunrise as a sub-editor and went on to develop skills in writing, producing, reporting, anchoring, and voice-over. In a 2024 interview with TrueLove, she said:
I started in actuality where I worked as a sub-editor and also a news anchor. I've been in the entertainment industry for 10 years now...I also want to focus on pursuing roles as director and producer...It's part of me sharpening my craft.
Source: Instagram
She broke into the acting scene in 2020
According to her IMDb profile, Thandiswa from Smoke and Mirrors made her acting breakthrough in 2020 as Nokuthula in Omen.
She has since featured in A Zulu Christmas, Vutha, uBettina Wethu, Nqobile, Lavish, and A Wesley South African Christmas. She also served as the executive producer of the crime drama Poachers Moon.
Who is Ayanda Bandla's husband?
On April 24, 2024, Ayanda Bandla married South African creative director, filmmaker, and producer Mqondisi Ngubane, known for his work on Shaka iLembe and Fish's Tale.
The pair tied the knot in a lavish private event attended by close friends and family. To mark their first anniversary, she shared a heartfelt Instagram post, writing:
This time a year ago... we brought together friends and family and hosted the biggest private party imagined...Whenever I look at pictures and videos, I'm pleasantly surprised and in awe of how everything came together! Every service provided and every guest who came to celebrate with us!!!
Source: Instagram
Frequently asked questions
- Is Nomcebo Zikode related to Ayanda Bandla? The actress and the globally recognised singer are not related in any known familial way.
- What is the real name of Thandiswa from Smoke & Mirrors? Her full name is Ayanda Mandisa Bandla.
- Who is Ayanda Bandla's daughter? There is no confirmed information about her having a child.
Wrapping up
From her early days as a TV presenter to becoming one of South Africa's standout actresses, Ayanda Bandla is steadily rising. Her role as Thandiswa has not only showcased her talent but also cemented her place in the local drama scene.
READ MORE: Nomcebo Zikode bio: Quick facts
As Briefly.co.za published, Nomcebo was born and raised in Hammersdale, KwaZulu-Natal. She relocated to Johannesburg, where she resides to date. Zikode joined Ukusa High School in KZN. From her childhood, she always aspired to be a singer.
In school, Nomcebo told her friends that she wanted to become a singer in the future, and they would laugh at her. After completing her matric, the singer left home in a bid to search for her career in music and relocated to Johannesburg.
Source: Briefly News
