PICTURE: SUPPLIED
Being a woman is often described as a balancing act—nurturing others while pursuing your own dreams, showing strength through life’s challenges and learning to embrace every version of yourself.
Also see: Six Nyamane shares more about her character on ‘Homecoming’
In an interview with BONA magazine, actress and DJ Mpume ‘Six’ Nyamane reflects on the lessons that have shaped her, the women who inspired her and the message she hopes every young girl carries with her long after Women’s Day.
Strength isn’t always loud
For many years, Six believed strength had to look flawless. It meant having everything under control, never stumbling and always appearing put together. But with time and experience, that definition has changed.
Today, the actress believes that some of the greatest displays of strength happen quietly, away from the spotlight.
“Being a woman means being strong in ways people don’t always see—and still showing up anyway.”
She has come to appreciate that resilience isn’t about perfection but about continuing to move forward, even when life feels uncertain.
“I used to think strength had to look perfect and put-together, but now I know it’s in the messy, quiet moments too. It’s in choosing yourself, growing through things, and sometimes just getting through the day,” she said.
Inspired by the women who came before her
When she thinks about the women who have had the greatest influence on her life, Six’s thoughts immediately turn to home.
The women in her family—particularly her mother—have been her biggest role models, teaching her valuable lessons through their actions rather than their words.
“Definitely the women in my family, especially my mom. They’ve shown me what real strength looks like—no noise, no applause, just consistency.”
Watching them navigate life with grace taught her the importance of remaining true to herself, loving wholeheartedly and carrying herself with dignity regardless of the circumstances.
“They taught me to stand firm in who I am, to love deeply, and to carry myself with dignity… no matter what.”
Also see: Six Nyamane opens up about heartbreaking miscarriage experience
Finding hope after loss
Life hasn’t been without heartbreak. One of the most defining chapters of the Homecoming actress’s journey was learning to navigate loss and grief.
She says those difficult experiences revealed a strength she didn’t know she possessed and changed the way she viewed healing.
“Experiencing loss and grief is something that really changed me. It forces you to face parts of yourself you didn’t even know existed.”
Rather than hiding her emotions, she discovered that true courage lies in allowing yourself to feel every emotion and trusting that healing will come with time.
“I learned that strength isn’t about pretending you’re okay—it’s about allowing yourself to feel, to heal, and still finding a way to move forward.”
Learning that self-care is essential
Like many women, Six admits that finding the right balance between caring for others and looking after herself remains a work in progress.
She has, however, realised that prioritising her own wellbeing isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
“I won’t lie, I’m still figuring it out.”
Even if it’s just a few quiet moments in a busy day, she’s learned to make space for rest and reflection.
“I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup. So even if it’s small moments—resting, switching off, or just being still—I take them. Because a better me shows up better for everyone else.”
A message to every woman and girl
During Women’s Month, Six’s message is one of self-belief, patience and courage. She hopes every woman remembers that she doesn’t need to earn her worth or wait for someone else’s approval before embracing who she is.
“You are enough. Not almost, not one day—right now.”
She encourages young girls to embrace their individuality, trust their voices and refuse to compare their journeys with anyone else’s.
“Don’t shrink yourself or rush your journey. Take up space, trust your voice, and become whoever you want to be… at your own pace.”
Her words serve as a reminder that strength doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes, it’s simply found in choosing to keep going, believing in yourself and embracing every chapter of your journey with grace.
Also see: Six Nyamane details why she’s leaving ‘Generations: The Legacy’
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