The screen doesn’t just light up when Wiseman Zitha appears—it transforms. A blend of raw intensity, stylish nonchalance, and quiet charisma, Zitha is among South Africa’s most magnetic rising stars. Known for his range across drama, fashion, and digital content, he doesn’t just play characters, he inhabits them. And yet, he insists on one thing above all: being real.
After captivating audiences as Musawahosi “Musa” Baloyi in Giyani – Land of Blood, Zitha’s leap to Netflix’s Blood Legacy as Lungelo Blanco wasn’t just a casting choice, it was a rebirth. “Having played Musawahosi for three seasons, it prepared me for the pressure that came with Blood Legacy,” he reflects. “It was a big shift. First, I’m not a Zulu speaker, and our world is in Durban, so I had to learn the language properly. Gambit Films and Netflix arranged language advisers, and I’m so grateful for that.”
While other actors might have hesitated, Zitha leaned in. “I was working on the character’s journey while learning a new language. The pressure was a lot, but I had to be confident and trust that God would never put me in a position to fail,” he says. “Opportunities like this don’t come every day. I had to deliver. I’m glad people really liked him.”
Pressure, it seems, sharpens Zitha’s instincts. That inner resilience was also tested in The River, the Emmy-nominated telenovela where he portrayed Mondli, a role that required audacity and emotional detachment. “Just going for it and trusting my instincts,” he says, describing the takeaway. “Working with Sindi Dlathu and seeing her in her element really pushes you. My role was a disrespectful character to Madlabantu. I had to forget the image I had of her. I was a fan. I had watched every episode of the show before joining in Season 3. I knew how dangerous Madlabantu was. But I had to refresh my mind to authentically tell Mondli’s story from his point of view.”
Zitha’s acting philosophy is less about performance and more about connection. It’s this layered honesty that makes his characters feel like someone you’ve met, or perhaps someone you are. But what sets him apart from others in the game is that he’s not only a storyteller, he’s the curator of his own narrative. “I am the creative director of my life,” he says. “I’ve always been that kid. No one taught me these things. It’s who I am. They just come naturally.”
From modelling to digital content, acting to fashion, Zitha flows freely across forms. He doesn’t compartmentalise, he harmonises. “I’m multidimensional,” he adds. “I believe I’m in this world to show who I am and inspire people to do it all. If I know how to do these things, there’s a reason. So I must put it out there.”
It helps, of course, that his foundation is solid. Trained at Tshwane University of Technology, Zitha views drama school as a necessity, not an option, for serious actors. “If you really want to dive into acting, you need to be informed. Drama school or workshops, for me, are a must. You get to polish your craft, learn techniques, make mistakes, and discover yourself before entering the industry. You even get to work on your nerves,” he says with the steady tone of someone who has done the work, and continues to.
Those nerves were tested again on the set of The Sphinx, a short film that marked his first lead role. “It was made by new filmmakers, so we had to work extra hours with less,” he recalls. “But I learned that it’s never about the money. It’s about building relationships. This industry looks big, but it’s the same people on every production. Be nice and work well with people because you’ll see them again—and they’ll remember you.”
Despite this rising profile, Zitha’s energy remains grounded. His attitude towards social media is refreshingly unfazed by the chase for engagement. With nearly 190,000 followers and an impressive engagement rate above 2%, he still posts on his own terms. “I take social media as social media. I don’t let it control my life. I post when I can and take breaks. My community understands me. Even if I disappear for months, they’re still there. They know I’m busy cooking something good for them,” he smiles.
That digital presence, as unfiltered as it feels, is no less thoughtful than his roles on screen. “Honestly, when it comes to my socials, I’m just myself. What you see is what you get. For my characters, I step into their world. I don’t judge their choices, I live in the moment and commit. Audiences want to feel what the character is feeling. It’s all about that journey of art imitating life.”
Even his fashion, bold, eclectic, often impossible to ignore, is shaped by this same ethos. “It took me forever to understand that I’m different for a reason. I tried to fit in, but it never worked. I’m not meant to fit in, I’m meant to stand out. Fashion is subjective. I wear what I think is cool for me. I don’t seek validation. I guess people are digging my style now,” he laughs.
Style is more than surface, though. For Zitha, fashion is a tool of expression. He calls himself a “living mannequin,” and his looks feel like visual extensions of the roles he plays: experimental, intentional, and unafraid. “When I get dressed, I’m not just choosing an outfit, I’m communicating something about who I am. Whether it’s a red carpet or a street look, it’s all storytelling.”
That commitment to storytelling goes beyond borders. Having worked in both local productions and international films, Zitha’s perspective has widened. “I now understand that a simple role can really change your life. I don’t take anything for granted. Local or international, I give it my best, always. You never know who’s watching.”
And if he has it his way, more people will be watching soon. “I want more Netflix work, more lead roles in film. I believe I can do amazing,” he says. “I’m praying for international fashion collaborations too. I won’t mention names yet, but I know it will happen.”
There’s something magnetic about the way Zitha talks about the future. It’s not arrogance—it’s belief. Belief built from years of doing the work, from standing out instead of fitting in, and from knowing, deep down, that he’s just getting started.
