Siyabonga is a highly motivated, certified and an award-winning filmmaker of transgender identity preferred to be called “Sia/Zobuhle Nzuza”, preferred pronouns being she/her.
"I am hailing from a small village called Makhonyeni in Jozini, a small rural town in Umkhanyakude in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal. I am an actress, model, casting director, director, producer and a scriptwriter. I have written, directed, produced and also acted in various films such as Igazi Liyajiya, Isivivinyo: The test, and Love War. I released Love War at the tender age of 16 under the auspices of Plot Twist Productions. Then I released Igazi Liyajiya in 2021 which bagged me awards for Best Script writer and Best Producer at the uMgungundlovu Film Festival Awards 2020. It also bagged a nomination for Best feature film in one of the biggest film & television awards platforms in KwaZulu-Natal, the Simon Mabhunu Sabela awards in 2021.
I draw most of my inspiration and creativity from experiences and challenges I've faced and still facing, others faced by queer and transgender communities particularly in rural and township settings. Among my many talents, I also teach young kids and youth who have suffered a loss of their loved ones because of HIV, I teach them dramatic arts while also advocating for LGBTQIA+ youth in my village."
