The South African actor immerses herself in all things Kenyan, from the natural wonders to cultural experiences, and has an awakening.
It’s a Wednesday afternoon in Sandton, South Africa, and the sun is a couple of hours away from its daily disappearance down the horizon. FORBES AFRICA makes a phone call. A voice at the other end says a deep “hello”. It is award-winning South African actor and entrepreneur Nomzamo Mbatha, who is in New York City and has just woken up.
From the Big Apple, her mind travels to Africa.
When she’s not scorching television screens, in the award-winning South African drama-series, Isibaya, Mbatha spends a lot of time traveling.
She has been to 13 countries, but as an African, none has made her feel at home quite like Kenya.
She describes it as the warmest place in Africa and speaks of her endearing memories of the East African country.
“Kenya makes you feel like you should live there. Kenya makes you feel like you’re at home…” says Mbatha.
She traveled there for the first time when she was 16, handpicked by Save the Children, a non-governmental organization promoting children’s rights, as one of three South African children representing the country at a conference hosted by Kenya.
Mbatha recounts her first impressions.
“I remember seeing furniture doors just piled up on the side of the road and thought ‘whoa! I’ve never seen this’ and then I just remember Kenya having lots and lots of bananas.
“Because we were always on a bus, we didn’t get to see it (Kenya). My misconception of it, as a child, was that there’s not much to do as a tourist.”
In 2018, Mbatha was in Kenya again, flying first class on Kenya Airways with a carry-on and two big bags. “I don’t know how to travel light,” she confesses.
She recalls there were times in the earlier years as a traveler when she would pack everything, leave the house and get to the airport only to realize she wasn’t carrying her passport.
“So passport… that’s like your golden item! The number two [must-have item] I’d say is sneakers. It’s always great to have comfortable sneakers so you’re able to walk around the city, around the towns and just be comfortable. So always carry sneakers no matter what!
“Number three – I always have a nice little bag of small decanted toiletries. I have like 20 different things that I use.
“So when you’re traveling, especially long-haul flights, you want to be able to have your [face] cream because you don’t want to end up using what the airline gives you…
“When I’m traveling and connecting flights, I always make sure I go to the bathroom and use my products and keep my skin hydrated and clean.
“And, of course, the fourth must-have, is a book; it’s always a great travel mate.”
On her last trip to Kenya, Mbatha traveled with her manager and they were scheduled to fly out to Kakuma on a United Nations mission, however, she requested three days to be in Nairobi before the trip.
“I really just wanted to experience it and see more of it. Also, I was in a space where I hadn’t traveled in a while.
“It completely changed me. I went to the K1 Flea Market which is so amazing. Everybody has a smile. Everybody is so welcoming.
“I got to go to the Maasai Market which is absolutely fantastic. And there is so much art and craft you can find there… And then the fanciest restaurants; five-star restaurants they don’t tell you about, that they don’t show you. The party scene in Kenya is amazing. And what I really loved about Kenya is I felt completely safe.”
She then explored the Karura Forest, saved from deforestation by conservationists led by the late Wangari Maathai (Nobel Peace Prize laureate, leader of the Green Belt Movement, and environmental and political activist). Karura presented the most memorable moments for Mbatha while in Kenya.
“It was lush. And it was just inspiring to know that a woman’s name was behind all of this. I just remember thinking how massive it was. We just stood there and it was one of the best experiences of my life… it was beautiful. For me, it was better than seeing the Eiffel Tower. It’s nothing like you’ve ever seen.”
While the visit to Karura Forest left Mbatha in awe, it also taught her a valuable lesson.
“It was emotional in the sense that there is so much we can do for the planet. And it implores one to really do better in terms of our own social responsibility when it comes to environmental sustainability.”
Mbatha says the African continent has much to learn from Kenya.
“A lot of innovative businesses in Kenya [are] self-started. The government of Kenya is very cognizant of the fact they are not going to bring international brands. In fact, they empower local brands to start their own businesses, down to potato crisps. It’s very motivating for people to have the entrepreneurial spirit,” says the globetrotter in love with Africa.