As Netflix‘s supernovela The Polygamist continues to dominate conversations and social media timelines, Nolwazi Tsebesha who portrays Sarah in the series is emerging as one of the show’s most compelling young performers.
Tsebesha brings emotional depth to a character wrestling with identity, belonging and the complicated realities of family. Yet those who have followed her journey would know that her presence in one of the country’s biggest streaming is a testament to years of dedication and quietly building a career of substance.
The actress, singer and voice artist has spent the past few years building an increasingly diverse body of work across some of South Africa’s most recognisable productions. This year alone, she appeared on Scandal! as Mpumi, a character whose arrival brought tension and emotional complexity in the soapie. Most recently, she portrayed Lindelwa in Mzansi Magic‘s mini-series Lobola Lama 2000, adding another memorable performance to a growing list of television credits.
Other roles she has booked include Mzansi Magic shows like Ha Molefi, where she played Amo, and iThonga, where she portrayed Amahle. Her résumé extends beyond television into film, with a role in the Mzansi Bioskop movie Maboneng. Within The Polygamist‘s sprawling family dynamics and high-stakes drama, Sarah’s journey is deeply personal. She is searching for acceptance, for validation and for recognition from a father whose absence has left emotional scars.
Xabiso Ngqabe sat down with the rising star to talk about Sarah’s struggles, being in a Netflix Original and what viewers can expect from this supernovela.
Sarah comes from a different background compared to the other characters. What do you want the audience to understand about her struggles?
I would like for viewers to understand her seek for acceptance and validation. Sarah wants to fit in or to be part of the family. But she feels like she’s not given the space to feel like she belongs.
What are you most excited about regarding the show?
I’m excited about how we are received as the youth. You see the growth within the years of the show. You also see the dynamics amongst us and how our relationships function.
The Polygamist has quickly become one of the country’s most talked-about shows. What has surprised you most about the audience’s response to Sarah and the conversations she’s sparked?
What surprised me the most is how people are receiving Sarah, majority of the people find her irritating and annoying, they are not seeing her as one of the victims. Yes she has her own issues that she’s dealing with but she doesn’t see how her dad treats his other kids, all she sees is them getting the life she always wanted and starts hating them just because they are blessed in ways that she isn’t.
What would you tell the younger version of yourself who was dreaming about a career in television and film?
Believe in yourself because if you don’t believe in yourself no one will.
What has been the main highlight of this journey?
Just the love, the conversations and how people relate and view The Polygamist.
You’re also starring in eGagasini: Waves of Change. How is this role different from Sarah?
I can’t speak much about the role but I can say they are worlds apart, my character on Egagasini is an Angel, she’s literally a bright light that lights up the room.
How was it like working with Gugu Gumede again?
Sisi Gugu is a brilliant actress more so an amazing human being and I could work with her over and over again, the woman she is, wow. I feel absolutely blessed.
Adapted from Sue Nyathi’s acclaimed novel, The Polygamist is streaming on Netflix, led by standout performances from Gugu Gumede and Sdumo Mtshali as Joyce and Jonasi Gomora. Produced by Stained Glass Productions, The Polygamist boasts an impressive creative team, with Busisiwe Zwane serving as head writer and Rolie Nikiwe, Nthabi Tau and Akin Omotoso directing. The cast also includes Kwanele Mthethwa, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Luyanda Zwane, Celeste Ntuli, Vuyo Biyela, Kenneth Nkosi, Wonder Ndlovu and Noluthando Shabalala.
Also read:
- Cast, storyline and where to watch The Polygamist on Netflix
- Sdumo Mtshali talks about Jonasi Gomora and his approach in portraying him
- Luyanda Zwane opens up about Lindani and lessons learnt from working with veteran actors
- Everything to know about Netflix’s biggest supernovela yet
- Gugu Gumede speaks on her career-defining role of Joyce in The Polygamist
- Kwanele Mthethwa talks The Polygamist and working with Sdumo Mtshali
- What’s new on Netflix in June 2026
- The Polygamist ending explained
