Meet Zanele ZIMU | Actress & Plus Size Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zanele ZIMU and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zanele, how do you think about risk?
I think risk is one of the most important parts of growth especially in a creative career. If I hadn’t taken the risk of putting myself out there as both a model and an actress, I would’ve missed out on some of the biggest moments of my journey so far. For example, I took a huge risk when I agreed to do a nude shoot as a plus-size woman. I knew people would judge how I looked, but I also knew that if I wanted to represent real, unfiltered beauty, I had to be brave enough to do it. That shoot ended up being featured on the Vogue Italia website through the Photo Vogue with photographer Reze Bonna and that image later helped me book a campaign with L’Oréal South Africa, which was something I once only dreamed about.
And more recently, I took another big leap by leaving South Africa to move to Los Angeles and study acting. It’s been one of the scariest but most rewarding risks I’ve ever taken. Every day here reminds me that growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones , it happens when you say yes, even when you’re scared.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an actress and plus-size model from South Africa, currently studying at the Art of Acting Studio in Los Angeles. My journey has been anything but linear, but it’s taught me so much about courage, patience, and trusting my path.
I’m proud of the work I’ve done so far . I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with major brands like Jägermeister, Uber Eats, Chicken Licken, L’Oréal and many more. I also worked as a radio host at Opulence Radio, where I hosted a show called Serving Your Palate, which was all about food.You can follow more of my work and creative journey on Instagram: @zanele_zimu.

A project I am especially proud of is “Look at Me”, a visual poetry short film I co-created with Babalwa Manyi (Instagram: @babs_xm), with Letlhogonolo “Hlogi” Masipa (Instagram: @hlogi.za) as our DOP. The film merges poetry, costume design, and movement to explore body positivity, self discovery, and the courage it takes to truly be seen. It is a deeply personal project about visibility, resilience, and coming home to yourself.
We are honoured to share that we recently won the Italian South African Short Film Competition 2025 “Talented Beauties” prize. This initiative, supported by the Consulate General of Italy in Johannesburg, aims to encourage and uplift the film production of young talents and emerging professionals, and we are truly grateful for the recognition.We had the privilege of working with incredible creators on this project, and we cannot wait for the world to experience their art as we continue our journey and hope to see the film travel through festivals soon.

My path to acting wasn’t easy. I actually studied Finance and Economics at the University of Cape Town because I was scared that pursuing acting wouldn’t be financially stable. I ended up working behind the scenes at festivals on production teams, but even though I was successful on paper, I felt unfulfilled and unhappy. It took me almost ten years of trying, failing, and trying again before I finally took the leap to study acting full-time and I’m so grateful I did.
I’ve learned that no matter how long the journey is, you can still make it. The key is to keep believing in yourself and chasing your dreams.

When it comes to my brand, I want people to know that my story and my art are about authenticity, courage, and representation. My goal is to continue creating work that makes people feel seen and reminds them that beauty, power, and artistry come in every shape and size.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I just moved to Los Angeles about a month and two weeks ago, so I’m still very much in full-on tourist mode and exploring as much as I can. Every day feels like a little adventure! I’m still learning about all the hot spots, but one place that really stood out to me is Tao the vibe, the food, the energy, everything feels so cinematic. Then Andys is the perfect place to dance and sip on cute drinks ,it’s fun, easygoing, and the music always gets you moving. One of my favorite discoveries so far has been The Last Bookstore in downtown LA. It felt like walking straight into Harry Potter! The book tunnels, the vintage records, the cozy reading corners. it’s honestly magical

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my family, my friends, and my community back home in South Africa. Being an artist isn’t easy. There are seasons when the work flows effortlessly and others when everything goes quiet. You don’t always get paid regularly, and staying motivated through the uncertainty can be tough. But my people have been my anchor. They have held me through every high and low, reminded me of my purpose, and shown me what real love and community look like. They are the reason I keep fighting for my passion and believing in my dream, even when the road gets hard. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without them.

I would also like to thank the entire Look At Me team, and my co-creator Babalwa Manyi. This project would not exist without each and every one of you. Your hard work, creativity, and heart poured into this vision made it what it is today. From the long nights to the laughter between takes, you reminded me that collaboration is pure magic. Thank you for believing in this story and helping bring it to life in such a beautiful and powerful way.

Instagram: zanele_zimu

Image Credits
Solo images : REZE BONNA (INSTA: @REZEBONNA)
Group images : Lethogonolo Masipa (INSTA: @HLOGI.ZA AND @SOHOPRODUCTIONS.TV)