Zola Nombona Trends, As She Wears New Look in A New Year Pictures — Mzansi Reacts

Actress Zola Nombona has found herself at the centre of online gossip and heated debate after sharing bold new pictures of herself that quickly set South African social media timelines ablaze.

The award-winning actress, best known for her role as the sharp-tongued investigative journalist Pamela Khoza on Generations: The Legacy, posted striking photoshoots of herself wearing laughable accessoriesed dress with futuristic designer shades — and stacks of R200 notes.

Captioning the post, “New year, new energy,” Nombona may not have anticipated the intense reaction that followed.

While Zola has long been celebrated for her elegance, professionalism, and “classic” South African charm, this particular shoot marked a noticeable shift in tone — and many fans were caught off guard.

In the viral images, the actress is seen holding visible wads of cash. At the same time, additional stacks of R200 notes appear wrapped around her arms and thighs using transparent plastic wrap, creating what many online described as a “money-bound” aesthetic. For some, the imagery felt provocative. For others, it felt confusing.

Several social media users criticized the shoot, arguing that it clashed with the image they had come to associate with the Lockdown star.

Critics labelled the concept “tasteless,” “materialistic,” and even “out of touch,” especially given South Africa’s current economic climate. Others questioned why physical cash was being used as a visual prop at all.

One user wrote, “I thought she was classy, but when did she turn into this person?”
Another commented, “Money? The root of evil.”

Some went even further, accusing the shoot of promoting negative stereotypes or unnecessary shock value.

On the other side of the debate, Zola Nombona’s supporters rushed to her defence, arguing that the shoot was being misunderstood.

Fans pointed out that Nombona holds a Dramatic Arts degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and has consistently explored creative expression beyond traditional acting roles.

According to supporters, the plastic-wrapped money could symbolize the pressure of wealth, the feeling of being “trapped” by financial success, or the commodification of bodies within the entertainment industry.

One user commented, “Yoooooh… I never thought of it that way. Kahleni.”
Another added, “I’m trying to understand the idea behind this picture.”

Zola has also built a reputation as a business-minded digital entrepreneur, often speaking about ownership, branding, and self-reinvention. Some fans believe the shoot reflects a deliberate attempt to challenge expectations and spark conversation — something the actress has now successfully achieved.