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Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Entertainment Editor

In early 2000, mistresses and girlfriends were known as small houses.

To some Zimbabweans,  the  term “small house” is a social term coined in reference to unmarried women who date married men.

The term also draws its meaning from pre-colonial marriages among Africans where polygamy was common.

Journalist Pathisa Nyathi, once wrote: “A man’s junior wife was literally referred to as “a small wife” or “small house”, indlu encane in contrast to indlu enkulu, literally the “big or senior house”.

In that regard, late local filmmaker Collins Mukosi, popularly known as Doc or Michael Muchemwa, created the soap, “The Small House Saga” on ZBCTV in the early 2000. The soap was inspired by societal settings and there was one character, “Jeanne” played by Evangelista Mwatse.

Jeanne was a small house, gold digger and luck fell on her side as Mwatse played the role so well.

Instead of being hated by many because she was a small house, she became a darling, sweet sensation for television.

Those who understand film and television endorsed her as a game-changer.

But where is she now?

Many of her peers have missed the actress after relocating to South Africa for greener pastures.

Whether or not she struck gold across the Limpopo is a story for another day.

Besides settling in South Africa and pursuing other career paths, her followers remember her as a phenomenal actress, influencer and girl-child activist.

She accepts that she had no choice, but to leave Zimbabwe and open a new chapter.

“I relocated nine years ago because I got married and started a family. I live in the city of Johannesburg and I am blessed with an adorable son. I am my own boss and I love it,” said Mwatse.

Determined to test the South African film waters, Mwatse tried her best to make a grade in her new base.

“Oh yes, I have. I have had cameos and guest appearances in a few productions, including SABC1 shows like ‘Ithuba Lokugcina’, ‘Mutual Friends’ and ‘Generations the Legacy’. I worked on Ashes to Ashes, an ETV show. I also featured on MTV show ‘Isono’ and a Zimbabwean series, ‘Working Wives’ which was aired on Showmax and that was my last production among a few failed auditions.”

After settling in South Africa, she does not miss her notorious role in “Small House Saga” which catapulted her to acclaim.

“Honestly, I do not miss playing that role in the ‘Small House Saga’ production. It was an incredible opportunity for a young girl with a dream, and I am grateful to have had the chance to bring that character to life,” recalled Mwatse.

Quizzed to share some of the lessons learnt in the soap, Mwatse was blunt.

“Surprisingly, I do not remember much of the soap opera itself, but I do recall the lessons from the character I portrayed. I also do not recall the details of my character’s background, but I remember that she was a force to reckon with, a true go-getter who would not let anything stand in her way,” she said.

Born a natural actress, Mwatse reckons she has changed many lives.

“The character (Jeanne) showed us that we should not be afraid of taking risks, challenge the status quo, and push beyond our limits to achieve our goals.”

Mwatse believes the film and television sector is poised for growth.

“Zimbabwean film and television has made significant strides in recent years but, there is room for improvement. More local shows are celebrating our talent, culture, and stories.

“Some productions are stepping up their game with excellent story-telling, sound, picture and editing. And, the best part is we have a mix of drama, comedy, music and documentaries to choose from,” she said.

She, however, conceded there are some areas which need to be addressed.

“There are still lots of challenges. 0loads of them. We need better equipment and money to make our shows shine.”

She urged various stakeholders to invest in film for its growth.

“We should promote our local content and give our talent a platform to shine. And why not partner with international friends to reach a wider audience?

“If we manage this, Zimbabwean TV can keep growing and sharing our unique stories with the world. Who knows, maybe one day we will  produce the next big hit.”

As a creative in film and television, Mwatse believes she will leave behind a legacy. “I want to be remembered as a trailblazing actress and creative force in the Zimbabwean film and television industry, where I have made a lasting impact through my performances and contributions.

“My work has not only entertained but also inspired audiences, and I am proud to have played a role in shaping the industry’s growth.”

Despite being a multi-tasking woman with a lot of commitments, she has not given up on returning to the ‘small screen’.

“The industry demands a lot, and right now, I do not have the drive and motivation that I had. I am being kind to myself and allowing myself the space to return to my career when I feel ready and revitalised,” said Mwatse. She also shared some of her hidden talents. “Had I not been an actress,  I would have been in integrated communications and media production.”

With all the fame she commands, she also misses some of her peers.“I miss my peers and  industry colleagues whom I still wish to share a stage with in theatre spaces.”