Hlubi Mboya, best known for her role as Nandipha Sithole on 'Isidingo', graduated from Rustenburg Girl's High School in Cape Town. In 2000 she took on her role as Nandipha and has not looked back since.

She was one of the celebrity contestants on the fifth season of the local series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2008 and has featured on the covers of True Love and Elle magazines. She has also ranked in FHM's 'sexiest women in the world' five times.

Mboya made her film debut in the 2006 South African short film 'Shogun Khumalo is Dying!' and also presented SABC 2's 'It's For Life'.

She is an active HIV/Aids ambassador and is particularly passionate about sharing education about the subject throughout Africa.

We speak to her to find out more...

You're a Cape Town girl. What do you love about the city and what's your favourite pastime?

I love the sea, the people and the night life! I'm a beach bum and I love hanging out with my friends on the beach.

You featured in 'Strictly Come Dancing'. Can you tell us a bit about the experience?

It was certainly the best time of my life — I learnt six new Latin American dances. As a woman, the costumes were also fabulous. It involved a lot of training and discipline and it's amazing how far you can push your body. I would do it all over in a heartbeat!

Being ranked SA's Sexiest five times in a row is quite a feat. How do you describe sexy, and how do you feel about that title?

I am honoured and charmed by the title. It is not easy staying in shape but it is part of my job. Sexy is the way you treat the people around you; it's the way you carry yourself. Sometimes being sexy doesn't necessarily mean being physically attractive — it is something that radiates from within.

You are passionate about educating people about Aids. Why this subject in particular? Has it touched you in any way? What do you think people's attitudes in SA are toward the subject? What are you doing to educate people?

I live in a third world continent where HIV and Aids are rife. I love helping people help themselves and educating the ignorant. I am playing an HIV positive character in Isidingo, which has opened up so many doors for me. It has allowed me to travel Africa motivating the youth about HIV awareness. This is the best part of my job and it is something I will do for the rest of my life. I love it.

I feel that there is still so much stigma surrounding HIV and Aids and I have made it my life's work to strive towards a time when Africa will have an HIV-free generation.

On a more light-hearted note, tell us who Hlubi is. How would you describe yourself?

I'm a free-spirited girl, a lover of life and a lover of people. I believe in the might of Africa and that Africa can be a contender in the first world economic community.

Role model?

All the women in my family — they are beautiful, kind, generous and take care of their families and their community.

Favourite food?

Italian.

Is there anyone special in your life?

Yes, he is my best friend, lover and confidant. Without him my life would not be complete.

What's next for Hlubi Mboya?

Film, film, film! I'm ready for international success and am ready to bring an Oscar back to South Africa.