Renowned for her role as Sthoko on Skeem Saam, actress Innocent Sadiki is taking the entertainment industry by storm with her bubbly personality, relentless work ethic and determination.
Growing up, Innocent wanted to be an actress, and in her own words, the stage was like a second home. Her television break came in 2012 when she got her first commercial for a washing powder advertisement along with her twin sister, Millicent Mashile. While many commercials followed after the first one, she notes that the journey to where she is was not easy. Asked what it took to break into the industry, she says, “Honestly, a lot of auditions! I have lost count and track of how many auditions I did. I got so many NOs and rejections in the process too.”
However, Innocent did not despair, now making a name for herself in one of South Africa’s favourite television series, she explains that the experience has been overwhelming. “I have always wanted to be an actress, and now that I am one, it means everything! It’s a dream come true. The only way to explain it is that, it’s rewarding. When you have waited all your life for an opportunity to do what you love, and it finally happens, you realise that God is good and he answers prayers.”
Besides her acting role, Innocent is also a TV presenter, she co-hosts Alpha Youth on One Gospel with her twin sister. In addition, she mentors young women and preaches alongside her husband, Pastor Phindu Sadiki.
Asked how she juggles in-between her responsibilities, she explains, “It’s a purpose-driven life. I feel like my life is significant as I get to add value to society by doing what I’m meant to be doing. In a society where a lot of people are stuck in jobs that frustrate them, it is a privilege to do what I love.”
Innocent reminds us that nothing is as important as passion, and that no matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate.
Innocent’s relentless spirit is inspiring. It must take something to be this steadfast, so, in closing our interview, I pursued to know what keeps her going. She quotes Marianne Williamson, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine. It’s not just in some of us, it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
