Vatiswa Ndara's ‘Unfiltered’: a no-holds-barred look at the dark side of SA's entertainment industry

South African actress Vatiswa Ndara is set to unveil her tell-all memoir, “Unfiltered: My Unglamorous Odyssey in the World of South African Entertainment”, on digital platforms soon. 

Originally launched in 2022, the book peels back the glittering façade of showbiz to expose a world fraught with exploitation, injustice and silenced truths. 

Through raw honesty and sharp wit, Ndara lays bare the underbelly of SA’s entertainment industry, confronting systemic abuse, inequality and the personal cost of speaking out. 

Addressing fans eager for its release, Ndara shared on social media: “For those who’ve been checking for the book online, it’s not yet available. Apologies! But it will be, on a date soon to be announced.”

In the memoir’s prologue, Ndara reflects on the journey to writing the book: “Over the years, many have asked when they could read my story. It puzzled me because I never saw writing a book as something I’d do-it felt like summiting Mount Everest." 

"Honestly, it never occurred to me that anyone would be interested enough in my life to buy a book about it. It seemed like a bad joke… until 2021 changed everything.”

She recounts how an article published in Sowetan Live titled How do you hold a late celebrity accountable? sparked a backlash, much of it unfairly directed at her. 

The article examined ethical questions around exploitative practices in the South African film and television industry and the celebrity culture that often shields wrongdoers. 

One particularly emotional comment stood out: “Yhoo, people are bitter. Vatiswa must sit down. It’s annoying now … She must not try to taint Shona’s legacy … At the rate she is going, she will be forgotten for her craft and remembered for this kind of behaviour. Disrespect!”

Ndara sarcastically recalls checking the commenter’s Facebook bio, which claimed she was a spiritual healer and prayer warrior - a discovery that added an unexpected twist to the ordeal.

But the memoir is more than a response to criticism. It is Ndara’s chance to set the record straight, to separate fact from rumour, and share her story honestly, regardless of public opinion.

“This is what will put my mind at rest,” she writes.

Ndara’s outspokenness is not new. In 2019, she made shocking allegations against South African production houses, accusing them - particularly Ferguson Films - of exploiting actors despite earning millions themselves.

In an open letter to the former Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, she detailed unfair labour practices, poor pay and harsh working conditions faced by performers.

In that letter, which Mthethwa shared on X, Ndara wrote: “I come forth, not as a clever black seeking relevance … but at the risk of public shame, humiliation and alienation from peers … to expose the depth of my frustrated and broken spirit.” 

She highlighted an email contract offer from Ferguson Films for the third season of the drama series “iGazi”, where she portrayed the memorable character NomaRussia. The contract proposed R110 000 before tax for five weeks of shooting, with exclusivity clauses and long, unpredictable hours. 

Breaking down the terms, Ndara explained that after tax, her take-home pay would be about R82 000 - and she would be prohibited from seeking other work during the contract period. This, she said, revealed the harsh realities many actors face behind the scenes.

With “Unfiltered”, Ndara delivers an unvarnished look at the industry she knows all too well - a courageous narrative that challenges the status quo and advocates for change.