Sultry Isibaya actress Zinhle Mabena and her Orlando Pirates star midfielder boyfriend Mpho Makola have taken their relationship to another level.
That's because the two have entered into a business partnership.
Mabena (23) and Makola were "nurturing our small baby", a company involved in the petroleum business.
But she refused to elaborate, saying "it is a fairly new business, established this year".
It would seem the scenario in Isibaya is playing itself out in her real life. In the series, Sihle's marriage to the chief's son Zweli has been postponed for the umpteenth time because, as Mabena said, "the heir is scared to commit".
On the Isibaya set, Mabena said she was privileged to work alongside doyens of the South African TV industry, such as veteran actors Thembi Nyandeni, Vusi Kunene, Siyabonga Twala and Bongani Gumede, among others.
"When I joined, I was scared but my fears were allayed upon realising I was learning from seniors. Being in the midst of such talent has made me a better artist," she said.
"The cast and crew's work ethic is amazing, it is unbelievable how much my career has been enhanced."
Mabena hinted at a presenting gig and at possibly venturing into radio next year.
More intriguing was the revelation that Mabena, who stars as Sihle in the Mzansi Magic drama series, loved children but said she would wait for a marriage proposal before having her own kids.
"I believe in getting married before having children," said the former mthunzini.com actress. Many people who know me will tell you that I adore kids."
The star of Winnie Mandela, a movie starring Jennifer Hudson as Winnie, said she would like to do more big screen movies.
"I am spreading my wings and casting my net as wide as possible. In this entertainment industry, we need each other as directors and actors."
As a 12-year-old girl, Mabena, with the support of her mom, was appearing in adverts.
"My mom used to take me to auditions. My brother, too, was supportive. I joined a casting agency as a little girl. I have been in the industry for over a decade."
Born and bred in Dawn Park, a suburb on the East Rand, Mabena's mother is Zulu and her father is Ndebele. But she was more conversant in her mother tongue of isiZulu, which lead to her getting the Isibaya role.
"I never learnt isiZulu at school. I was taught the language by my mom. She did not compromise on speaking the language properly."