Zinhle Nene was born in 1978 at Emmaus Hospital (KZN). She started school at Champagne Valley Primary School. She then went to Bonokuhle High School. She started working as an artist (painter) at Ardmore Ceramic at the age of 17 where she joined her sister, Jabu Nene, from the year 1995 until 2022. She was mentored by her sister Jabu. Zinhle says that she loves working as an artist mostly because it continues to teach her about nature. Being able to provide for her family keeps her going as she is the breadwinner at home. “Art means a lot to me, it makes me happy, I feel like flying when I’m doing it” says Zinhle.