Born in Durban, she grew up in the township of Umlazi before graduating from the University of Cape Town. Her second short, The Call, starring Fana Mokoena (World War Z), screened in competition at Shnit International Shortfilmfestival 2015 and her latest film, Gallo Rojo premiered at the 69th Cannes Film Festival Directors’ Fortnight. In addition, Mkhwanazi has written more than a hundred hours of aired television on over twenty-five television shows. She was the Head Writer of the critically acclaimed series Ya Lla (2015) and she is currently developing her first feature, Laundry, a film based on her family’s experiences during apartheid era of the 1960’s.