By Nthabiseng Makhokha 

July 30th marked International Day of Friendship, and this year we’ve rounded up some symbolic pairs that embody the true meaning of sisterhood.

Nancy Isime and Voke Petra

An actress, TV personality and model, Nancy Isime, and influencer and entrepreneur, Voke Petra, are a good example of friendships that have stood the test of time. In an interview for Bella Naija’s Peas In A Pod, the BFFs were tested on how well they knew each other. 

The pair admitted that they are both fashionistas and shared a little bit more about their friendship.

“I just realised that Voke will always be that friend who I can call on, when I’m doing something she’s first the, and the last to leave,” says Nancy. “Everything I’ve told her has stayed between us, and she understands me […]”

“Nancy has stood by me for… she’s been there for so long. She’s been so supportive and she’s the friend you can call. She’s always there,” Voke responds. “She’s the voice of reason in our relationship. She’s a lot, she’s a full package.”

This Nigerian duo have shared heartfelt messages on socials about their friendship of 12 years and seem to has an unspoken understanding that keeps their union going. 

Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji

Does it get any better than having a best friend IRL who you get to co-star with as besties on an international series? Talk about friendship goals! Nigerian-American actress and comedian, Yvonne Anuli Orji, and American actress, writer, and producer, Jo-Issa Rae Diop, met in quite a modern way.

According to The List, Issa and Yvonne first connected via Twitter DMs through the recommendation of Yvonne's friends who told her that she and Issa would get along. Fast forward, despite Yvonne having very little experience in acting, Issa vouches for her to be cast as Insecure’s Molly.

“I love how we can spend all day Saturday together, then on Monday still have such immense joy and genuine affection when we enter each other’s presence on the red carpet and cut up, like no one else is watching,” Yvonne captioned a post of her and Issa.

"100% I would be nowhere without my female friendships — a lot of my core friendships in general," says Issa. "Every female friend that I have has been in my productions, helped behind the scenes, has gassed me up when I've felt like 'Ah I don't think I should do this. Imma just take this temp job,' has told people about my stuff."

Our highlight? The duo was nominated for the Emmys in 2020, making it Issa’s second and Yvonne’s first. This pair is definitely winning together.

Viola Davis And Thuso Mbedu

Both accomplished actors and producers in their own right, South Africa’s Thuso Mbedu, and America’s Viola Davis met through work and have developed a solid bond of sisterhood. 

"We first met during the audition process and had a creative conversation about the script; if anything, it reassured me that I'm in safe hands," says Thuso in an interview with The View. 

The two Woman King Warriors endured an intense everyday workout in preparation for the film and jokingly say they “trauma bonded.”

The co-stars have since shared warm messages about each other on socials and their synergy is undeniable on and off screen.

“To me Thuso is translucent talent. Light comes through in every shade and that is how I see her emotional life come through with this character of Nawi. It is that immediacy. It's that accessibility that only a few have. And I think it's the building block of a very incredible actor. I also find Thuso to have incredible integrity. And I find her to be someone who absolutely works hard,” expressed Viola in an interview with Essence Magazine.

Wishing Viola a happy birthday via an Instagram post, Thuso had this to say; “Happy birthday to the most dearest and sweetest and fiercest real life warrior that I grace the privilege and honour and blessing to call friend! I know your day will be full of love and laughter and kindness! May this next chapter be as good to you as you were to all of us over this last year! We love you forever!”

Pearl Thusi and DJ Zinhle

All relationships have their fair share of ups and downs, and South Africa’s actress, model and presenter, Pearl Thusi, and producer, media personality and businesswoman, DJ Zinhle are no exception. Their relationship has many a times sparked speculations from social media netizens, to which the pair would defend publicly. 

Speaking on their sisterhood in an interview with Sowetan Live’s SMag, DJ Zinhle shot down any rumours of there being bad blood between her and her bestie; “Pearl and I are fine… we have an everlasting sisterhood. Much like every relationship has its ups and downs, we go through that as well. We are at a point in our lives where we don’t have to explain ourselves to people as long as we’re accountable to each other and our friendship.”

“The thing with Zinhle and I is that we’ve always been friends. I consider Zinhle to be a sister,” says Pearl to DJ Fresh in an interview on Waw What A Week Podcast. 

“We did have a moment but it wasn't a moment of like ‘we're not friends anymore. We hate each other, you’re disgusting. I'll never speak to you again, we've broken’ up type of thing. You know, we're adults. We're growing. We're evolving. So sometimes we are going to have moments where we are maybe not agreeing on things.”

As the African proverb says, “Between true friends, even water drunk together is sweet enough.” 

Through challenging seven-day workouts, Viola and Thuso’s friendship blossomed, Pearl and DJ Zinhle constantly prove that theirs will rise above the naysayers, and Issa and Yvonne’s relationship is about lifting each other up. 

Whatever your friendship goals, we’re here to celebrate and cheer you on.