IOL TV Issue 4_14 October 2020

TELEVISION

Issue 4 | October 2020

IOL

SIYABONGA THWALA

CEO OF CHAOS

2

3

Inside...

Ruthlessly Ambitious

4-5

SA’s top 5 local shows

6-7

6 New faces on soapies/ telenovelas Villians we love to hate

LELETI KHUMALO ACTRESS/PRODUCER

Cast as MaZulu on Imbewu, she also shares producer credits on the soap, which is set in KwaZulu-Natal. In an earlier interview with IOL, she said: “We do not understand how beautiful our cultures are. And, as a producer now, I want to tell more stories that reflect us, that highlight us and that are true to us. A lot of things happened when I was doing theatre, those made me grow a thick skin.

I believe it was preparing me for bigger and more challenging things.”

Holy Mary!

8-9 10-11

12-13

5 Popular soapie/ telenovela characters

14-15

Mohale’s star shines bright

16-17

5 Indian telenovelas

18

Front row seat to telenovelas

19

TV Gig came right on time

20

CONTACT US PUBLISHER | Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com EDITOR | Debashine Thangevelo debashine.thangevelo@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE EDITOR | Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za PRODUCTION | Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za DESIGN | Mallory Munien mallory.munien@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT | Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES Charl Reineke | charl@africannewsagency.com Kyle Villet | kyle.villet@africannewsagency.com GENERAL ENQUIRIES | info@anapublishing.com

FROM THE EDITOR LOCAL soaps and telenovelas are dominating the small screen in South Africa. Fact.

Of course, this is an interesting switch from several years ago when international offerings were a big deal and everyone was obsessed with Brooke Logan’s latest conquest on The Bold and the Beautiful.

The past few weeks have been immensely exciting. Aside from the Royalty Soapie Awards 2020 celebrating this sector of the industry, we’ve seen two big telenovelas, Legacy and Isono – a first for M-Net and BET, respectively – make their debut.

Not only that, both offerings include the crème de la crème of our industry.

As you might have gathered, this edition homes in on the soapies and telenovelas that leave us yearning for more with incredible story arcs, well-etched characters and unforgettable heroes and villains.

Inside, we feature interviews with industry heavyweights, Siyabonga Thwala and Nthati Moshesh.

While he is power-hungry in his role, she is a magnificently dark revelation in hers.

We also look at the most popular shows according to viewership stats as well as the hottest new faces on the scene.

For viewers who enjoy Bollywood, Spanish and Mexican telenovelas, we’ve selected the ones you should be tuning into and/ or streaming.

Lastly, find out how Mohale MotaungMhlongo is feeling after his guest role on e.tv’s Rhythm City.

Feel free to drop us your feedback!

Debashine

4

5

RUTHLESSLY AMBITIOUS Siyabonga Thwala’s power play in the boardroom pays off in M-Net’s Legacy, but the battle is far from over, writes DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

S

SIYABONGA Thwala as Msizi Zulu, the acting CEO of Legacy Investments and L24 News, with Leeanda Reddy as Nirvana Perumal, his greatest ally, in M-Net’s first telenovela, Legacy.

IYABONGA Thwala is one of South Africa’s most revered actors in the soapie and telenovela landscape.

He played Vuzi Zwane on e.tv’s Scandal, which bagged him a Golden Horn accolade for Best Actor in a TV Soap. He’s also been on Generations, and let’s not forget the indelible impression he left as taxi boss Mpiyakhe Zungu on Mzansi Magic’s Isibaya.

Now he’s bagged another plum role on M-Net’s first telenovela, Legacy.

Cast as Msizi Zulu, he has been in cunning pursuit of the CEO position at Legacy Investments and L24 News. With the recent murder of founder Sebastian Price (Deon Lotz), who was on the cusp of embracing retirement by handing over the baton to a worthy candidate, it has made the situation most advantageous for Zulu. More so, with Sebastian’s wife, Dineo (Kgomotso Christopher), behind bars for her husband’s murder.

Even better, he has Nirvana Perumal (Leeanda Reddy), who carries weight as a no-nonsense investment board chairperson, backing his play.

Given that he built his career playing such unforgettable characters, Thwala was asked if, in playing Zulu, he will be repeating

history. He responded: “Yes, but it all starts with the script and knowing how much freedom the writers and producers give me as an actor to play around and get to discover everything about the character. It’s like a collaboration.”

Expanding on the intricacies of his character, the veteran actor shared: “Msizi is an ambitious man who feels like he deserves a lot more than what has been given to him. He’s ambitious and will do whatever it takes to get there. In his mind, white people are necessary to have around, but are also the biggest obstacles in his life and success.”

Although Dineo is less of a

threat, the same cannot be said of Felicity (Mary-anne Barlow), who, ironically enough, shares Zulu’s cut-throat trait.

She’s had her eye firmly on her late father’s throne and she has the blessing of her mother Angelique (Michelle Botes), who is adamant about it remaining a family-run business.

If Angelique has to sully the names of threats or her husband’s wife, so be it. And so the battle lines are drawn between Felicity and the new acting CEO. Legacy airs on M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 7pm from Monday to Thursday.

6

7

GENERATIONS: THE LEGACY

RHYTHM CITY

SA’S TOP 5 LOCAL SHOWS KEDIBONE MODISE

SOAPIES/ Telenovelas are a big deal for viewers. They offer a wonderful form of escapism thanks to the melodramatic storylines, which leave audiences yearning for more.

While many may argue that all the shows are popular because they are on free-to-air channels, the truth is South Africans enjoy a good story.

Even though DStv channels trail behind free-to-air, their shows still get respectable ratings. There are just over 1.1 million viewers for Mzansi Magic’s popular soapies Gomora and The Queen. 1Magic’s The River comes second with over 780 000 viewers, while Mzansi Magic’s Isibaya comes third with over 720 000 viewers.

Here are the top five shows that keep South Africans glued to their screen.

Uzalo

Uzalo became a hit when it debuted on the small screen in 2015.

It initially centred on two families from KwaMashu: the Mdletshe family, who play a significant role in the management of the KwaMashu Kingdom Church; and the Xulu family, who run a car hijacking syndicate. The families are connected by their eldest sons who were switched at birth. As the show progressed, the storylines have changed dramatically. Uzalo, on SABC1 on weekdays at 8.30pm, has remained the most-watched South African soapie for three years, with over 8.9 million viewers.

UZALO

Generations: The Legacy Previously known as Generations, it is the second most-watched television show in South Africa, with over 7,5 million viewers. It focuses on the transfer of wealth, knowledge and culture.

With the advertising industry as its backdrop, the storylines explore the dreams and aspirations of its characters, from different social backgrounds. Rivalry, treachery and blackmail between siblings, friends and foes are common. Suspense, intrigue and tension are the order of the day. Generations: The Legacy, airs on SABC1 at 8pm on weekdays.

Skeem Saam

At number three, with over 6.7 million viewers, this show is set in the rural area of Turfloop outside Polokwane. The captures the ups and downs of a group of teenagers trying to navigate their way through life.

The ground-breaking youth drama follows their journey as they finish high school and head off to university, leaving Turfloop and venturing into the bright lights of Johannesburg. The show is now in its seventh season. Skeem Saam airs on SABC 1 at 6.30pm on weekdays.

SCANDAL

Scandal!

This daily drama was built around a fictional media company, Nyathi Family Holdings (NFH), in Newtown, Johannesburg, which produces the newspaper The Voice and the gossip magazine Scandal.

The show follows the lives of the people working there and those in their inner circle. It also tells the story of socio-economic divides of township and suburban life.

The show shines a spotlight on how villains and heroes play out the complex twists and turns of their lives in their home, business and recreational environments. Scandal! airs on e.tv at 7.30pm and recently garnered over 4.7 million viewers.

SKEEM SAAM

Rhythm City

This soap explores two family empires in the entertainment space: the Genaros and the Ndlovus, and how their heirs want to dominate the scene. The characters lead affluent lives while exploring the complexity of living in the city.

Past rivalries, industry conflicts, infidelity, backstabbing, sexuality, love and good and evil, are the order of the day as the story shifts from the township to the suburbs.

Rhythm City airs on e.tv at 7pm, weekdays and has 3.8 million viewers.

6 8

LIAM KARABO JOYCE

New faces on our favourite shows

South Africa has some of the best-produced soapies and telenovelas. Here is our list of the hottest talent currently on the small screen

9

CANTONA JAMES

RICHARD SEPTEMBER

KHOJANE MORAI

He plays Daniel Lefras in KykNet’s hit, Arendsvlei. The rising star, who joined the award-winning show, is one of the newest residents in the town of Arendsvlei. Cantona’s portrayal of Daniel, who is a bright boy with a damaged past, has not gone unnoticed. Cantona was recently nominated for a Royalty Soapie Award in the outstanding newcomer category.

He obtained his BA Honors in Theatre and Play at UCT and made his TV debut on Neighbourhood Watch.

In 2015, he played eight different characters in the stage production, Rondomskrik, during the Woordfees, presented by Stellenbosch University.

He joined the cast of Suidooster as Bennie, a straight forward young man, who is protected by his mother.

Khojane Morai is an actor best known for his starring role as Nolo, a young man from QwaQwa in search of his biological father in the city, on SABC2’s Lithapo.

Of course, viewers will also remember him from Scandal! and his portrayal of Justine on Mzansi Magic’s Isithembiso last June.

THEMBINKOSI BRIAN MTHEMBU

When he joined the cast of the multiaward-winning telenovela, The River, on 1Magic, social media was abuzz with talk about his good looks. He plays the role of Mabutho, a man of action who is loyal and rough around the edges. Thembinkosi, a Durban University of Technology graduate, was recently nominated for a Royalty Soapie Award in the outstanding newcomer category.

SIPHESIHLE NDABA

When Mzansi Magic’s Gomora hit our screens, we knew it would be a hit from the very first episode.

With celebrated performers like Katlego Danke and Thembi Seete helming the show, viewers were also introduced to fresh faces like Siphesihle Ndaba. She plays Mazet, a gorgeous and dangerous young woman, who lures a young man into a life of crime.

NTOBEKO SISHI

This actor, singer and star of Gomora has certainly become a fan favourite since his small screen debut.

The former Hectic Nine-9 presenter plays Ntokozo, the son of Melusi and Gladys. He is extremely smart and dashing. However, he has always struggled in his family. From the outside, it looks like he has it all. But it’s hard being Ntokozo.

10

VILLIANS WE LOVE TO HATE No soapie or telenovela is complete without a villain or two raising hell. Let’s be honest, the storyline would be pretty humdrum if we didn’t have them perennially plotting some dastardly plan, writes DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

Lindiwe Dlamini The River A true African queen, don’t be fooled by those gorgeous looks, though. Lindiwe (Sindi Dlathu) is as ruthless as she is stylish with that powerhouse wardrobe.

She recently bagged the Outstanding Female Villain honours at the Royalty Soapie Awards.

Her regal presence, while lighting up the room, can make others feel rather small. Basically, women want to be her and men want to be with her, not that they have much of a chance, mind you.

She’s happily in love with her husband. A go-getter, she’s protective of her loved ones.

Being manipulative is her default setting, which dates back to her childhood, where she was exposed to violence.

Given the hardships she endured growing up, she’s adamant about maintaining her pampered lifestyle and by ruling with an iron fist.

Hector SebataThe Queen A police colonel, Hector (played

by Rapulana Seiphemo) uses his position to conceal his corrupt shenanigans.

The base for his drug operations is at the Tembisa police station, where he has dirty cops on his payroll. The end goal is to become

CONNIE CHIUME

THE RIVER

the biggest drug supplier.

What works in his favour is a disarming personality, which helps sell the legit image. But his ambition and greed, especially on a meagre law enforcement salary, has seen him cross over to the dark side.

His journey into this world started when he became a detective, he helped provide protection for drug dealers.

As he ascended the ranks, his plan to grow his own drug empire took root. There’s just one problem, though – the Khoza family controls this territory already.

Mam’sontoGomora Don’t be fooled by the fact that Mam’Sonto (played by Connie Chiume) is a mother to Thathi (Katlego Danke) and Pretty (Siyasanga Papu), she’s a powerful woman.

Circumstances drove her to start her own criminal enterprise.

While she looks like a legitimate businesswoman with her Shisa Nyama spot, she’s ruthless, cold and unforgiving.

Fortunately, her one daughter shares her mother’s penchant for crime and so they continue to grow their hijacking empire.

SINDI DLATHU RAPULANA SEIPHEMO

11

12

Holy Mary !

Nthati Moshesh bags the mother of all roles DE BASHINE T HANG EVELO

FOR those who have tuned into BET’s first telenovela, Isono, I’m sure your jaw dropped in the first episode.

Nthati Moshesh delivers a performance unlike any we’ve seen to date. Cast as Mary Ndlovu, she

is unflinchingly ruthless. Several scenes later, she is seen as a revered community leader attending church.

And therein lies the beauty of this character. In a recent tête-àtête with the 51-year-old actress,

she said: “You are going to call me a few weeks after and go, ‘Who is that character?’ She’s challenging.”

Beyond challenging, though, there is a concealed darkness to her. Of course, Moshesh thrives on playing characters that take her

out of her comfort zone.

This one does that and more.

She laughed: “I think it’s apt that she is called ‘A devil in a Sunday hat’. The whole show is about duality of character and no one really portrays that role better than Mary. There’s this philanthropist on the one hand.

“She is a mother. She takes care of abandoned children. At the same time, she will murder, or order a hit, without blinking.

“I would say of all the characters I have played, multiply that by 10. It’s really on that level.

This character, it’s a page-turner for me, reading the script. I’m hoping the audience watching thinks it’s a gripping drama.”

Is there some redemption to this “Mother of the Nation” from Vosloorus on the East Rand, Johannesburg, where she runs the

House of Grace, a centre helping the youth, especially those at lifechanging crossroads in their life?

Moshesh explained: “If you are an obstacle, she will remove the obstacle. How she chooses to do so is at her discretion.

“But she really does believe that she is removing the obstacles for the greater good. The one thing that drives this woman is taking care of the kids in her care. In fact, she grew up in an orphanage, too. She is led by her maternal instinct, which gets bludgeoned, sometimes.”

Aside from the seasoned talent on the show, there’s an incredible mix of young actors.

Unapologetically biased, she responded: “You are going to see talent on another level.”

The veteran actress continued: “Didi (Didintle) Khunou, who

plays my daughter, Esther, I’ve seen her twice on stage. I was blown away by her talent then.

The more time I spend with Didi, it’s quite scary (gets a bit emotional here), I feel she’s a younger version of me. She loves dancing. She loves singing. I’m exactly the same.”

Aside from bumping into Bohang Moeko at an event, Moshesh worked with him on Ring of Lies.

She added:”Now he gets to be my son, Gabriel. There are no random meetings in the industry.

I’m very excited about working with the young talent on the show.”

Mary’s Machiavellian manoeuvres are bound to keep South Africa religiously tuning in.

Isono airs on BET (DStv channel 129) from Monday to Thursday, at 9.30pm.

13

14

15

They are the reason we tune in everyday.

Here are five of SA’s favourite characters...

KEDIBONE MODISE

MO ST PO PUL A R SO A PIE / T E L E N O V E LA CH A RA CT E RS

TSHIDI Tshidi Phakade is a strong-willed businesswoman, played by singer and sangoma Letoya Makhene on Generations: The Legacy. She’s feisty and ambitious. When she left the show to pursue her musical career, fans were devastated, but Tshidi made a dramatic return after she faked her death to escape the obsessive Jack Mabaso. Now that she’s back, fans are eager to see what she has up her sleeve as the plot thickens.

TEBELLO

LESHOLE & HIS DAD, BIG BOY

The fan favourite character on Scandal! is Tebello, played by 10-year-old Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane. He is an abandoned child who has captured the hearts of many South Africans. Tebello’s charismatic personality, wit and his expression in the Sesotho language are some of the reasons why he is adored by viewers. After each episode, fans take to social media where they gush about Tebello, many of them saying he’s the reason they love the show.

Leshole Mabitsela is played by Thabo Mkhabela on Skeem Saam and is the son of an alcoholic township mechanic and single parent, Big Boy Mabitsela, played

by Charles Maja, who recently passed away. Leshole never had it easy in life but he beat the odds and is training to be a pilot, which has made him a role model for many young people from rural Turloof. With success looming, his mother appears from nowhere and demands to be a part of his life.

LINDIWE DLAMINI Lindiwe Dlamini is a villainous character on The River played by multi-award-winning actress Sindi Dlathu. Hers is a classic rag-toriches story. She grew up in poverty and vowed she would get herself out of – and she did. She’s a mining magnate and the most powerful and evil person on The River. She might be ruthless but she loves her family and will go to whatever lengths necessary to protect them.

TEDDY Teddy, played by rising star Sicelo Buthelezi, won the hearts of many South Africans the moment he walked into our living rooms when Gomora debuted earlier in the year. Teddy is the sweetheart of the show. He is street smart and is determined to succeed, even as he struggles with reading and poor memory. Rumour has it that his mother used to drink a lot while she was pregnant with him.

16

O L

| Mohale Motaung-Mhlongo

MOHALE’S STAR SHINES BRIGHT Bitten by the acting bug, Motaung-Mhlongo wants more, writes DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

K

O

ON HIS RECENT SOAPIE DEBUT Mohale Motaung-Mhlongo recently joined e.tv’s popular soapie, Rhythm City, albeit for a brief stint.

Cast as Kudzo, he was introduced into the story arc as the suave head of sponsorship for a big cell phone company. However, it was all a ruse choreographed by Pearl (the late David Genaro’s daughter, played by Petronella Tshuma), who has a score to settle with Suffocate (Mduduzi Mabaso).

ON IT BEING EASIER TO INHABIT AN AFFLUENT CHARACTER Given his lavish way of life, it wasn’t much of a stretch to dabble in the world of the wealthy.

He laughed: “Ja, definitely. I could say that it wasn’t very farfetched from my original lifestyle.

ON HIS GUEST ROLE BEING EXTENDED He offered: “We did have a bit of a chat about it and they asked about my availability in November/ December/ January and February because they had a writers’ meeting. I think they are working on bringing the character back. So keeping those fingers crossed.”

ON DEALING WITH TROLLS Given his high-profile relationship with Somizi MhlongoMotaung, the news of his acting gig got a lot of traction on social media.

Motaung-Mhlongo explained:

“Some things you can’t control as a person. I think it’s something that I’ve experienced for quite some time now. And because of that, when it happens now, it doesn’t move me.

“I believe people are allowed to have their own opinions about whatever but it doesn’t now mean that I shouldn’t pursue opportunities or gigs simply because people don’t think I’m deserving. I’ve just decided that I’m going to work, lead my life and do what I have to do because, really, I can’t stop for every dog that barks! I need to keep it moving.

“I need to do my work and, for as long as the people I’m working for or working with are happy and I’m happy - that’s all that matters.

I mean the producers at Rhythm City are happy. The directors are happy. So if they are happy, then I’m good. I don’t want to explain myself to anyone else.”

ON WHAT’S NEXT Now that he’s been properly bitten by the acting bug, he added: “I’ve been saying that if I can get a role as a straight guy, it would really challenge me to step out of my comfort zone.”

“I’m building a platform called, Let’s talk with Mohale. I realise that I really enjoy talking to people and that I’ve got a particular style in interviewing people, which is a skill I never thought I had. It’s already in the pipeline.”

And he’s got his eye on bagging a part on The River, too.

17

18

19

DAILY DELIGHT FIVE OF THE BEST INDIAN TELENOVELAS TO WATCH

A front-row seat to telenovela streaming

ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

Don’t miss the drama-packed storylines WHO doesn’t enjoy sinking their teeth into a good telenovela?

Lucky for us, Zee World and Star Life offer the right amount of love, lust, lies, betrayal and deception in several of their telenovelas.

It does help that the all their shows have been dubbed into English for non-Hindi speaking viewers. Below are the top five Indian soapies to watch:

Geet

A small-town girl’s marriage falls apart when her husband abandons her after getting her pregnant. Her life takes a turn when she travels to Mumbai to take up a job. Here she tackles all the difficulties and challenges that come her way with the support from business tycoon Maan Singh Khurana.

Airs on Star Life at 8pm, weekdays.

Game of Love

The series celebrates the extended relationship between three brothers as they navigate through life, career, family and falling in love.

Each one falls for vastly different women. Not all of these women have good intentions, though. Catch it on Star Life at 9pm, weekdays.

Brave & Beautiful

This story explores the bond between a woman and her sister-inlaw.

The duo love and support each other despite societal stereotypes that hardly any love exists in these kinds of relationships.

Airs on Star Life at 7pm, weekdays.

Mehek

Follows the journey of Mehek Sharma, a young girl from Delhi

and a talented cook, who decides to pursue her passion by entering a cooking competition. Her life takes a turn after she meets Shaurya, a rich and arrogant restaurant owner.

Catch it on Zee World at 5pm, weekdays.

This is Faith

This is a spin-off of the popular “Twist of Faith”. It centres on two sisters, Preeta and Shruti, who live with their father, Raghuveer. Preeta is ready to get engaged, but after the engagement is called off, the sisters set off on a journey to Mumbai to find their estranged mother and two elder sisters.

Tune in to Zee World at 7pm, weekdays.

Watch Star Life on DStv channel 167 and Zee World on DStv channel 166.

DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

WHILE in South Africa telenovelas are often extended into daily dramas, in countries like Spain and Mexico, they follow the original template which ensures the story is resolved in a nail-biting, not to mention, dramatic climax.

As much as the small screen has several channels with telenovelas on its line-up, including Telemundo, there are streaming options also on offer.

Here are five telenovelas worth tuning into:

The House of Flowers (Netflix) In this dark comedy, a wealthy

matriarch tries to maintain her family’s facade of perfection after her husband’s mistress exposes their dirty secrets.

La Reina del Sur (Netflix) After years of blood, sweat and tears, a woman from humble beginnings finds herself in the perilous position of being a legend in drug trafficking.

The Mafia Dolls (Netflix) This dramatic telenovela follows the tumultuous loves of the women who fall in-and-out of love with Columbia’s biggest drug traffickers.

Amar A Muerte (Love to Death) (Showmax)

Destinies intertwined. A tycoon is assassinated at the moment a murderer is executed. The tycoon’s soul ends up in the body of the hitman, while the killer’s soul ends up in a professor’s body.

El Hotel Del Los Secretos (Secrets at the Hotel) (Showmax) A young man takes a job at a mysterious hotel for the rich and famous, determined to investigate the disappearance of his sister, who was dismissed for allegedly stealing.

Sandile Mahlangu joined e.tv’s daily drama, Scandal.

20

TV gig came right on time A FILM enthusiast, Sandile Mahlangu plays Simo, a young, handsome and charming accountant who knows his way to a woman’s heart and has broken a few along the way, in e.tv’s Scandal!

“He’s opportunistic, ambitious, a tad arrogant and lacks a moral compass. His drive to be his own boss may have led him down the wrong path, which he now brings to the Newtonian, and he targets a member in the Medupe household,” said Mahlangu.

He said being a part of Scandal! was amazing and the role came at a time when he was losing hope.

“I say that teary-eyed because right after the previous show that

Sandile Mahlangu was one of the actors heavily impacted by SA’s lockdown. Just as he was losing hope, a plum role on Scandal! landed on his lap, writes ALYSSIA BIRJALAL I was on ended, the nationwide lockdown began, the whole pandemic became a reality, and uncertainty flooded the industry.

I was out of a job and that’s how I remained since the beginning of February,” the young actor shared.

“The role came right before all hope was lost, proving to me that God is never late when delivering

blessings. I am blessed,” he added.

The storyline sees Violetta (Cindy Mahlangu) fall madly in love with Simo. In the soapie, Simo is Romeo’s half-brother and her husband, Sandile’s accountant.

And so the lovers plot and scheme their way around unsuspecting individuals.

They also stage a fictitious sibling bond that would upset the ancestors but it does get Simo into the Medupe household.

Of course, as the story arc plays out, questions are raised about his true intentions.

Scandal! airs on e.tv at 7.30pm, weekdays.

‘ HLOMLA DANDALA

ACTOR/ PRESENTER/ DIRECTOR

You know, you’ve made a big impression when you win the Outstanding Couple award at the recently-held Royalty Soapie Awards 2020. Although Dandala and his The River co-star Sindi Dlathu, who plays Lindiwe, were unable to attend, they sent through a prerecorded video thanking fans for all their love and support. When the actor bagged the role of Zweli on the award-winning Mzansi Magic telenovela, he said: “Zweli is the nicest guy you’ll ever find on TV. He is the father and husband you always wish you had. His flaw is that he always chooses to see the best in people, and that’s sometimes to his detriment.

He was born and raised in the Eastern Cape by a single mother, who was assisted by a lot of his aunts. So he grew up around a lot of women, which somewhat made him empathetic to the issues of women. And then at work, he’s probably one of the province’s most respected police commanders because of the work he’s done and the change he’s brought in his community. He’s also a fun guy with lots of friends, always hosting parties.”

21

1

Have you discovered these digital magazines yet?

Read our magazines anywhere, anytime and then share it with everyone you know... because it’s free Click on the magazine you want to read now.

Advertising Sales queries: Charl Reineke | charl.reineke@inl.co.za