Lungelo dladla biography of william

Uzalo

South African soap opera

Uzalo is a South African soap opera produced by Stained Glass Productions, which is co-owned by Kobedi "Pepsi" Pokane and Gugu Zuma-Ncube. It began airing in 2015, quickly becoming a hit due to its compelling narrative, writing, direction and the performances of the relatively-unknown cast.[1] It initially told the story of two young men who were switched at birth, one being raised in a family with core Christian values and the other at a crime syndicate. It currently broadcasts from Monday to Friday on SABC 1.[2][3] It is currently the most watched television show in South Africa.[4][5]

Plot

Uzalo initially told the story of two families in the township of Kwa-Mashu: the Mdletshe family, who play a significant role in the management of the Kwamashu Kingdom Church, and the Xulu family who run a car theft syndicate. The connection between the families was that their eldest sons were switched at birth during the period when Nelson Mandela was released from prison.[3][6] As the show has progressed over the years, the storylines have dramatically changed with interchanging characters, contributing to many new story arcs, but simultaneously maintaining the growth of some of its main and supporting characters.

Cast and characters

  • Nkunzebomvu (Nkunzi) Mhlongo, played by Masoja Msiza. He is the ex-husband of Innocentia, MaMlambo, Mazaza, Lindiwe and Gabisile. He is the father of Sambulo Gwala and Sbonelo 'Babongile' Mhlongo(previously Zikhali). Stepfather of Zekhethelo. He is the king of Ndlendle (Main role: Season 3 - present)
  • Hlengiwe (MaMlambo) Mlambo played by Gugulethu Gumede KaMagwaza. She befriends MaNzuza and MaNcgobo and was married to Nkunzebomvu Mhlongo. She also had a relationship with Thobile's uncle Mbhekiseni but later dumped him after he was arrested for raping Thobile and various younger women. She had affairs with Melusi, Qhabanga and Nkunzi. She came back as a Sangoma.She is Co-Founder of KwaMashu Football Club alongside Njinji ( Main role. Season 1 - season 10)
  • Njinji Magwaza played by Thembi Nyandeni. She is wolf in sheep's clothing who act as a moral support for the youth and community of KwaMashu .She is Nkunzi's rival and her daughter Nomsawazi took After her as she also deals with hijacking cars and running of illegal businesses. She is mother of Nomsawazi and Vikizitha's aunt.She is the Founder of KwaMashu Football Club alongside MaMlambo. (Main role: season 8- Present)
  • Nomsawazi Magwaza played by Fanele Ntuli. She is Njinji Magwaza's daughter and Sbonelo Mhlongo's ex girlfriend.She was killed by her mother in season 8 but resurfaced 8 days after her death and turned on her mother and stayed with Sbonelo Mhlongo in the Mhlongo mansion in KwaMashu.She is pregnant with Sibonelo's child.
  • Mondli Mdlalose, played by Thembinkosi Thwala. Mondli is the Head police captain and dated Zekhethelo. He is Nosipho and Lilly's ex-boyfriend.He had a baby with Nosipho but the child died.He is The Punisher who beats up criminals at night.He is Sbongiseni's father with his previous wife.He is also Hlengiseni's grandfather (his s on Sbongiseni and Hlelolwenkosi's son) (Main role. Season 1 - present)
  • Gabisile Mdletshe - Mhlongo, played by Baby Maloka. She is the sister of the Pastor Melusi and Zandile's sister in law. She is the aunt of Mxolisi, Nkosinathi and Mumsy. She is a landlady of a house she owns. Mother of Sbonelo. She is Qhabanga Khumalo's ex wife. She was killed by Qhabanga. She was saved by a girl called Hlelo.She is also Nkunzi's ex wife.She left Kwa-Mashu after Sibonelo died. (Main role. Season 3 - season 9)
  • Nonkanyiso "Nonka" Xaba, played by Thuthuka Mthembu. She works in the salon and is a good friend of Hleziphi and Fikile and is the ex-wife to Sibonelo. She is Njeza and Mbuso's sister and Lilly's cousin. She is MaDongwe's niece.She opened her own business. (Recurring role. Season 5; Main role. Season 6 - present)
  • Sbusiso (Sbu) played by Simphiwe Majozi is an ex con. He is Fikile's Ex boyfriend. He worked for Nkunzi and MaNgcobo, and later Sibonelo.He finds a job at a Supermarket and also joins Shamanism.Later he resigns to work in the temple.He dated Hlelo but broke up with her after he found out that Hlelo was sleeping with Teenagers.He also found out that the Shamanism was a scam and then he started work in Nonka's business. (Recurring role. Season 1; Main role. Season 2 - Present)
  • Njeza, played by Nkanyiso Makhanya. He is an ex con and is the older brother of Nonka and Mbuso. He is Lilly's cousin and MaDongwe's nephew. He worked at Khathaza's funeral home. He had a brief relationship with Zekhethelo and was in love with Nosipho, then Nonka's friend Hleziphi.He owns a car fixing business named Loxion Bling ( Main role. Season 6 - present)
  • Khethukuthula Mbatha, played by William Mnguni. He was a part of the board at KwaMashu Kingdom Church. He is formerly the pastor of KwaMashu Kingdom Church and was engaged to Fihliwe. He is also MaMadongwe's ex-husband.He is currently known as Shaman and he cons people. (Main role. Season 1 - season 10)
  • Khalabemgeza Nyawo, played by Cebo Mthembu.He is a corrupt detective who works at KwaMashu Police Station.He is known for accepting bribes of criminals, cracking jokes and speaking bombastic words.(Recurring role. Season 5-6)(Main role. Season 7-present)
  • Geja, played by Mnqobi Kunene.is the leader of Amabutho eNdlende and a beacon of loyalty and ambition. With an unwavering dedication to uplifting his community and family, Geja emerges as a champion of eNdlende, setting the stage for a riveting clash of ideologies . (Main role. Season 10)
  • Hawu, played by Bandile Maphalala .He is a formidable stick fighting champion, known for his strength and courage. Always armed an ready for any challenge .(Main role.Season 10)
  • Sgidi, played by Vusi Mdiniso, is the eldest of Izinsizwa, driven by a quest to restore his family’s lost livestock and achieve autonomy. His unwavering focus on money and cattle leads him to quickly embrace the allure of material wealth upon his arrival in KwaMashu. (Main role. Season 10)
  • Phefeni, played by Lungani Mabaso, is a quintessential problem child constantly craving attention and notorious for stirring up trouble. The move to KwaMashu triggers a transformative journey of discovery. (Main role. Season 10)
  • Nokuthula, played by Faith Mgobhozi, is a virtuous leader of the maidens in eNdlende who strives to instill values of self-respect and love in her community. Turns out she is the apple of not one but two hopeful eyes. (Season 10)
  • Linda Sibiya, playing himself, an undisputed legend of radio, joins K-Mash FM amidst turbulent times, determined to revive the station and reclaim its former glory. As a seasoned broadcaster, he takes the helm of the breakfast show, captivating listeners with his topics and charismatic presence. (Season 10)
  • Evangelist Sakhile Sibiya, played by Ntando Mncube, is a man dedicated to his calling and is led by an unwavering commitment to ministering to people in need of Sakhile’s arrival in KwaMashu coincides with a critical moment, as he becomes the beacon of hope casting out evil and inequities. He wholly embodies the savior the community has been awaiting. (Season 10)

Cast As Per Title Sequence

Main Cast

Ratings

Series 1 (2015)

Series 4 (2018)

Accolades

Year Award Category Recipient Result
2015 Simon "Mabunu" Sabela Awards Best Newcomer Khumbulani 'Kay' Sibiya Won
Best Actor Mpumelelo Bhulose Won
Best Actress Sihle Ndaba Won
Lifetime Achievement Award Don Mlangeni NawaWon
Best Soapie Uzalo Nominated
2016 The Sunday Times (South Africa) Generation Next Awards Coolest Soapie Uzalo Won
Simon "Mabunu" Sabela Awards Best Actress Sihle Ndaba Won
2017 Dstv Mzansi Magic Viewers Choice Awards Best Actor Ntokozo 'TKDee' Dlamini Nominated
Best Actress Dawn Thandeka King Nominated
South African Film and Television AwardsBest Achievement in Scriptwriting Uzalo Writing Team; Head Writer Phathutshedzo Makwarela Nominated
2018 Simon "Mabunu" Sabela Awards Best Supporting TV Actress Nokuthula Mabika Won
Best Actress Baby CeleWon
Best Supporting Actor Simphiwe Majozi Won
The Sunday Times (South Africa) Generation Next Awards 2018 Coolest TV soapie Uzalo Won
South African Film and Television AwardsMost Popular Soapie Uzalo Won
Dstv Mzansi Magic Viewer Choice Awards Best Actor Masoja MsizaNominated
2019 South African Film and Television AwardsBest TV Soap Uzalo Won
Best Actress Dawn Thandeka KingNominated
Best Supporting Actor Khaya Dladla Nominated
Best Achievement in Editing - TV Soap Nhlanhla Mngandi Nominated
Best Achievement in Sound - TV Soap Timotheus Du Preez Nominated
Best Achievement in Wardrobe - TV Soap Nokubonga Ngobeni Won
Best Achievement in Make-up and Hair - TV Soap Stella Johnson Won
Most Popular TV Soap/Telenovela Uzalo Nominated
2020 South African Film and Television AwardsBest Actress in a TV Soap Baby Cele Maloka Nominated
Popular Soapie/Telenovela Uzalo Nominated
Dstv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards Favourite Actress Dawn Thandeka KingNominated
Favourite Actor Masoja MsizaNominated
Favourite Rising Star Wiseman Mncube Nominated
The Sunday Times (South Africa) Generation Next Awards 2020 Coolest Soapie Uzalo Won
Royalty Soapie Awards Most Popular Soapie Uzalo Nominated
Best Actress Dawn Thandeka KingWon
Best Supporting Actor Simphiwe Majozi Nominated

References

External links