He is an old man: Uzalo actor Screwdriver ‘Simosibucayi Buthelezi’ age shocks stuns Mzansi.
Simosibucayi Buthelezi plays the role of Screwdriver on Uzalo. The Screwdriver character, often called Baba ka Automatic (Automatic’s father), is a motor mechanic employed by Nkunzi at his panel beaters business in KwaMashu. Mainly thriving under Sbu’s shadow, Screwdriver proved to be capable on his own, careful with money and obedient to his superiors; he is now a supervisor at Mhlongo Panel Beaters.
The desire to make quick money saw Screwdriver conniving with Mbatha to participate and sabotage KwaMashuTalent Show contestants in a bid to win the Grand prize of R50 000. After being caught red-handed by Sbonelo, their plan was foiled, leading to their disqualification.
Screwdriver in Real Life, Age, Name
Simosibucayi Buthelezi was born on 24 August 1975 in Kwa Mashu, North of Durban, where Uzalo is produced. He plays the father of one on-screen, but he is a father of two in real life.
He calls out bullies for making fun of his name.
Often ridiculed because of his name Simosibucayi which is loosely translated, Simosibucayi means “a bad situation”. Screwdriver revealed that he struggled in his childhood and was famous for his unique name; he believes that his name does not predetermine his destiny.
“People believe that a person’s future is determined by the meaning of their name, though my name means a bad situation, it doesn’t determine my tomorrow. There are so many Nomfundos out there who don’t like school and Sbusiso (Blessing), yet his family may think he’s a curse because of his behaviour,” he said.
Simosibucayi Buthelezi doesn’t have a car.
Uzalo actor Screwdriver doesn’t have a car; he uses public transport and is often ridiculed. In his defence, Simosibucayi revealed that he is building his life, thus not prepared to get into debt, only to pretend like he is living large.
Screwdriver also called on people to take him seriously and stop taunting him because of his lifestyle choices.
“As much as I want to be taken seriously, I’m not going to get into debt. What they’re doing is painful.”
These young people who make fun of me at taxi ranks think that I am their age mate. Off-screen, I am a father of two and a grown-up man who is mature enough to make life decisions.