Qualifications: Which soapie cast has more educated actors Uzalo vs Gomora?
The South African soapie opera and filming industry have registered a sharp rise in demand, thus heaping much-needed pressure on production houses to replace existing and produce new shows which adapt to viewer preferences. Failure to adjust to customer preferences has been soapies like Isidingo, Isibaya, Rhythm City and Isithembiso dying a natural death and replaced by more youthful and intriguing storyline soapies. The mix of new crop and seasoned actors saw soapies like Uzalo and Gomora rising to the top. We take a look at the experience and qualifications of Uzalo and Gomora cast members.
Uzalo cast members’ qualifications
Nkanyiso Makhanya
Uzalo actor Nkanyiso Makhanya plays the role of Njeza on the SABC 1 soapies opera. Njeza come from the looked down upon Xulu family; he is sucked into crime to make a quick buck. The Njeza role took the limelight on the Uzalo storyline after a long battle with girlfriend Nosipho, a Gender-Based Violence case. Uzalo fans in real life physically attacked Nkanyiso for portraying Njeza and told him to stop abusing Nosipho – the role played by Nompilo Maphumulo.
Njeza is qualified with a Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of Zululand.
Gugu Gumede
Actress Gugu Gumede plays the role of MaMlambo on Uzalo. The Mamlambo role is a sangoma and KCC church leader; she was arrested for kidnapping allegations. She found a dumped baby boy and named him Smangaliso, a kind act that landed her behind bars. Gugu Gumede studies in the USA and is qualified with a Degree in Dramatic Arts from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles.
Nyalleng Thibedi
Actress Nyalleng Thibedi plays the role of Zekhethelo, Nkunzi’s legal child; over the Uzalo storyline, Zekhethelo strived to make ends meet, taking all jobs that come her way. Out of desperation, she ventured into prostitution and nearly married Pastor Gwala. In real life, Zekhethelo is registered and certified Engineer by profession; she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town. She also studied for a Degree in Dramatic Arts in New York.
Cebolenkosi Mthembu
Cebolenkosi Mthembu plays the role of detective Nyawo on Uzalo, a corrupt police officer who is often referred to as Mr Oxford due to his complicated spoken English. Nyawo is ever on criminals and drug lords’ payroll; he leaks information, covers crime scenes and destroys evidence for drug cartels. In real life, Cebolenkosi is an electrical engineer by profession; he holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering and is a senior electrician at Eskom.
Gomora cast members’ qualifications
Katlego Danke
Legendary, award-winning actress Katlego Danke plays the role of Thathi Molefe – Ndaba on Gomora. Thathi is the eldest daughter of Masonto – the role played by Connie Chiume. She grew up in Gomora and moved to the affluent suburbs of Sandton after getting married to a banker. Her life changed in a botched hijacking ordeal in which her husband died; she lost material things and moved back to Gomora with her two children, where she took over her mother’s criminal syndicate.
The award-winning actress Katlego Danke hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and Performance from the University of Cape Town.
Thembi Seete
Actress Thembi Seete plays the role of Gladys on Gomora. The Gladys character is a social worker married to Melusi – the role played by Zolisa Xaluva, a mother to Ntokozo –the role played by Ntobeko Sishi. Gladys struggles to keep her family intact as she always steams off father and son silent wars; she also deals with her husband’s unfaithfulness. In real life, Thembi Seete is qualified with a Degree in Fashion Design and a Degree in Cosmetology. She is a make-up artist by profession.
Siphesihle Ndaba
Siphesihle Ndaba plays the role of Mazet on Gomora the right and of Masonto. She introduced teenage boyfriend Ntokozo into crime and persuaded him to participate in a botched hijacking which changed his life forever. Mazet is a geek in real life; she holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree with a triple major in Psychology, Economics and Drama from Rhodes University.