South African actor Wiseman Mncube, famous for playing the role of Sbonelo on SABC 1 soapie Uzalo, replaces Bonko Khoza in The Wife cast to play Mqhele. The imminent departure of fans’ favourite Bonko Khoza from The Wife cast sent a chill amongst fans who anticipated and predicted various actors to recast the role.
The 2020 SAFTA Best Actor Award Winner Wiseman Mncube become a household name while playing the role of Sbonelo on Uzalo.
The Sbonelo role was Gabisile and Nkunzi’s son, who left his profession to join his father in the criminal world. The heir to the Mhlongo empire, Sbonelo cemented himself as the prince of KwaMashu, thrived on fear and intimidation and took risks to accumulate wealth and power.
The young bull was trapped by the Njinji-led Magwaza family and tortured; he escaped death by a whisker and left KwaMashu for his safety. Wiseman left the Uzalo cast to explore new ideas and environments. Despite rumour about a salary dispute between him and Uzalo show producers leading to his exit, Wiseman revealed that he left with their blessing.
“I am always grateful to the Stained Glass TV team for offering me the chance to play the Sbonelo role on the most popular show in Mzansi. I joined as a boy and am leaving as a grown man full of experience and exposure. I will remain with the team but just on a different production. Thank you for trusting my talent to the team and boss, Gugulethu Zuma- Ncube.”
Sbonelo’ Wiseman Mncube’ to play Mqhele Zulu
After leaving Uzalo, Sbonelo joined Shaka Ilembe, where he is playing the role of King Zwide in the much-anticipated drama. He continues his journey with Stained Glass TV by joining the Showmax drama series, The Wife, where he replaces Bonko Khoza to play the role of Mqhele Zulu.
The Mqhele Zulu is the third born of the Zulu brothers, an ice cream-loving taxi driver who charmed and married journalist Hlomu (Mbalenhle Mavimbela). His younger brother Qhawe (Kwenzo Ngcobo) challenged Mqhele as he was the first to meet and fall in love with Hlomu at the taxi rank.
Just like his other Zulu brothers, Mqhele thrived on intimidation and fear. The Wife fans tipped Wiseman Mncube to boss the Mqhele role, almost identical to his Sbonelo role on Uzalo.
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