The South African television series “Uzalo” has become a household name, captivating audiences with its gripping storyline, talented cast, and compelling characters.
Let’s delve into the lives of some of the notable actors from “Uzalo” and unveil the faces behind the drama!
10 Uzalo Actors’ Ages Revealed
1. Masoja Msiza – Nkunzebombu Mhlongo
Birth Date: October 5, 1964
Masoja “Solle” Msiza plays the character, “Nkunzebombu Mhlongo” who decided to marry two wives in a record-breaking episode that aired in 2018. In South African television history, this episode became the first to exceed the 10 million ratings milestone.
Besides being an accomplished actor, Masoja Msiza is also a poet and musician, showcasing his multifaceted talents in the arts.
Awards for Uzalo Character Portrayal:
- Nominated for Best Actor – 2018 Dstv Mzansi Magic Viewer Choice Awards
- Nominated for Favourite Actor – 2020 Dstv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards
2. Baby Cele: Gabsile Mhlongo
Birth Date: March 22, 1972
Cele became a household name for her portrayal of Kaltego Rathebe on the youth TV soapie Backstage. She’s played in plenty of South African television productions and stage productions since first gaining recognition.
Baby Cele has been playing the character of Gabsile in Uzalo since 2018. She’s not only a talented actress but also a qualified sangoma (traditional healer), bringing a unique and spiritual dimension to her persona.
Awards for Uzalo Character Portrayal:
- Won Best Actress – 2018 Simon “Mabunu” Sabela Awards
- Nominated for Best Actress in a TV Soap – 2020 South African Film and Television Awards
3. Thembi Nyandeni: Njinji Magwaza
Birth Date: March 19, 1958
Despite her private nature, Nyandeni’s past marriage remains a subject of intrigue. Although details about her husband are undisclosed, speculation suggests infidelity was a factor in their divorce.
Thembi Nyandeni’s contribution to the South African entertainment industry includes roles in films such as “Tsotsi,” “A Reasonable Man,” and “The Two of Us,” as well as TV shows like “Isibaya” and “Zone 14.” Noteworthy is her acclaimed performance in “Isibaya,” a beloved TV series in South Africa, where she secured the role without auditioning.
4. Fanele Ntuli: Nomaswazi Magwaza
Birth Date: March 7, 1991
After her portrayal of “Mandisa” in 2016, Ntuli took on the role of “Nomaswazi Magwaza” in the ongoing series Uzalo. She attended Durban Girls High School and earned a Higher Certificate in Dramatic Studies from Oaksfields College in 2013.
Aside from acting, Fanele is also a television presenter and YouTuber. Her YouTube channel, “Journey To Self,” boasts hundreds of subscribers, and she has over 120,000 followers on Instagram.
5. Gugu Gumede: Hlengiwe Mlambo
Birth Date: November 10, 1992
Gugu Gumede is the daughter of legendary South African actor and director, Simon “Mabhunu” Gumede, inheriting the acting genes that run in her family. She portrays Mamlambo, a prophetess, in Uzalo.
Gumede studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles before returning to South Africa in 2013. Her career took off with a role as Mandisa in the successful show “Generations.”
Beyond acting, Gumede presented the 11th Crown Gospel Music Awards in 2018 alongside other celebrities. In her personal life, Gumede is a born-again Christian. She welcomed her daughter into the world in 2022. Despite the challenges of returning to work after maternity leave, Gumede expressed her excitement about rejoining the cast of “Uzalo.”
6. Noxolo Mathula: Lillian Lilly Dongwe
Birth Date: December 31, 1993
Noxolo Mathula, born in Durban, is an actress, model, and musician. Notably, she gained recognition for her roles in TV serials like eHostela and Uzalo. Mathula graduated from AFDA Durban in 2015 with a degree in motion pictures and live performances.
In 2019, Mathula won the Best Supporting Actress Award at the Simon Sabela Film Awards for her role in eHostela. Beyond acting, Mathula is also making strides as a musician, having participated in Clash of the Choir.
7. Thuthuka Mthembu: Nonkanyiso Xaba
Birth Date: October 28, 1998
Thuthuka Mthembu, born in Umlazi, KwaZulu Natal province, is a Johannesburg-based actress who graduated from AFDA in 2021 with a degree in television, writing, and directing.
Mthembu made her acting debut in 2019 on SABC1’s “Uzalo.” Rumours suggest she is dating Sandile Mfusi, who plays Kwanda in “Uzalo,” mirroring their on-screen relationship.
8. Nkanyiso Makhanya: Nkululeko Njeza Xaba
Birth Date: May 23, 1993
Born in KwaZulu Natal, Makhanya is a TV personality, singer, and songwriter. Growing up in a family of ten siblings, Makhanya’s late father was a pastor, fostering his early exposure to arts within the church.
Educated in Communication Sciences at the University of Zululand, Makhanya initially gained recognition as a presenter on the e.tv youth program Craze-e. Despite failing his first auditions for Uzalo in 2015, he made a successful acting debut in 2018.
The actor’s real age became a subject of debate among Uzalo fans, with the character Njeza being portrayed as thirty-eight years old, while Makhanya, in reality, is twenty-nine.
Beyond acting, Makhanya expanded his career by venturing into radio presenting. He secured a deal with KwaZulu Natal-based station Vuma FM, hosting The Weekend Crossover.
9. Zama Magubane-Ngcobo: MaDongwe
Birth Date: June 18, 1983
Zama Magubane-Ngcobo was raised in Pietermaritzburg, where she developed a passion for acting at a young age and honed her skills through drama classes and school performances. Magubane pursued further education in art and acting at the Durban University of Technology.
In her personal life, Zama Magubane-Ngcobo is a wife and mother. She is involved in philanthropy, advocating against drug abuse to enlighten the youth.
10. Simphiwe Majozi: Sbusiso Makathini
Birth Date: November 7, 1989
This South African television personality, singer, and songwriter is the youngest of ten siblings. Raised in a religious household, Majozi’s father was a pastor, fostering his early love for the arts.
After completing matric, he studied marketing management at Universal College Outcomes, Pietermaritzburg. He ventured into music during the COVID-19 lockdown, releasing the song “Nizobona Ngomophu” for COVID-19 awareness.
In his personal life, Majozi has been in a relationship with Kekeletso Mahlelebe for 13 years. Referring to her as his “real wife,” they plan to build a family with more than two children.
Awards for Uzalo Character Portrayal:
- Best Supporting Actor – 2018 Simon “Mabunu” Sabela Awards
And the Award Goes To
Masoja Msiza has been the most successful Uzalo cast member so far, scooping up two awards for his efforts. However, many Uzalo actors and actresses have won awards since the show began airing in 2015.
Do you think you know which of your favourite actors are due for awards? Why not take a chance and bet on them? Online betting in South Africa is a popular way to make your beloved soaps even more thrilling. Legal betting sites, like Easybet, let you bet on entertainment markets. You can even bet on politics and sports celebrities.
To Many More Years of Non-Stop Uzalo Entertainment
As we celebrate the talent and diversity of the “Uzalo” cast, it becomes clear that these actors are not just faces on our screens but individuals with unique stories, passions, and contributions to the world of entertainment and beyond.
Keep up to date with the lives and triumphs of the Uzalo family! Check the TV schedule to make sure you never miss an episode!