After three successful seasons, Showmax’s most popular original series, “The Wife”, has come to a close. The telenovela was inspired by the Hlomu series of novels by author Dudu Busani-Dube. The show had an interesting journey to its conclusion as it deviated from the books, eliciting mixed emotions from viewers.
Mandisa and Hlomu went through so much at the hands of the Zulu brothers and I’m so proud of them for standing up for themselves! I know Mandisa would’ve been proud of Hlomu too. 🥺 #TheWifeShowmax pic.twitter.com/yJq5gUVkbM
— marang a letsatsi. (@sup3rsun) April 6, 2023
Despite the mixed emotions from viewers, the telenovela continued to trend on Twitter week after week. As the show comes to a close, lead actress Mbalenhle Mavimbela, who played the title character of Hlomu Dladla, has received high praise for her outstanding performance.
I don’t know where to begin giving you your flowers Mbalenhle, what you did to Hlomu’s character can never ever be undid!!! Keep soaring ❤️#TheWifeShowmax pic.twitter.com/Z7XGhG8sMS
— P💫 (@pontshomotsepe_) April 6, 2023
Hlomu is the only Zulu wife that matters.
Sis carried this season🥹🥹
She ate up this role!!#TheWifeShowmax pic.twitter.com/xFLo38JgjY— Mich (@MichShoxen) March 30, 2023
We are appreciative of these 4 beautiful women, they gave us everything as the Zulu wives.
They are the epitome of raw talent, they made us feel love or hate for them but mostly we were entertained by their characters. #TheWifeShowmax pic.twitter.com/HK7Ecb33yO
— ♠️C O N S C I O U S♠️ (@_Thembalihle_) April 6, 2023
Mbalenhle Mavimbela received high praise not only from viewers but also from her fellow cast members. This includes Bhut’ Omdala, Mondli Makhoba, who was quoted as saying:
Mbalenhle is an amazing actress, she is very talented, she chooses her moments carefully, and she plays generously… Working with her was refreshing because you know she will come prepared, ready to go where the scene takes her. She is respectful in her work; she understands who she is in a scene. She shines when needed and supports when needed, which is something many actors struggle with.”
Wiseman Mncube, who joined the telenovela in its third and final season to replace Bonko Khoza as Mqhele Zulu and Hlomu’s main love interest, also had praise for Mavimbela. He stated that:
“It was a blessing to work with such a talented actress. She welcomed me with open arms; she was loving and also respectful. She’s a dedicated professional and I wish her nothing but the best going forward. It was an honour to share a screen with her.”
Mavimbela said her goodbyes to the telenovela when she filmed her final scene. As reported at the time:
Mbalenhle who played Hlomu had been with the show since its inception, but her journey has sadly come to an end. She took to her Instagram page last week to share a video of her last moments on set.
In the video, Mbalenhle can be seen surrounded by the cast and crew while carrying a bouquet of flowers.
She wrote: “It’s a picture wrap for uMahlomu. I walked into this production a young lady and left as a wise woman. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and has been a part of my journey from the very beginning.
On the other hand, Wiseman waited until the finale to say goodbye to his character. Viewers had to bid a bittersweet farewell to his troubled but beloved character.
Wiseman Mncube says goodbye to ‘The Wife’
In light of the series finale of “The Wife”, Wiseman Mncube took to social media to say goodbye to his character. He shared a video of his most memorable moments on set and used the caption to share his final thoughts on playing Mqhele Zulu.
Aaah man where do I start…what a beautiful tough journey. Everything has a start and an end. Thank you so much to the 5am gang for welcoming me with love and open arms. It wasn’t easy but you guys made me feel the ease throughout this journey Ngyabonga kakhulu🙏🏾. #TheWifeShowmax pic.twitter.com/41qVa1jULU
— Wiseman Mncube (@wiseman_mncube) April 6, 2023