In Pictures: Gomora actor ‘Don’ Israel Matseke Zulu’s age and youthful looks shock Mzansi
Actor Israel Matseke Zulu, previously referred to as Israel Makoe, plays Don Buthelezi on Gomora. The Don character is a gangster who operates in the Alexandra, Gomora area.
Don Buthelezi on Gomora
Don was introduced as Zodwa’s estranged husband who left her with his son Teddy – the role played by Sicelo Buthelezi to stay with a wealthy woman. After the rich woman’s death, Don lost everything to the woman’s relatives and returned to Gomora, his hometown, with his daughter Sibongile whom he conceived with the late wealthy woman.
Homeless Don returned to Zodwa -the role played by Sannah Mchunu in an attempt to reconnect with the son he dumped years ago. He is so desperate to impress Teddy, a role he revealed to be challenging in his career.
“It’s a challenging role, filling in the shoes of a father who had abandoned his son and later to show up when the child is all grown. Trying to regain the child’s love is a tantamount task, and a lot can go wrong; who do you explain your absence and most likely, the child will take his mother’s side. It’s my duty as an actor to adjust to the role and bring the emotional side of it.”
Struggling to make ends meet, Don worked at a Shisanyama owned by Zodwa’s new boyfriend, Bongani – the role played by Thulani Mtsweni. He was later involved in crime and took over Mamsonto’s car hijacking syndicate.
In an attempt to get Zodwa and Teddy’s trust, Don sent gun-wielding gangsters Sdumo and Brains to terrorize his family for him to play the saviour later. His plan worked as Zodwa kicked out poor Bongani and prioritized her safety with Don, which she immediately regretted.
Don Buthelezi on Gomora age in real life
Famous for his Gomora trademark of shouting on top of his voice and old looking stature, Israel Matseke Zulu’s age has been questioned. Gomora fans were shocked when they found out that Don is 48 years old in real life despite portraying an aged figure on the screen. Matseke Zulu was born on 28 December 1973 in Alexandra Township and is smart and handsome compared to his Gomora looks.
Don and Bongani endless battle
“Never support another man’s family,” These are arguably Don’s famous words towards Bongani. Their rivalry to win Mazozozo’s heart will end up in physical harm. Power and mind games will soon end; Bongani represents true love and companion while Don represents safety and terror. Zodwa has a choice to make and has to make it soon between the two-man vying for her heart.
How he ended up playing Don
The award-winning actor revealed that he had been involved with the Gomora production ever since its inception. He was a location scout for the soapie opera and found the school used as Gomora High school.
“From the beginning, I knew the role would come, maybe not as sooner than I expected; fans have been asking me why I wasn’t on the cast. Having a personal and professional relationship with show producers, I knew that it’s a matter of time before I get a role on Gomorra, and I am grateful,” he said.