Uzalo is one of South Africa’s most popular (if not the most popular) soap operas. The show debuted on SABC1 in 2015, and since then, its popularity and support have skyrocketed. The Uzalo performers are another reason why viewers don’t want to miss a single episode, aside from the show’s engaging narrative, direction, and writing.
Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Kobedi “Pepsi” Pokane’s production company, Stained Glass Productions, created the show. Uzalo is a South African television series written by a group of around 10 exceptional South African authors, including noted scriptwriters Bridgette Madiba and Clive Madiya. It airs Monday through Friday on DStv.
What Is Uzalo All About?
Uzalo is a fascinating soap opera that depicts the lives of the Xulu and Mdletshe families, who live in KwaMashu. The former was recognized for their involvement in auto theft in the area, while the latter was known for being the head of the Kwamashu Kingdom Church.
The two families are related because their eldest sons were switched at birth, resulting in one being raised in a Christian environment and the other in a home with a lot of criminal activity.
The show’s original plot, on the other hand, has moved or changed considerably over time. There have been a plethora of fresh stories, as well as an avalanche of new actors who are helping to keep the main or supporting cast members increasing.
Meet The Uzalo Actors
Sibongiseni Shezi (28 years old)
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Real Name: Sibongiseni Shezi
Character: Hleziphi
Age: 28
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Not available
Occupation: Actress
Academic Qualification: Degree in Music, Bachelor of Arts degree in Live Performance Cum Laude from AFDA
Sibongiseni Shezi was born in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal on March 17, 1993. Ballet dancing was her first love, and she is now a well-known actress. She decided to pursue acting after being involved in an accident in 2015.
Shezi began her career with Uzalo as a supporting actor, but as the show progressed, she was able to obtain a major role, and her performance has been nothing short of remarkable.
Her character in Uzalo, Hleziphi, is an outspoken lady who follows her heart rather than what others think. She is also Nonka’s close friend and the girlfriend of Nonka’s brother, Njeza. She started out as a spiteful high school student and evolved into a fully grown young lady. Sibongiseni’s character is always motivated to commit a crime in behalf of her then-fiancé Njeza.
Shezi is a remarkable woman. She was so outstanding in her roles that she quickly won over the hearts of both spectators and critics. She’s already started on several projects, including feature films.
In addition to Tokoloshe-The Calling, the KwaZulu-Natal native has appeared in a few other films. She won the Sabela Award for Best Actress in a Feature Film for her performance in the short film Run.
It’s unknown if she’s in a relationship or not. More details regarding her life and family are no longer available to the general public.
Masoja Msiza (56 years old)
Uzalo Actors and their AgesImage Source
Full Name: Masoja Josiah Msiza
Character: Nkunzebomvu (Nkunzi) Mhlongo
Age: 56 years old
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Season 1 – present
Occupation: Actor, musician, poet
Masoja was born in KwaThema, Gauteng, on October 5, 1964. He became interested in the arts and plays when he was nine years old. Following his dismissal as a miner, he decided to pursue his childhood dream of becoming an actor, which he did in 1992.
Msiza is most recognized for her part in the film Uzalo as Nkunzebomvu Mhlongo. He has been doing an amazing job since the first season of the soap drama. He is unquestionably the right man for the role that has gained him so much accolades and respect in the industry.
Mhlongo, or Nkunzi as he is known in Uzalo, has a history of marrying and remarrying. He is Mazaza’s, MaMlambo’s, and Innocentia’s ex-husband. He also married Lindiwe “Mangcobo Xulu.”
In addition to Uzalo, Masoja’s other well-known works include Sokhulu & Partners and Kalushi. Rthymn City, Scandal, Inkaba, Intersexion, Isidingo, and Isibaya are just a few of his TV and film credits.
The father of three has written 12 poems and songs in all, all of them are thought-provoking and serious.
Nompilo Maphumulo (39 years old)
Uzalo Actors and their AgesImage Source
Real Name: Nompilo Maphumulo
Character: Nosipho Xulu
Age: 39 years old
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Season 1 – present
Occupation: Actress, motivator, businesswoman, dancer, model, MC, voice-over artist
Nompilo was born in Durban’s KawMashu neighborhood on May 3, 1982. At a young age, she had an incomprehensible passion for the arts and performance sector. Despite having had a less-than-ideal childhood, she took the decision to pursue her ambition of being an entertainer.
As she grew older, everything began to fall into place, and in 2015, she landed the biggest role of her career, playing Nosipho Xulu in Uzalo. Mangcobo and Muzi are her parents in the soap opera, while Ayanda is her brother.
Nompilo’s outstanding performance as Nosipho is one of the reasons she has been on Uzalo since 2015. Maphumulo knows how to keep people captivated to their televisions, from her affair with Ayanda (she had no idea they were related) to her tumultuous relationships with Zweli, Mondli, Njeza, Thulani, and Qhabanga.
Eish Ntwana Clothing is owned and founded by a mother of two. Her only known work is Uzalo, and further information about her personal life is kept under wraps.
Gugu Gumede (29 years old)
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Real Name: Gugu Gumede
Character: Hlengiwe (MaMlambo) Mlambo Mhlongo
Age: 29 years old
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Season 1 – present
Occupation: Actress
Education: Studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles
Gugu Gumede’s persona in Uzalo is quite intriguing. Her character, Hlengiwe (MaMlambo) Mlambo Mhlongo, is a prophetess who meets many men and has affairs with a few of them.
Nkunzebomvu Mhlongo’s wife, Hlengiwe, managed to win the heart of Thobile’s uncle Mbhekiseni, only to abandon him once he was arrested for rape. MaNzuza and MaNcgobo were among the prophetess’ associates, and she was linked to Melusi, Qhabanga, and Nkunzi.
Gumede’s acting abilities has established her as a standout among her peers. She always brings her A-game to every endeavor, and Uzalo was no exception. She delivers her words and roles brilliantly when she gets to the screen.
Gugu was born to Simon Hulumeni Gumede and the late South African political heavyweight Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi in Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal). She was born there on December 10th, 1991. In the film Generations, she made her acting debut in 2013. She started working at Uzalo in 2015, after returning from the United States for two years.
Further than Uzalo and Generations, Gumede has no other acting credits. She is adamant about progressing in her work and being the best in the area. She isn’t married, and she isn’t publicly dating anyone.
Menzi Brighton Biyela (38 years old)
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Real Name: Menzi Brighton Biyela
Character: Pastor Gwala
Age: 38 years old
Cast Type Main: Main role
Number of Episodes: Season 7 – present
Occupation: Actor, musician, director,
Education: Studied Drama at the Durban University of Technology
Menzi, who was born on May 5, 1983, has accomplished a lot in his short time in the entertainment world. His rise to fame began with his role as a daring thug on the soap drama Rhythm City. After being cast as pastor Gwala on Uzalo, his fame skyrocketed.
People still criticize the actor based on his portrayal in Rhythm City, and they wonder how he went from a thug to a preacher, according to the actor. However, there is one aspect of acting that distinguishes it from other forms of entertainment: multiple characters are played by a single actor.
Pastor Gwala, Brighton’s character, is a sincere preacher whose goal is to spiritually liberate the people of KwaMashu. The father of one is one of the best actors in the business, as seen by the effortlessness with which he brought his role to life.
Nyalleng Thibedi (41 years old)
Uzalo Actors and their AgesImage Source
Real Name: Nyalleng Thibedi
Character: Zekhethelo Mhlongo
Age: 41 years old
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Season 3 – present
Profession: Chemical engineer
Occupation: Actress, model, entrepreneur
Education: Studied Chemical Engineering at University of Cape Town, Dramatic Arts in New York
Nyalleng could not have done a better job of depicting and understanding Zekhethelo Mhlongo. Her remarkable acting talent was initially showcased in season 3, and one thing that hasn’t changed is the way she brings the character to life – amazing is an understatement.
Thibedi’s character, Mhlongo, is a cop who has had affairs with a number of men, including Mxolisi, Mondli, and Njeza. Mapadi is her mother, and Lindiwe and Innocentia are her stepmothers. Her father had multiple marriages. Mapadi’s mother was not present, but her father, Nkunzi, had been at her side since she was a child.
Thembinkosi Thwala (34 years old)
Uzalo Actors and their AgesImage Source
Real Name: Thembinkosi Thwala
Character: Mondli Mdlalose
Age: 34 years old
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Season 1 – present
Occupation: Actor, MC
Thwala plays Mondli Mdlalose in the film Uzalo. The actor shares a lot of similarities with his character, who is a well-liked and trustworthy cop who never gives up on a case. Even if he is on the verge of losing a case, Mdlalose refuses to accept bribes. He’s a confrontational and inquisitive individual.
Mondli couldn’t help but fall in love with and mingle with some of the girls who crossed his path, despite being a respected law enforcement officer and the head police captain. He’s dated Zekhethelo, Nosipho, and even Lilly as a result of this.
Baby Cele – Maloka (49 years old)
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Real Name: Baby Cele – Maloka
Character: Gabisile Mdletshe-Khumalo
Age: 49 years old
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Season 2 – 6; Season 7 – Present
Baby Cele’s return to Uzalo in August 2021 is more than a resurgence. In Uzalo, there was no scene in which this extraordinary actress did not deliver – her acting talent is unrivaled.
Gabisile, the protagonist, went through a horrible experience throughout the novel. She went missing and was buried without her body, but she was later discovered in a river by a girl named Hlelo. Gabisile is Sbonelo’s mother, Mumsy’s aunt, Nkosinathi’s cousin, and Mxolisi’s cousin, as well as Zandile’s sister-in-law.
Wiseman Mncube
Uzalo Actors and their AgesImage Source
Real Name: Wiseman Mncube
Character: Sbonelo (Babo) Mhlongo
Age: NA
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes:
Occupation: Actor, director, playwright
Educational Qualification: National Diploma in Drama (Durban University of Technology)
Wiseman Mncube’s character, Sbnelo, is a severe womanizer and medical practitioner who follows in his father’s dirty footsteps. He not only became his right-hand guy, but he was also arrogant and unafraid to admit to his wrongdoings.
He left his profession after killing Nonka’s close friend Nsizwa. He subsequently married Nonkanyiso, but their marriage did not last long. Despite being the polar opposite of his Uzalo persona in real life, Wiseman managed to worm his way into fans’ hearts because to his superb performance.
Ntombifuthi Dlamini
Uzalo Actors and their AgesImage Source
Real Name: Ntombifuthi Dlamini
Character: Gladys “MamaDlala”
Age: Not available
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Not available
Occupation: Actress
Dlamini was born in KwaMashu, Durban, on January 21st. Her exact year of birth is unclear. Her journey at Uzalo began in 2014, when she was cast as an extra following a casting call. As Mrs. Mdlala, she progressed from being an extra to a regular character in Uzalo.
Mdlala is a member of a church board in the soap. Ntombifuthi, who formerly worked as a clinic janitor, is different from her role in some ways. Mrs. Mdlala is religious and vocal, whereas the actress is the polar opposite of both.
Thuthuka Mthembu (29 years old)
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Real Name: Thuthuka Mthembu
Character: Nonkanyiso
Age: 29 years old
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Recurring role – Season 5; Main role: Season 6 – present
Occupation: Actress, MC
Education: Studied theatre at the University of KZN and at the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance, AFDA
Thuthuka was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on December 10, 1991. Although she is one of Uzalo’s younger actors, she has already wowed audiences with her acting ability. Her character, Nonkanyi, is an intriguing woman who knows precisely what she wants and how to get it.
In Uzalo, Nonkanyi is the sister of Njeza and Mbuso, as well as Lilly’s cousin. She is Hleziphi and Fikile’s best friend and also works in the salon. Sibonelo was her first husband, although she divorced him later.
Simphiwe Majozi (40 years old)
Uzalo Actors and their AgesImage Source
Real Name: Simphiwe Majozi
Character: Sbusiso (Sbu)
Age: 40 years old
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Recurring role – Season 1; Main role: Season 2 – Present
Occupation: Actor, artist, dancer, musician
Education: Studied Marketing management at the universal College Outcomes, Pietermaritzburg
Simphiwe, like the most of the performers on our list, looks nothing like the character he plays, but that hasn’t stopped him from bringing out the real Sbusiso. Sbu is the gangsters’ monarch in Uzalo; he enjoys easy money and carrying out one heinous crime after another.
Despite this, he considers Fikile dear to his heart and expresses his affection for her on a regular basis. Surprisingly, Majozi and his alter ego Sbu are both well-liked by the public. The actor was only meant to appear in one scene, but the producers were so impressed with his performance that he was given a permanent role. He still does a terrific job in Uzalo.
Simphiwe, who was born on November 7, 1980, is rumored to be dating Kekeletso Mahlelebe, a South African politician.
Nkanyiso Makhanya (28 years old)
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Real Name: Nkanyiso Makhanya
Character: Njeza
Age: 28 years old
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Season 6 – present
Occupation: Actor, TV Host
Makhanya was first passed down for a role in Uzalo when he auditioned in 2015. He was cast in the role of Njeza Xulu in the soap opera in 2018 after leaving the show in 2015. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Njeza is Mbuso and Nonka’s older brother. He’s also an ex-convict who murdered his father for abusing his mother and had affairs with Hleziphi and Zekhethelo, his sister’s pals. He did a fantastic job as Njeza, as predicted. He is one of the actors on Uzalo’s show who keeps the audience glued to their televisions.
Nkanyiso, who was born on May 23, 1993, is rumored to be dating Duma Ntando’s older sister Thando Duma. He hasn’t been in another film yet.
Cebolenkosi Mthembu
Uzalo Actors and their AgesImage Source
Real Name: Cebolenkosi Mthembu
Character: Detective Nyawo
Age: Not available
Cast Type: Main role
Number of Episodes: Season 2 -present
Occupation: Actor, electrician, radio presenter
When Cebolenkosi Mthembu joined Uzalo in 2016, many people didn’t understand his role as a police officer, but as he rose through the ranks to detective, he began to enjoy more time in front of the camera.
To be fair, no one except Cebo seemed to fit the role of Detective Nyawo. His choice of words has earned him a fan favorite, in addition to his superb acting ability. Mr. Oxford Dictionary, which he likes, has been bestowed upon him.
He’s doing an amazing job, much exceeding expectations, and both the crew and the crowd are blown away by his performance. He has also appeared in the film Umcebo Wegazi, in addition to Uzalo.
His personal life is kept hidden from the public eye. Mthembu works as an electrician for Eskom when he isn’t filming.
Zama Magubane (38 years old)
Uzalo Actors and their AgesImage Source
Real Name: Zama Magubane
Character: MaDongwe
Age: 38 years old
Cast Type: Supporting role
Number of Episodes: Not available
Occupation: Actress
Acting has always been Zama’s first love, and she has been doing it since she was a toddler. So, when she finally landed a job in Uzalo (after giving up hope), she grabbed it with both hands and has been killing it ever since as MaDongwe.
MaDongwe’s daughter, Lilly, is a police officer. She made her first appearance on the soap when she requested that Mxolisi pay her daughter’s Lobola since they were dating. She moved in with Njeza and Nonkanyiso after her husband abandoned her. She is presently a member of the Kkc Church board of directors, where she worships.
Noxolo Mathula 27 years old
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Real Name: Noxolo Mathula
Character: Lilly Xaba
Age: 27 years old
Cast Type: Supporting role
Number of Episodes: Not available
Occupation: Actress, musician
Education: Holds a degree in Live Performance from AFDA Durban
Noxolo portrayed the daring Lilly on Uzalo. Mondli Mdlalose and her relatives Njeza and Nonkanyiso were among her friends. Noxolo, a talented actress who has appeared in a number of other projects in the industry, delivered a stunning performance on the show. She is a fan favorite and one of the show’s most talented performers.
Mathula, who was born in KwaMashu, Durban, on December 31, 1993, has acted in the films Abasebensi 1 and 2, as well as Abo Chommee. It’s unknown whether she’s currently working on another project or dating.
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