In a bittersweet turn of events, the iconic figure of Gabisile Mdletshe, portrayed by the talented Baby Cele, is bidding farewell to the vibrant landscape of Uzalo. After gracing our screens for a remarkable span of six years in a leading role, Baby Cele embarks on a new chapter of her journey, guided by the whispers of her calling that refuse to be silenced.
Her portrayal of Gabisile Mdletshe on South Africa’s television phenomenon, Uzalo, has left an indelible mark on viewers’ hearts since her arrival in 2017. As the curtains draw on her time with the show, fans brace themselves for a new era, marked by both arrivals and departures within the captivating narrative of Uzalo’s 10th season.Reflecting on her time spent breathing life into the character of Gabisile, Cele shares sentiments akin to bidding farewell to a cherished part of herself. “I have played Gabisile for so many years; she became part of my life, so leaving feels like I have lost a part of me,” expressed the actress, resonating with the profound connection she forged with her on-screen persona.The decision to part ways with Uzalo, however, wasn’t hastily made. Cele previously took a hiatus from the show in 2021, only to be beckoned back to the fold of her beloved character. Yet, as the sands of time continued to shift, the realization dawned that this departure marked a permanent farewell, prompting Cele to affirm, “Unfortunately, as an actress, you cannot play a character for too long, so I decided it was time to spread my wings.”
Accompanying Cele on this departure is Wiseman Mncube, whose portrayal of Sbonelo Mhlongo added depth and intrigue to the Uzalo saga. Mncube, too, articulates his reasons for bidding adieu to the show, citing a desire for exploration and growth as he ventures into new horizons.
As the dynamic duo exits the Uzalo stage, they leave behind a legacy woven into the very fabric of South Africa’s cultural landscape. Their contributions have contributed to Uzalo’s status as the nation’s most-watched television show, drawing in an average of 5.6 million viewers nightly at 8:30 pm, according to the Television Audience Measurement Survey.As fans prepare to bid farewell to familiar faces, they brace themselves for the dawn of a new era within the Uzalo universe. Though the departure of Cele and Mncube may stir nostalgia, it also heralds the promise of fresh narratives and uncharted territories, ensuring that the legacy of Uzalo continues to evolve and captivate audiences for years to come.