Vusi Leremi says he did extensive research to understand the LGBTIQ+ community to pay the role of Clement on ‘Skeem Saam’, who recently came out of the closet.
Image: Twitter / Siya Blessing
Skeem Saam actor Vusi Leremi has opened up to TshisaLIVE about the misconceptions society has towards people in the LGBTIQ+ community.

Earlier this month, Vusi had viewers on the edge of their seats after his character Clement revealed he was gay. While this came as a surprise to many viewers, Vusi said he knew about his character’s sexuality close to three years ago.

During a podcast interview with TshisaLIVE this week, Vusi revealed the challenges he faced while playing the role. He also unpacked the misconceptions people in the LGBTIQ+ community face on a day-to-day basis.
“They spoke to me about my role being gay in 2017, so it gave me time to prepare and talk to people who went through this … to go gather my research and to better understand how it feels,” he said.

He added that it was difficult having to add a new element to his character without changing who Clement already was to viewers.

He added that people in the LGBTIQ+ community are often misunderstood.

“Even in the story, it was a major part of how Clement’s grandmother reacted to him coming out. It was to show people … how they are mistreating their own children, their own brothers and sisters.”

“Me, living in Soweto, I see it on a daily basis – how a gay man and a lesbian woman are being mistreated by people in the community. They are excluded by the community and no one wants to associate with them because they are gay. No, this is not right!”

HERE IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY:

Happy 52nd birthday to Television Presenter,Songwriter and Queen of Gospel Dr Batsogile Lovederia Rebecca Malope. She began her music career in 1987 with a talent show ‘Shell Road To Fame’ which she won…All the best to her🎊🎉🎁🎂❤.

Now that Dr Rebecca Malope has dropped her 36th album Lord You Are Good, she is taking a step back from releasing new music.

But don’t be fooled into thinking she’s going into retirement at age 51, she just wants to focus on new ventures. Top of the list is writing her long-awaited biography that she has been working on for years.

“It’s not a retirement. It’s just that there is nothing pushing me or putting me under pressure to be in studio so I can release new music,” she says.

“If a song comes up and the message is right for that time, I will release it. Modern technology has made it easier to do that.

“You don’t retire from the work of the Lord. I want to mentor young artists more too.”

She reveals she has been handwriting her story in a number of notebooks for years.

Malope then transcribes it herself onto a computer. She says this is what has been causing a delay in the book’s release but insists that it will be worth the wait.

Happy 37th birthday to Actor,Playwright,Musician and Dancer Charlie Bouguenon. He has appeared in some shows like Jozi Streets, It’s For Life, 7de Laan and he’s currently on Scandal as Timothy…All the best to him🎊🎉🎁🎂💙

Charles began performing at an early age. With his father and grandfather being classical musicians it came as no surprise when he started with violin and music theory at the age of four and later discovering and carving out a niche for himself as an actor.

While growing up Charles was very active in dramatic societies with performances ranging from Shakespeare to Alan Ayckbourn, to five Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, to Grease – the musical.

After school Charles studied Drama at the University of Pretoria, and also holds a teacher’s diploma in Latin American and Ballroom dance, and a certificate in Stage Combat.

Charles’ television experience includes roles in Scandal!, Jozi Streets, projects for the 46664 Foundation, Egoli and various adverts.

Some of his theatre credits include Fame – the musical, Janice Honeyman’s Cinderella Pantomime, Ladies Night, Antony & Cleopatra, Now That’s Tap, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Buddy – the Buddy Holly Story, The King & I, Houtkruis – Die Musical and also played the psychotic role of Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

In 2011 he played the role of Jimmy Meyer on the SABC2 soapie 7de Laan and corrupt talent agent Leonard van Heerden on the kykNET soapie Binneland.

Queen of Limpopo dance music Makhadzi is no newbie – don’t get it twisted.

Despite being just 23, the energetic supernova has been around the block for 10 years. It had, however, been a rollercoaster ride until her smash banger Matorokisi changed the game for her.

Makhadzi – born Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona at Tshianangani village – confirms it all started at the age of 13. She has kicked down every door in her tireless attempt to push her way inside.

But before she can tell me all about it Makhadzi arrives over two hours late for our tête-à-tête.

She is sporting a loose-fit pair of black overalls when she finally decides to grace me with her presence and battling to maintain the two straps in place as they fall off her tiny shoulders.

She’s visibly nervous as she emerges from her red Mercedes Benz A-Class, but trying to keep her composure. I’m fuming with rage at this point and rolling my eyes at every turn.

It’s true what they say you can’t buy charisma because as soon as she curtsies and flashes her bright smile, I’m melting like butter in the sun.

Makhadzi had me at “hello” just like the famous line from romantic film Jerry Maguire.

“I started on the street with five followers and they grew to 10 and 20. So God has always had a bigger plan for me. It has been a long journey,” she recounts.

“I remember I would stand in front of retail stores selling my music. People started to come to town knowing that there is this little girl that gives free performances on weekends.

“No one took me seriously, but I kept pushing.”

Makhadzi first entered the music scene through the popularised Limpopo’s wedding songs music genre.