Uzalo is one of the most popular (if not the most popular) soap operas in South Africa. The show first aired on SABC1 in 2015, and its popularity and support have grown exponentially since then. Aside from the show’s intriguing narrative, direction, and writing, the Uzalo actors are another reason why viewers don’t want to miss a single episode.
The show is created by Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Kobedi “Pepsi” Pokane’s production company, Stained Glass Productions. Uzalo is a South African television series created by Duma Ndlovu that airs Monday through Friday and is written by a group of roughly ten talented South African authors, including acclaimed scriptwriters Bridgette Madiba and Clive Madiya.
What Is Uzalo All About?
Uzalo is a fascinating soap opera that follows the lives of two KwaMashu-based families, the Xulu and Mdletshe families. While the former was renowned for their involvement in auto theft in the region, the latter was known for running the Kwamashu Kingdom Church.
The two families are linked by the fact that their eldest sons were switched at birth, resulting in one being reared in a Christian household and the other being raised in a home with a lot of criminal activity.
However, the show’s initial plot has shifted or changed dramatically throughout time. A slew of new plots have popped up, as well as an avalanche of new performers who are helping to keep the main or supporting cast members growing.
Meet The Uzalo Actors
Sibongiseni Shezi (28 years old)
- 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 on March 17, 1993, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Her first love was ballet dancing, and she is now a famous actress. After being engaged in an accident in 2015, she decided to pursue acting.
Shezi began her career with Uzalo as a supporting actress, but as time went on, she was able to earn a starring position in the soap opera, and her performance has been nothing short of outstanding.
Hleziphi, her character in Uzalo, is an unabashed lady who follows her heart rather than what the public thinks. She is also Nonka’s close friend and Nonka’s brother Njeza’s lover. She began as a vengeful high school student who grew from a young girl to a fully fledged young lady. In support of her then-fiancé Njeza, Sibongiseni’s character is always eager to commit a crime.
Shezi is a truly gifted woman. She was so good in her parts that she won the hearts of both viewers and reviewers in a short amount of time. She’s already begun work on a number of projects, including feature films.
The KwaZulu-Natal native has also acted in Tokoloshe-The Calling and a few other films. For her portrayal in the short film Run, she took home the Sabela Award for Best Actress in a Feature Film.
It’s unclear whether or if she’s in a relationship. More information about her
portrayal in the short film Run, she took home the Sabela Award for Best Actress in a Feature Film.
It’s unclear whether or if she’s in a relationship. More information about her life and family is now unavailable to the public.
Masoja Msiza (56 years old)
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- 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 on October 5, 1964, in KwaThema, Gauteng. At the age of nine, he developed an interest in the arts and plays. After being fired as a miner, he chose to pursue his childhood passion of being an actor, which he began in 1992.
Msiza is most known for her role as Nkunzebomvu Mhlongo in the film Uzalo. Since the first season of the soap opera, he has been performing an excellent job. He is, without a doubt, the appropriate guy for the part that has earned him so much acclaim and respect in the business.
Mhlongo, or Nkunzi as he is known in Uzalo, has a history of moving from one marriage to the next. He is Innocentia’s, MaMlambo’s, and Mazaza’s ex-husband. He married Lindiwe “Mangcobo Xulu” as well.
Masoja’s other famous works are Sokhulu & Partners and Kalushi, in addition to Uzalo. He has appeared in Rthymn City, Scandal, Inkaba, Intersexion, Isidingo, and Isibaya, among other TV and cinema appearances.
The father of three has authored a total of 12 poems and songs, all of which are insightful and serious.
Nompilo Maphumulo (39 years old)
- 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 hails from KawMashu, Durban, where she was born on 3rd May 1982. She developed an unfathomable love for the arts and performance industry at a tender age. Though she didn’t have an entirely amazing childhood, she made up her mind to make her dream of becoming an entertainer come true.
Things started falling in the right place as she grew older and in 2015, she earned the biggest opportunity of her career life to star as Nosipho Xulu in Uzalo. Her parents in the soap opera are Mangcobo and Muzi while Ayanda is her brother.
One of the reasons Nompilo has been on Uzalo since 2015 is due to her top-notch performance while portraying Nosipho. From her affair with Ayanda (she was not aware they were related) to her turbulent relationships with Zweli, Mondli, Njeza, Thulani, and Qhabanga, Maphumulo knows how best to keep viewers glued to their TV.
The mother of two is the founder and Owner of Eish Ntwana Clothing. Uzalo is her only known work while further information about her personal life is under the radar.
Gugu Gumede (29 years old)
- 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
The character of Gugu Gumede in Uzalo is pretty intriguing. Hlengiwe (MaMlambo) Mlambo Mhlongo, her character, is a prophetess who meets a lot of men and has affairs with several of them.
Hlengiwe is Nkunzebomvu Mhlongo’s wife, but she managed to win Thobile’s uncle Mbhekiseni’s heart, only to desert him after he was arrested for rape. The prophetess was also friends with MaNzuza and MaNcgobo and was associated to Melusi, Qhabanga, and Nkunzi.
Gumede’s acting ability has proven to set her apart from her contemporaries. In whatever venture, she always brings her A-game, and this was no exception in Uzalo. When she reaches the screen, she performs her lines and roles flawlessly.
Gugu was born in Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal) to Simon Hulumeni Gumede and the late South African political heavyweight Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi. On the 10th of December 1991, she was born there. In 2013, she made her acting debut in the film Generations. She began working at Uzalo in 2015, two years after returning from the United States.
Gumede has no further acting credits than Uzalo and Generations. She is determined to advance in her career and become the finest in the field. She isn’t married, and she isn’t dating anyone in public.
Menzi Brighton Biyela (38 years old)
- 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
Born on the 5th of May 1983, Menzi has achieved so much in the time he has spent in the entertainment industry. His journey to prominence began on the soap opera Rhythm City, where he portrayed a fearless thug. His popularity doubled after he was cast as pastor Gwala on Uzalo.
The actor once mentioned that people still judge him based on his role in Rhythm City; they keep wondering how he jumped from a thug to a preacher. But then, it is one thing that makes acting unique – several characters, one actor.
Brighton’s character, Pastor Gwala, is an honest preacher whose mission is to spiritually liberate the people of KwaMashu. The father of one is one of the best actors in the industry as clearly seen in the way he brought his character to life effortlessly.
Nyalleng Thibedi (41 years old)
- 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
No one could have done a greater job of interpreting and portraying Zekhethelo.
- 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
No one could have done a greater job of interpreting and portraying Zekhethelo Mhlongo than Nyalleng. Her outstanding acting talent was first seen in season 3, and one thing that hasn’t changed is the way she brings the role to life — exceptional is an understatement.
Mhlongo, Thibedi’s character, is a cop who had affairs with several men, including Mxolisi, Mondli, and Njeza. Her father had several wives: Mapadi is her mother, while Lindiwe and Innocentia are her stepmothers. Mapadi’s mother was absent, but her father, Nkunzi, had been there for her since she was a youngster.
Thembinkosi Thwala (34 years old)
- Real Name: Thembinkosi Thwala
- Character: Mondli Mdlalose
- Age: 34 years old
- Cast Type: Main role
- Number of Episodes: Season 1 – present
- Occupation: Actor, MC
In the film Uzalo, Thwala portrays Mondli Mdlalose. The actor has a lot in common with his character, who is a well-respected and honest cop who never gives up on a case. Mdlalose refuses to accept bribes, even if he is on the edge of losing a case. He’s a confrontational and investigative type of guy.
Despite being a respected law enforcement officer and the chief police captain, Mondli couldn’t help but fall in love with and mingle with some of the girls who crossed his way. As a result, he has dated Zekhethelo, Nosipho, and even Lilly.
Baby Cele – Maloka (49 years old)
- 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
The return of Baby Cele to Uzalo in August 2021 is more than a comeback. There was no scene in Uzalo where this exceptional actress did not deliver — her acting talent is out of this world.
Gabisile, her character, had through a traumatic ordeal at some point in the novel. She went missing and was buried without her body, but a girl named Hlelo subsequently discovered her in a river. Gabisile is Sbonelo’s mother, an aunt to Mumsy, Nkosinathi, and Mxolisi, and Zandile’s sister-in-law.
Wiseman Mncube
- 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)
Sbnelo, played by Wiseman Mncube, is a serious womanizer and medical practitioner who emulates his father’s filthy lifestyle. Not only did he become his right-hand man, but he was also arrogant and shameless about his bad actions.
After killing Nonka’s close buddy Nsizwa, he quit from his profession. He eventually married Nonkanyiso, but their relationship fell apart after a while. Wiseman, although being the polar opposite of his Uzalo character in real life, was able to worm his way into the hearts of viewers thanks to his outstanding performance.
Ntombifuthi Dlamini
- Real Name: Ntombifuthi Dlamini
- Character: Gladys “MamaDlala”
- Age: Not available
- Cast Type: Main role
- Number of Episodes: Not available
- Occupation: Actress
Dlamini was born on January 21st in KwaMashu, Durban. Her actual birth year is unknown. Her adventure at Uzalo began in 2014, when she was cast as an extra after an audition. She went from being an extra to a regular role in Uzalo as Mrs. Mdlala.
In the soap, Mdlala is a member of a church board. In certain aspects, Ntombifuthi, who formerly worked as a clinic janitor, differs from her role. Mrs. Mdlala is outspoken and religious, whilst the actress is the polar antithesis of both.
Thuthuka Mthembu (29 years old)
- 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 on December 10, 1991, in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is one of Uzalo’s youngest actresses, but that hasn’t prevented her from wowing audiences with her acting abilities. Nonkanyi, her character, is a fascinating character who knows exactly what she wants and how to get it.
Nonkanyi is Njeza and Mbuso’s sister and Lilly’s cousin in Uzalo. She also works in the salon and is Hleziphi and Fikile’s best friend. She married Sibonelo but divorced him later.
Simphiwe Majozi
(40 years old)
- 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 actors on our list, is nothing like his role, but that has never stopped him from bringing out the genuine Sbusiso. Sbu is the king of thugs in Uzalo; he enjoys easy money and enjoys executing one criminal deed after another.
Despite this, he holds Fikile close to his heart and frequently demonstrates that he sincerely loves her. Surprisingly, Majozi and his persona Sbu are both popular with the audience. The actor was only supposed to appear in one scene, but the producers were so taken with his acting abilities that they granted him a permanent part. In Uzalo, he still does a fantastic job.
Simphiwe, who was born on November 7, 1980, is said to be dating South African politician Kekeletso Mahlelebe.
Nkanyiso Makhanya (28 years old)
- Real Name: Nkanyiso Makhanya
- Character: Njeza
- Age: 28 years old
- Cast Type: Main role
- Number of Episodes: Season 6 – present
- Occupation: Actor, TV Host
When Makhanya originally auditioned for a role in Uzalo in 2015, he was turned down. After departing the show in 2015, he was cast in the character of Njeza Xulu in the soap opera in 2018. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Mbuso and Nonka’s older brother is Njeza. He’s also an ex-convict (he murdered his father for constantly hitting his mother) and had affairs with his sister’s friends Hleziphi and Zekhethelo. As expected, he performed an excellent job as Njeza. He is one of Uzalo’s actors who keeps the audience hooked to their televisions.
Nkanyiso, who was born on May 23, 1993, is said to be dating Thando Duma, Duma Ntando’s older sister. He has yet to appear in another film.
Cebolenkosi Mthembu
- 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
Many people didn’t understand Cebolenkosi Mthembu’s duty as a police officer when he joined Uzalo in 2016, but as he advanced through the ranks to detective, he began to enjoy more time in front of the camera.
To be fair, the character of Detective Nyawo suited no one save Cebo. Aside from his outstanding acting abilities, his choice of words has made him a fan favorite. He’s even been dubbed Mr. Oxford Dictionary, which he adores.
He’s doing a fantastic job, exceeding expectations, and both the production staff and the audience are enamored with his performance. In addition to Uzalo, he has appeared in the film Umcebo Wegazi.
Information regarding his private life is kept under wraps. When Mthembu isn’t filming, he can be found working as an electrician for Eskom.
Zama Magubane (38 years old)
- Real Name: Zama Magubane
- Character: MaDongwe
- Age: 38 years old
- Cast Type: Supporting role
- Number of Episodes: Not available
- Occupation: Actress
Zama’s first love has always been acting, and she has been doing it since she was a toddler. So, when she eventually got a role in Uzalo (after giving up hope), she grabbed it with both hands and has been murdering her role as MaDongwe ever since.
Lilly, a police officer, is MaDongwe’s daughter. She first appeared in the soap after she demanded that Mxolisi pay her daughter’s Lobola since they were dating. After her husband left her, she moved in with Njeza and Nonkanyiso at some point. She now serves on the board of Kkc Church, where she worships.
Noxolo Mathula 27 years old
- 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
On Uzalo, Noxolo played the daring Lilly. She had a relationship with Mondli Mdlalose, and her relatives Njeza and Nonkanyiso. Noxolo, a great actress who has previously been in a few other projects in the industry, was flawless in her performance on the show. She is a fan favorite and is acknowledged as one of the show’s top performers.
Mathula, who was born on December 31, 1993 in KwaMashu, Durban, has appeared in Abasebensi 1 and 2, as well as Abo Chommee. It’s unclear if she’s now working on another project or in a relationship.
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