Uzalo

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Uzalo is a South African soap opera produced by Stained Glass Productions, which is co-owned by Kobedi "Pepsi" Pokane and Gugu Zuma-Ncube. It began airing in 2015, quickly becoming a hit due to its compelling narrative, writing, direction and the performances of the relatively-unknown cast. It initially told the story of two young men who were switched at birth, one being raised in a family with core Christian values and the other at a crime syndicate. It currently broadcasts from Monday to Friday on SABC 1. It is currently the most watched television show in South Africa.

Plot

Uzalo initially told the story of two families in the township of Kwa-Mashu: the Mdletshe family, who play a significant role in the management of the Kwamashu Kingdom Church, and the Xulu family who run a car theft syndicate. The connection between the families was that their eldest sons were switched at birth during the period when Nelson Mandela was released from prison. As the show has progressed over the years, the storylines have dramatically changed with interchanging characters, contributing to many new story arcs, but simultaneously maintaining the growth of some of its main and supporting characters.

Cast and characters

• Nkunzebomvu "Nkunzi" Mhlongo played by Masoja Msiza. Nkunzi is described as Crime Boss known typically for his big heists and street wise personality. His arrival shakes the community and the game itself. He has a daughter named Zekhethelo but later discovered that he is not his biological father. He then later discovered that he has a child whom was raised by another man and was a doctor. Later he discovered he has another son who was raised by another man whom is now a pastor. As the show Nkunzi's both sons died at the end of Season 8 and Season 9 respectively.

• Njinji Magwaza played by Thembi Nyandeni. She is wolf in sheep's clothing who act as a moral support for the youth and community of KwaMashu. She is Nkunzi's rival and her daughter Nomsawazi took After her as she also deals with hijacking cars and running of illegal businesses. She is mother of Nomasawazi and Vikizitha's aunt. She is the Founder of KwaMashu Football Club alongside MaMlambo. (Main role: season 8- Present)

• Nomsawazi Magwaza played by Fanele Ntuli. She is Njinji Magwaza's daughter and Sbonelo Mhlongo's ex-girlfriend. She was killed by her mother in season 8 but resurfaced 8 days after her death and turned on her mother and stayed with Sbonelo Mhlongo in the Mhlongo mansion in KwaMashu. She is pregnant with Sibonelo's child.

• Mondli Mdlalose, played by Thembinkosi Thwala. Mondli is the Head police captain and dated Zekhethelo. He is Nosipho and Lilly's ex-boyfriend. He had a baby with Nosipho but the child died. He is The Punisher who beats up criminals at night. He is Sbongiseni's father with his previous wife. He is also Hlengiseni's grandfather (his s on Sbongiseni and Hlelolwenkosi's son) (Main role. Season 1 - present)

• Gabisile Mdletshe - Mhlongo, played by Baby Maloka. She is the sister of the Pastor Melusi and Zandile's sister in law. She is the aunt of Mxolisi, Nkosinathi and Mumsy. She is a landlady of a house she owns. Mother of Sbonelo. She is Qhabanga Khumalo's ex-wife. She was killed by Qhabanga. She was saved by a girl called Hlelo. She is also Nkunzi's ex-wife. She left Kwa-Mashu after Sibonelo died. (Main role. Season 3 - season 9)

• Nonkanyiso "Nonka" Xaba, played by Thuthuka Mthembu. She works in the salon and is a good friend of Hleziphi and Fikile and is the ex-wife to Sibonelo. She is Njeza and Mbuso's sister and Lilly's cousin. She is MaDongwe's niece.She opened her own business. (Recurring role. Season 5; Main role. Season 6 - present)

• Sbusiso (Sbu) played by Simphiwe Majozi is an ex con. He is Fikile's Ex-boyfriend. He worked for Nkunzi and MaNgcobo, and later Sibonelo.He finds a job at a Supermarket and also joins Shamanism.Later he resigns to work in the temple.He dated Hlelo but broke up with her after he found out that Hlelo was sleeping with Teenagers.He also found out that the Shamanism was a scam and then he started work in Nonka's business. Currently he is an upright pastor of KwaMashu Kingdom Church (KKC)(Recurring role. Season 1; Main role. Season 2 - Present)

• Njeza, played by Nkanyiso Makhanya. He is an ex con and is the older brother of Nonka and Mbuso. He is Lilly's cousin and MaDongwe's nephew. He worked at Khathaza's funeral home. He had a brief relationship with Zekhethelo and was in love with Nosipho, then Nonka's friend Hleziphi.He owns a car fixing business named Loxion Bling ( Main role. Season 6 - present)

• Khethukuthula Mbatha, played by William Mnguni. He was a part of the board at KwaMashu Kingdom Church. He is formerly the pastor of KwaMashu Kingdom Church and was engaged to Fihliwe. He is also MaMadongwe's ex-husband.He is known as Shaman and he cons people. Until recently when he is elected as a Councillor (Main role. Season 1 - season 10)

• Khalabemgeza Nyawo, played by Cebo Mthembu.He is a corrupt detective who works at KwaMashu Police Station.He is known for accepting bribes of criminals, cracking jokes and speaking bombastic words.(Recurring role. Season 5–6)(Main role. Season 7-present)

• Geja, played by Mnqobi Kunene, is the leader of Amabutho eNdlende and a beacon of loyalty and ambition. With an unwavering dedication to uplifting his community and family, Geja emerges as a champion of eNdlende, setting the stage for a riveting clash of ideologies . (Main role. Season 10)

• Hawu, played by Bandile Maphalala, is a formidable stick fighting champion, known for his strength and courage. Always armed and ready for any challenge .(Main role.Season 10)

• Sgidi, played by Vusi Mdiniso, is the eldest of Izinsizwa, driven by a quest to restore his family's lost livestock and achieve autonomy. His unwavering focus on money and cattle leads him to quickly embrace the allure of material wealth upon his arrival in KwaMashu. (Main role. Season 10)

• Phefeni, played by Lungani Mabaso, is a quintessential problem child constantly craving attention and notorious for stirring up trouble. The move to KwaMashu triggers a transformative journey of discovery. (Main role. Season 10)

• Nokuthula, played by Faith Mgobhozi, is a virtuous leader of the maidens in eNdlende who strives to instill values of self-respect and love in her community. Turns out she is the apple of not one but two hopeful eyes. (Season 10)

• Linda Sibiya, playing himself, an undisputed legend of radio, joins K-Mash FM amidst turbulent times, determined to revive the station and reclaim its former glory. As a seasoned broadcaster, he takes the helm of the breakfast show, captivating listeners with his topics and charismatic presence. (Season 10)

• Evangelist Sakhile Sibiya, played by Ntando Mncube, is a man dedicated to his calling and is led by an unwavering commitment to ministering to people in need of Sakhile's arrival in KwaMashu coincides with a critical moment, as he becomes the beacon of hope casting out evil and inequities. He wholly embodies the savior the community has been awaiting. (Season 10)

Cast As Per Title Sequence

• BHEKI MAHLAWE
• FANELE NTULI
• THEMBI NYANDENI

• SIMPHIWE MAJOZI
• DUDUZILE NGCOBO
• THEMBINKOSI MTHEMBU

• THABO MNGUNI
• NTOMBIFUTHI DLAMINI
• ZAMA MAGUBANE-NGCOBO

• NOXOLO MATHULA
• THUTHUKA MTHEMBU
• NKANYISO MAKHANYA

• TSHEPO ZULU
• LINDA MAJOLA

• MNQOBI KUNENE
• MASOJA MSIZA

Main Cast

Ratings

Accolades

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References

External links

• Uzalo at IMDb