Sunday Tribune

Actress’s ordeal with mom helped role

- SIPHELELE BUTHELEZI

ACTRESS Gugu Gumede, daughter of NFP leader Zanele kamagwaza-msibi, is very different from her character Mamlambo in Uzalo, SABC1’S most popular TV offering.

While Mamlambo is a controvers­ial character from the township, a staunch Christian and a prophetess, Gumede is reserved, has traces of an American accent, is a bornagain Christian and likes to keep her business private.

In 2014, kamagwaza-msibi suffered a stroke, leading to her health deteriorat­ing.

Gumede told the Sunday Tribune this week she desperatel­y sought help from everyone, from doctors to prophets.

The experience helped her to understand her role as Mamlambo and to portray the character more realistica­lly.

“When my mother got sick, I was in between jobs… I don’t really like to talk about it. I don’t feel like it is my story to tell. It was difficult.

“Having a sick parent is not easy… my family is not a family that frequents traditiona­l healers. My mom’s battle was a spiritual one… I went to whoever I thought could help us.

“For her, it was more of traditiona­l thing, that was the first thing we had to do, to fight fire with fire,” said Gumede.

The family feared the worst – kamagwaza-msibi had major heart surgery and doctors told the family to say their goodbyes as there was very little chance of her recovering.

“I don’t feel it was right for me to go there but it helped me also for my character (Mamlambo).

“I am able to make the transition into my character because I have seen these things; it ended up becoming research for my work.”

Uzalo continues to cling to the top spot for the most watched show on SABC1, with 8.42 million viewers.

In the third season, Gumede said her character would be prominent, with a romantic storyline.

“You know I am always amazed by the positive response from the public; people love Mamlambo.

“Season 3 is very interestin­g as we will also see Mamlambo having a love life and being happy,” she said.

Gumede is working on another project, but was keeping tight-lipped as the announceme­nt would be made in due course.

 ??  ?? Gugu Gumede, the daughter of NFP leader Zanele kamagwaza-msibi. SIHLE MLAMBO
Gugu Gumede, the daughter of NFP leader Zanele kamagwaza-msibi. SIHLE MLAMBO

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