Heartbreaker sets tongues wagging

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ACTOR Buhle Nhlapo will forever remember the day he went to audition for a role on

because he nearly did not make it.

Despite the mishaps on that November 2013 day, when a bakkie his mother had arranged to transport him broke down and had to be pushed, he still made it.

The old van broke down and we had to push it because it was raining and there was no help in sight,” said Nhlapo. The driver eventually got it fixed and we had to drive at high speed to the auditions. Luckily, I made it just before the cutoff time.”

Nhlapo (20), is famous for playing a young rogue named Kabza in the e.tv soapie.

The character will set tongues wagging as he dates, but also plays his lover Lindiwe, portrayed by Nomvelo Makhanya.

Lindiwe is the daughter of Mlungisi (Patrick Mofokeng) and Zinzile Ngema (Gcina Nkosi), and the little sister of Scelo (Mbulelo Ndlazilwana).

After two months, on February 4 of the following year, I got a call back,” he said.

As I was in matric, it had slipped my mind that I had gone for auditions after my fellow actor and long-time friend on

Mbulelo Ndlazilwana, had told me about the auditioning.

The second-year University of Johannesburg business management student from Crystal Park, Benoni, said he was grateful to his single mother Thabile.

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Credit should go to her for raising me. Honestly speaking, without my mom, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Nhlapo.

I’ve done a lot of ads [since he was eight] and kiddies TV short stories, but the journey has just started.

It’s been tough going because I’ve got to strike a balance and juggle between shooting and my studies. But I’m certainly not complaining, I’m enjoying both.”

So who is Kabza, the character?

Kabza is a hardcore boy from explains Nhlapo.

He had a football career, but unfortunately, it did not turn out as expected because he did not make it into the professional game.”

Then Kabza messes up when he falls in love with Lindiwe.

But when her parents find out she has been bunking school to be with Kabza, she becomes rebellious.

Kabza, an old cheater of note, is out to have fun with Lindiwe but then ends up breaking her heart.

When Kabza’s other girlfriend finds out, she becomes mean to Lindiwe. But the final straw is when Kabza arrives to tell Lindiwe to back off. This leaves her devastated.

I’m not a crazy guy like Kabza, said Nhlapo, I’m chilled.

I don’t drink or smoke, and to crown it all, I’m not after girls all the time. I’m conscious of what I do. It’s my sincere belief that you have to be an independent thinker and not be easily influenced.”