Father for hire
Zinzi’s found someone to fill Doc’s shoes as her “dad”: Lungile.
Rhythm City Weekdays e.tv (*194) 19:00
“They have an amazing and playful bond,” says Meshack Mavuso of his character Lungile and Zinzi (Ntando Duma), who’s father Doc (Dumisani Mbebe) died in late October 2016. Lungile has stepped in as a father figure, hoping to fill that spot when Zinzi’s mom Bongi (Thembi Seete) is ready to get into a relationship. But there’s a poisonous problem on Friday 16 December and its name is Lerato (Samkelo Ndlovu)!
“Lerato wants to see Bongi suffer and she will use any tools at her disposal,” explains Meshack. “She is targeting Lungile not only because he’s the obvious choice [being close to Bongi], but also because he told her in November that he is onto her plans, so she wants revenge.” Lerato’s plan was to leave alcohol within Bongi’s reach at the Red offices, knowing that Bongi will get drunk and seem incapable of running the music label. Then Lerato could snatch Red from Bongi after Doc left Red to her in his will. From Monday 12 December, Lungile and Zinzi give Lerato the opening she’s been waiting for when they bond and Meshack says that “it was easy to play this storyline because I have this relationship with my own daughters. Lungile treats her with the love and care of a father and Zinzi likes that”. Meshack adds that while Bongi knows there’s nothing sinister to Lungile and Zinzi’s relationship, Lerato is whispering otherwise in her ear on Friday 16 December…
“Lerato tells Bongi to keep an eye on her daughter because older men – these ‘blessers’ – take advantage of young girls,” Meshack says. Nothing could be further from the truth for Lungile, who Meshack adds “is focussed wholly on Bongi”. He says that Lungile is helping Bongi to cope with her situation at both home and work. “Lerato knows all too well that while Lungile is looking after Zinzi and protecting her, Bongi can focus on Red and her music. He brings balance to Bongi’s life right now and that’s impacting Lerato’s chances of taking over Red.”
Zinzi misreads Lungile’s actions on Wednesday 21 December and Meshack says that “Lungile is like, ‘Woah! You’re a child!’ He doesn’t take advantage when she tries to kiss him – he likes her mother and he’s not that kind of man either”. But it gets worse and by Tuesday 27 December, Lungile’s rejection is going to send young Zinzi into an emotional tailspin. Dumisani is splashing the cash on gifts but one mother takes exception and lets him know. Bongi is missing, while Niki is front and centre when her hubby Suffo needs to be consoled. Puleng confesses a secret to Suffo, Bongi has the upper hand on Lerato, and Sabelo’s anger reaches breaking point and he lashes out at Dumisani. Later, Suffo orders Puleng to invite Themba over to her place.
A record label is interested in signing Mampho and Rene to their roster, and gangster David isn’t having much luck with the ladies. Dumisani is fed up with Sabelo’s treatment of him and he is ready to pack up and leave, and Suffo widens the distance between himself and Puleng. Lungile and Zinzi are bonding, and Puleng sits down for a heart-to-heart discussion with Suffo. Lerato uses Zinzi and Lungile’s relationship as a way to attack Bongi, Puleng worries when she realises that the scan will reveal the baby’s date of conception, and Kop finds the witch in his yard. Niki plots to get the DNA tests before Puleng, and Lerato manages to come between Bongi and Lungile at the office. Kop becomes a mentor to troubled runaway Dumisani, and David faces a deal falling apart if he doesn’t deliver.