Son of a gun
Azwindini’s secret heir isn’t ready to be part of the family yet.
Muvhango Weekdays SABC2 (*192) 21:00
Thathe’s ruler Chief Azwindini and his wife Susan (Gabriel Temudzani and Mahumela Mahuwa) made a jaw- dropping discovery in early June – they have a secret son! Their teen Mulondo (Ndamulelo Mbuwe) was a twin but the midwife took the second boy away without telling them – twins are considered a bad omen and the royal parents never knew of their other son. Vhutshilo ( Wavhudi Lidzhegu) is in town and wants to know about his heritage. The man who raised him told him his birth story before he passed away and the teen wants to be known to his family. But he can’t walk into the royal family on Thursday 6 July and expect everyone to be happy…
PRINCE TO THE RESCUE
“Mulondo’s twin is a teen coming into the family,” explains Gabriel. “It’s difficult for him to learn new traditions and their way of life. His mannerisms are different and it’s a challenge not just for Vhutshilo, but for the whole royal family.” The brothers are getting on like best friends and team up against Azwindini on Friday 7 July, testing his patience and acting out. “They’re typical boys but Azwindini wants to groom Vhutshilo for the throne. Only uncircumcised sons can become chiefs,” says Gabriel, reminding viewers that Mulondo and his brother Muvhango (Owen Mmbobo) were kidnapped in July 2016 and circumcised so that Azwindini no longer had heirs.
NOT MY NAME
Before Azwindini can claim Vhutshilo as an heir though, he needs to give his son his surname on Monday 10 July. Thing is, the boy has gone without one for so long that he doesn’t isn’t sure he wants to be a Mukwevho by name. Azwindini is shocked, explains Gabriel. “There’s a lot of hope put on this boy and knowing that he doesn’t want the Mukwevho surname is a massive problem.” On Tuesday 11 July, Vhutshilo proposes a solution: he’ll take the chief’s name and keep his – a double-barrel surname. “That idea doesn’t sit well with Azwindini,” says Gabriel. “Nobody in the Mukwevho family has done that, not even the professional women!”