The lion king
Bhubesini chief Duma’s bite is worse than his roar – and he isn’t afraid to get his paws dirty, warns actor Muzi Mthabela.
Duma’s dress-code was a lot more informal when he was still an enforcer. Weekdays Mzansi Magic (*161) 20:30
Muzi Mthabela’s character Duma is everything any village would look for in a chief. He’s tall (over 2m), with broad shoulders and a swagger that shows he isn’t afraid of anyone. And that is something the 40-year- old actor loves about his role that has seen Duma go from fist-fighting, trigger-pulling enforcer to sitting pretty and leading Bhubesini’s people. “Duma has two animal traits in him and they come out at different times,” says Muzi. “When he walks, he’s like a South American jaguar or a leopard – he is walking with purpose. But then he is also like a great lion, where he can sit at his desk (see p22), not say a word and people know that he is not someone that you mess with, the king of the jungle. [Laughs]” But there is more to Chief Duma than his physicality… He has changed up his look as the new chief, but under that suit he’s still a killer Duma has done quite well for himself… Yes, he has! He has gone from being a “handyman” who cleans up messes to someone who gives orders. Don’t think that he has given up that part of his life though – Duma has and always be a man from the rough side of the road. He has no problem sitting behind his desk with a gun in the drawer in case something happens, then sitting down for tea with delightful ladies from the community to help them. So he’s trying to be a good leader? Very much so. He wants to rule Bhubesini properly, like a born- chief. The problem is that he isn’t one – he has risen through the ranks as a soldier to get to where he is now. His past is going to be with him forever; his only hope is that he can do “the right thing” going forward. He’s just the acting chief, right? He’s on the seat of power because the future chief is still too young to rule. Thulebona is still a boy and he doesn’t have the experience to rule, or the authority. When Chief Zweli (Andile Gumbi) died [mysteriously in July 2017], the village nominated Duma to take the role of acting chief because they know him and trust him and he is a powerful figure. And he is a proper warrior – he is not afraid to lead his “soldiers” against any foe. But surely there is more to Duma than just being chief? Well, being the leader has many more aspects to it. He’s a friend, a mentor, a provider and a protector. He’s also the “head of state” for lack of a better name and he needs to take care of everyone who falls under his reign. A lot is expected of him now, much more than when he was “just a henchman”. His mom Gloria [Clementine Mosimane] ruffled feathers when she arrived in town in October 2017… She did! Gloria is a meddling mom and Duma will always be her son even though he’s an adult man who is leading a village. He loves her, but he also knows that she isn’t a straight shooter and that she is always up to something. Luckily for Duma, that was trying to hook him up with Mabuyi (Samukele Mkhize). They have been bonding since November and in late December they got so close that Duma confided in her. He doesn’t like talking about his issues – that’s like admitting defeat and a lion cannot be defeated! But he felt safe enough to talk to her. The most notable thing about Duma now is his suits. Are you a fan? Absolutely! That old saying about the suit maketh the man is wrong. For me, it’s the man who maketh the suit. Duma likes his jeans and jacket and the casual feel, but for him now, suits are a way of life and if he’s going to dress the part every day, he’s going to look exceptional. So is Duma still carrying a gun under that tailored jacket? [Laughs] He knows that an attack can come anytime. And he does love the feel of a gun…
NB! The channel was unable to provide episode info at print.