Trouble in paradise

The #ChiefMustFall protest is going to drive a spear through Tendamudzima and Livhuwani’s marriage.

Weekdays SABC2 (*192) 21:00

Tendamudzima (Nat Ramabulana) has a bone to pick with Thathe leader Chief Azwindini (Gabriel Temudzani) and it’s not about a business deal. “There are unresolved issues between them,” says Nat. “Years ago when Tendamudzima was studying, he had a girlfriend but Azwindini also had his eye on her. She broke things of with Tenda in favour of the chief.” Tendamudzima’s dislike for Azwindini has been simmering ever since, but the strain of doing business with Thathe’s chief is about to boil over and Tenda starts the #ChiefMustFall protest on Friday 16 February. But it doesn’t got go as planned, explains Gabriel. “This young man is out to destroy the chief. He rallies the village to bring Azwindini down, but there is an outcome that he couldn’t expect.”

BIG PROBLEMS

Tenda’s wife Livhuwani (Anzani Tshivhase) is friends with Chief Azwindini and she’s clueless that her husband is behind the campaign to dethrone the royal. But that changes on Monday 19 February when she learns the truth after she overhears people in town. “Livhu feels like she has been stabbed in the back by the man she loves. She has no idea why her friend is being targeted,” confesses Anzani. Friction builds between the husband and wife and they are barely saying two words to each other by Wednesday 21 February. “Tenda really thought that his wife would support him, but it turns out not to be the case. She is disappointed in him and he is unsure how to make amends with her. This just adds to the pressure they have put on themselves to start a family, because they aren’t having success there either,” explains Nat.

THE LOVE CHIEF

Feeling betrayed, Livhuwani turns to the last person Tenda would’ve hoped. “Azwindini is the only man she trusts. She would rather spend time with him than with her husband,” says Anzani. The chief gives her a shoulder to cry on on Thursday 22 February and the situation takes a more personal turn on Monday 26 February – we’ve been sworn to secrecy about what goes on. “Livhu isn’t sure if this is romantic,” laughs the actress. “Azwindini is a well-known Casanova, so anything is possible.” Although Nat warns: “Tenda is ready to fight tooth and nail for his wife. The chief won’t beat him again!”