Home sweet home
Mastermind and Thobile are moving out and moving up!
Uzalo Weekdays SABC1 (*191) 20:30
Mastermind’s (Ntokozo Dlamini) matchbox-sized “magic” blue house has been a source of some amusement for Uzalo fans online. From the outside, it’s about the size of a shipping crate, yet it has four spacious rooms… and no bathroom. But with the money that his sister Smangele (Sihle Ndaba) left him in her will after her death on Wednesday 14 February, Mastermind wants a new life and a new house. He and Thobile (Nokuthula Mabika) are going house hunting on Wednesday 28 February and production designer Anita van Hemert has the scoop…
LOCATION-LOCATION
“Mastermind has rented out his old house including furniture. Mastermind and Thobile will rent and live together. The house is in KwaMashu, so the brief was a smallish house but a definite step up from the old Maphumulo house,” says Anita matter of factly. The exterior will be shot on location in KwaMashu, while the interiors are shot on purposebuilt sets. “We have just started building the set in one of our filming units (the warehouse). It is a completely new set,” adds Anita. Eagle-eyed Uzalo fans should also look out for a couple more new locations this season. “There are some backrooms in Gabisile’s (Baby Cele) house that she rents out and KwaMashu is getting a nightclub. Both sets are being built in the warehouse,” Anita reveals.
FEATHERING THE NEST
And then it’s time for the lovebirds to put their stamp on things. “I’ve just started the sourcing at various outlets. I’m looking at anything that will reflect Mastermind’s gangster image, lots of bling and some show-off pieces. But he spends his money on cars, not home. Thobile will no doubt rule the bedroom when it comes to selecting bedding and curtains,” laughs Anita. “Because they are only starting out and Thobile has some reservations about the house’s style initially, the personalised items will be added later. We are looking at installing a bling-style mini home bar and the colours will be strong, with little to no organic patterns. Master’s love for sportscars will be reflected in photos and ornaments.” But Anita warns that “he will most certainly start to develop a little material possession side – just like anyone who’s living with a girlfriend for the first time: ‘My house, my stuff’.”