Zandile Msutwana on a roll
MSUTWANA A TRUE STAGE PRESENCE
WITH her new role in the television show Isikizi, actress Zandile Msutwana plans to continue where she left off in the exciting drama series Igazi. Msutwana, 36, who portrayed the gutsy Nomakhwezi, cemented her foothold in the television circles in Her fearless attitude to fight her evil stepmother Nomarussia (played by Vathiswa Ndara) and brother Jonga (played by Thami Mngqolo) in court over the kingship earned her a massive following. Pity her character was phased out just as it was gaining momentum. Her sudden death angered viewers who felt it was not fair that Nomarussia was winning every battle. Msutwana says that initially the character was brought in just to destabilise the royal family. “Nomakhwezi’s role was never permanent. It was brought in just to cause drama, which it did. Sometimes stories are not told to correct certain things but to create suspense.” But Msutwana will not be lost for too long as she returns on July 11 in yet another Xhosa rural drama series, (meaning disgrace), also on Mzansi Magic. Much like also involves a royal family. The story focuses on a young man, who runs away from his home town in a desperate bid to escape a dreadful prophecy. Inspired by a Shakespearean story, it is set in the Eastern Cape. tackles issues of true love and its consequences, fate versus free will, the power of fear and the importance of honouring one’s heritage.
“It is a story that affects a royal family and commoners in a certain village. This time there are no feuds around kingship,” says Msutwana.
Msutwana portrays a commoner, Nomazwe, who brings disgrace to her family and the village. She commits an act of shame with a royal member and is banished from the village, forcing her to move to the city. Nomazwe is a selftaught fashion designer.
“I love the story and I think viewers will love it too,” says Msutwana.
The King Williamstownborn actress acts alongside Tina Jaxa, Timmy Kwebulana, Phila Madlingozi, Chris Gxalaba, Bongo Mbutuma, Ayanda Dlamini, and Andrea Dondolo.
Msutwana has warned viewers to expect a lot of drama, twists and turns in the story.
“The story is told in a simple way. It unfolds as the viewers are watching. It also showcases talent from Cape Town.” After finishing the shoot for
Msutwana landed another role in a new telenovela. Though she did not want to reveal much she confirmed that her contract with the new show will run until next year.
Kept busy by drama series and soapies, she feels she has been neglecting her first love, theatre. In the past 15 years she has appeared in a number of television productions, films and stage productions. “I’d like to believe I have grown as an actress. My approach to characters has changed and I explore them better.”
For the past three years she acted in Mzansi Magic soapie
before it was canned. Igazi,
Msutwana wants to direct.
She studied drama at the University of Cape Town, established her name in theatre and then headed for Johannesburg.
She has been featured in local films such as
“I’d like to believe I’ve grown as an actress
and
Msutwana has also appeared in television productions like and She has done stage productions like King Lear, The Suit, On The Brink, Trojan Women Ingalo, Madiba Magic, The Pen, A Love Story and Tall Horse. bambalelep@sowetan.co.za