TWO WEDDINGS AND A SECRET... LIFE
Things take a dramatic turn in SABC1’s ‘Uzalo’ as Sbonelo plans on walking down the aisle with Nonka and Sphilile in a polygamist story arc, writes Debashine Thangevelo
SBONELO (Wiseman Mncube) is either a very foolish man or a brave one. How else can one explain his decision to pop the question to two women?
Of course, fans of Uzalo are au fait with the love triangle, which culminates with Sbonelo walking down the aisle, twice.
In a recent interview with the sought-after South African actor, he explained his character’s motives for marrying Nonka (Thuthuka Mthembu) and Sphilile (Tee Xaba).
He said: “He loves Nonka wholeheartedly and unreservedly.
But, because of all the ups and downs that they’ve been through in their relationship, Sbonelo wants to have another option should anything go wrong. The main driving force is to also prove to his father, who was once in a polygamous marriage, that he can also do it and, in fact, he can do better than him and keep a polygamous relationship.”
“Sphilile is the other shoulder to cry on. He cares for her, but it’s secondary to Nonka,” he confessed.
While the two brides-to-be are preparing for their big day, how is he going to pull this off?
Mncube revealed: “He thinks he has come up with a genius plan. Although KwaMashu is very small and his relationship with Nonka is so public, he thinks this is a gamble he can pull off. He is cocky. He thinks he can manipulate and separate them.”
As is par for the course, especially in a daily drama, a situation like this could easily snowball into a fiasco.
Mncube commented: “He is cocky and super confident, and feels he doesn’t even need a plan B.”
On how Sbu (Simphiwe Majozi) feels about the situation, he shared: “It is a brotherly-type friendship and relationship. Sbu was the first person that welcomed him to KwaMashu. He was very supportive to him. They are there for one another.”
As an actor, this storyline gives him much scope to explore myriad emotions.
He smiled: “It’s a big storyline with drama and twists. It is every actor’s dream to be a part of a TV wedding. The challenges were confidently welcomed. I am not married, but I now have a glimpse into what that would feel like.”
Lastly, he was asked if he was ready for the hate that’s bound to come Sbonelo’s way.
Mncube pointed out: “Sbonelo is always hated! I am ready. I thrive off the drama. Feedback is vital, and it is the driving force to always work on my craft and sharpen my skills.”
Of course, the fact that his character always gets a reaction from viewers means he is effective in his role. And that’s a great compliment for an actor!
♦ Uzalo airs on SABC1 (DStv channel 191) at 8.30pm, weekdays.