Baby returns to ‘Uzalo’ as fresh face enters
AFTER an abrupt and equally riveting exit from Uzalo, veteran actress Baby Cele-Maloka makes her return tonight as a changed character – contrary to the devious Gabisile that everyone loved to hate.
The star’s exit after five years of being on the show was officially announced last year after abounding rumours of her and fellow star Siyabonga Shibe’s imminent departure, stating that the storyline had led to the two characters’ end, making this return an unexpected one.
Maloka said she was excited to be returning to Uzalo, especially since the show has gradually become her anchor where she shone bright as an artist. “Uzalo gave me the most precious opportunity. After 38 years in the industry, I was finally able to work in my hometown in KwaZulu-Natal.
She said the producers and the writing team have done a stellar job in crafting Gabisile’s return, a beautiful redemption story for her.
“This return has given Gabisile the opportunity to showcase her truest essence, her tender-heartedness as she brings forward two new characters to the Uzalo world. I am just happy and feel blessed. I am really just returning home, a mother coming home to her children.”
Viewers will also be treated to the fresh face of Nothando Ngcobo as she makes her debut appearance on the show. Ngcobo comes in as Hlelolwenkosi “Hlelo” Khawula, a wounded girl who has traversed challenging situations that have given her a thick skin.
The 26-year-old from Mpumalanga’s Hammarsdale said Uzalo was her biggest project so far, having started her acting journey in 2014 with a Mzansi magic feature film. She was also currently working on 1Magic’s Lingashoni production.
“Hlelo’s debut on Women’s Month is such a relevant move. Her character is one that any woman can relate to as it touches on issues of abuse and abandonment, but still manages to pick themselves up,” she said.
“She will be touching on gender-based violence, child abuse and low self-esteem, topics that are close to my heart. Highlighting also how, more than anything, we need to protect, love and encourage our children so that they become responsible and considerate adults,” she added.
Ngcobo describes this gig as a dream come true and although she shares no similarities with Hlelo, she believes the character will challenge and grow her craft.
“This girl is full of drama. The things she says or does shock me every time I read my scripts and I really don’t think South Africa has seen a character like Hlelo on their screens before,” she said.
Ngcobo completed a part-time acting course at The Market Theatre in 2017, has done a short film titled The Swallow Falls on YouTube and bagged herself the Best Newcomer Actress nomination for the movie.
“Acting has always been my dream, there is literally nothing else I would be doing. Being in Uzalo is a start of so many amazing things on my journey and I am super excited about it.”