Fresh faces

After replacing its principal cast last year, generations – the legacy needed new guest stars to pop in and cause drama. So here they are…

generations – the legacy

phongolo), whom he’s hoping can be more than just a friend…

batsile ramasodi (mr sokhulu)

the actor: a graduate of the tshwane university of technology, batsile got his big break when he played krisis on rhythm city in 2012. after doing some theatre work, he’s back in soapies thanks to a november 2014 audition. “it’s a little surreal because now i’ll be seen by a wider audience, but i’m not sure how big it’ll get,” he says of his new role. the character: “an honest computer programmer” is how batsile describes his high school teacher character. “he’s passionate about what he does and is involved in his students’ lives.” something that he may soon regret (see more on p15)… he left the corporate world to become a teacher, but little did he know that his passion could influence his students, especially one with a great it mind like his own.

joe mafela (uncle tebogo)

the actor: joe’s a familiar face on local tv screens, having been the comedy king in ’90s sitcoms ’sgudi ’snaysi (1986-1992), khululeka (1994-2009) and going up in the early ’90s. the legendary local actor also has numerous film and theatre accolades under his belt and he’s glad to have been approached to play the role of uncle tebogo, the new moroka patriarch. “i haven’t had a serious role for a while and i like that this is different from my usually comedy roles,” says joe. the character: tebogo’s a down-to-earth guy who’s easy-going about the “moroka legacy” that karabo (connie ferguson) keeps going on about. he reminds the mogale couple about values and adds some much-needed maturity to all the power games. “he’s actually the only one who can reprimand karabo,” says joe.

thando thabethe (nolwazi)

the actor: television and radio presenter thando is only 24 but has an impressive cv that includes a starring role in sabc1 sitcom my perfect family (2011-current) and presenting e.tv’s club 808 in 2013, as well as dj talent show 1’s and 2’s in 2014. “i’m blessed to have gotten this role and i’m giving it my best shot,” says thando. “i even chopped off my hair!” the character: nolwazi is the definition of a hustler and she does it well. “although she grew up in the townships, she moves comfortably among rich, educated and powerful people,” says thando. “in a room, she’s the one with the brightest smile, is the most confident and never apologises for her presence. she’s passionate, intelligent, playful, witty and lively.” not what tshidi (letoya makhene) wants to hear when nolwazi joins #hashtag world and takes over. “she can be mean without realising it.” uh-oh…