“Thandaza will return one day!”
Sindi Dlathu and her character Thandaza are saying goodbye to Muvhango after 20 years “of drama, drama, drama!”
Muvhango Weekdays SABC2 (*192) 21:00
Businesswoman Thandaza has had enough ups and downs to last any soap character a lifetime, laughs Sindi Dlathu. The actress has been on the Venda soapie since it started in 1997 and says that “I think it’s time to see what else is out there in the entertainment world”. While Sindi leaves Muvhango sets at the end of October, her character will continue to be a central figure until at least March 2018. “I don’t actually know what they [the scriptwriters] are going to do with her, but I don’t think that she will be killed off,” says Sindi. Associate producer Morishe Matlejoane has revealed that “Thandaza will be ‘frozen’ and go on hiatus”, which suits Sindi down to the bone. “Thandaza will gladly return if and when they call for a couple of scenes in the storyline.
What are you going to do with yourself after working for 20 years? [Laughs] I’m going to be busy. I don’t make plans but I will enjoy some off time. There are a few things I’d like to do, spend time with family and friends. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to acting; I’ll just be selective over what I do. I want to find things that leave me in awe once I’m finished reading them and they will need to pull me in. Thandaza is a big part of you. Are you ready to say goodbye? Never – she will be with me until the day I die. But I am looking forward to doing something
else. I love her and I will miss her, but you get that feeling, as an actor, of “I want to work with new people, new creativity” just to experience things. Will you be watching yourself until March? I’m the worst person to watch TV with! I sit and critique everything I do as my character. Every smile, wink, nod, word – you name it, I sit and judge myself. And how was it breaking the news to your
castmates and the crew? They’re family and it was difficult, but they’re family. They know that it’s just a pause and not a goodbye. I’m going to miss them – we’ve have ups and downs over the 20 years [Laughs] like in any workplace, but thankfully there were far more good than anything else.
Thandaza is a main figure and interacts with so many others… Each actor brings their own qualities. Dingaan (Mokebe – as Thandaza’s business partner James) is so professional and proper, but then he makes you laugh. Brian (Temba – Thandaza’s hubby Ranthumeng) has a heart and voice of gold). Raphael (Griffiths – Thandaza’s son Vusi) is so sweet but strong. I’m going to enjoy being a fan of the show. And any “last” words? Keep watching Muvhango – Thandaza will return one day! And it will be fabulous!