The boss lady
Judas is the head of the Ngwenya family, but his no-nonsense wife Beauty rules the roost, laughs actress Thuli Thabethe.
Isibaya Weekdays Mzansi Magic (*161) 20:30
“Just because Judas (Menzi Ngubane) makes the money and runs the business and keeps his family in luxury doesn’t mean he’s the boss,” laughs Thuli Thabethe. “Beauty runs the home. She makes decisions and the family accepts. When she snaps her fingers, even Judas jumps!” Fans know all too well that Beauty isn’t to be toyed with and the Ngwenyas’ enemies have learnt the hard way ever since she watched on with a steely gaze a year ago when Judas and his thugs rescued their daughter Zama (Linda Mtoba) in a guns-out raid. And don’t mistake Beauty’s tender moments for weakness – she’s still the queen of mean when needed.
Is it tough going from loving mother to full-on raging momster in one scene? Not at all. I think it’s something that all parents can relate to. When Zama was kidnapped by the organ-harvesting ring in November, Beauty wanted her daughter back. Nothing and no one was going to stand in her way! And like some moms, Beauty doesn’t mind meddling in Zama’s life… [Laughs] She is a mom – it’s part of her “job”. She’s like Judas and doesn’t approve of Zama’s choice in men. She would gladly do anything to help Zama “see the light” and ditch Jabu (Pallance Dladla). Could Beauty be as violent as her taxi-lord hubby? Judas is nothing compared to her! [Laughs] There is a time and place for everything and she knows exactly how to handle problems. It seems that you’ve got the men in your life trained well… Judas loves his wife and Menzi loves me! [Laughs] Spending time together on set builds bonds and then as characters, you experience a full range of emotions in a space of minutes. But we have a lot of fun – there’s respect and love and while there’s drama and action, this really is a show about families.