Transplant trauma tears MaCele and Bab’Gumede’s marriage apart!
MaCele discovers her husband Bab’Gumede’s illegitimate son and the mistress he’s been hiding for 17 years.
It’s one thing to learn that your husband of 30 years is living a double life. It’s another story to find out that he has mistress and a 17-year-old illegitimate son – who is a patient at your workplace. Let’s just say that the scenario hits Durban Gen’s receptionist MaCele (Thuli Zulu) like a ton of bricks this fortnight.
During MaCele’s chat with medical intern Mbali (Nelisiwe Sibiya), the doc inadvertently reveals that temperamental bone marrow transplant patient Msizi (Nhlankanipho Mhlongo) is the son of MaCele’s paramedic hubby Bab’Gumede (Sfiso Sibiya). “That’s not the half of it,” says Thuli. Mbali discloses that MaCele and Bab’Gumede’s nurse son Calvin (Bhekisizwe Mahlawe) has run tests to check whether he can donate his bone marrow to save Msizi’s life.
It turns out that Calvin is a match, proving that Bab’Gumede is Msizi’s father, explains Thuli. “MaCele is shellshocked, more so because Calvin also hid the truth from her! She demands answers,” adds the actress. And it’s in that moment that Mbali realises that MaCele had no clue of the news and that she has just ripped the Gumedes apart for good.
EXPOSING THE TRUTH
MaCele doesn’t waste time confronting Bab’Gumede. Cornered, the paramedic covers his illicit actions with more lies. “Bab’Gumede tells MaCele that he had a one-night stand with Msizi’s mother MaShange (Zanele Zulu), which resulted in his son. Bab had been afraid to confess the truth about his illegitimate son because he didn’t want to lose MaCele,” explains Thuli, whose character considers forgiving her husband until new details some to light. “MaShange refutes his story. She claims that Bab’Gumede is practically her husband too and that they’ve been together for two decades. The admission takes a toll on MaCele’s health and her heart condition resurface,” adds Thuli.
CALLING IT QUITS?
MaCele is taken to Durban Gen after collapsing. While she recovers, her husband tries to fix his mess. “MaCele is disappointed that Bab’Gumede’s lies were right under her nose,” says Thuli. Calvin is pushed away too for knowing about Msizi. “Once trust is broken, it’s difficult for two people to come together again,” explains Thuli. When MaCele is discharged, Bab’Gumede is getting booted out the home and it leads to him dumping MaShange. As for Msizi, he’s still gravely ill…