Durban Gen
Weekdays e.tv (*194) 18:30 Telenovela
No other character in med telenovela Durban Gen has evolved in the past year like second-year intern Thandekile Zondo (Fanele Ntuli). At the start of 2021, she was dismissive, imprudent and she only cared about her job.
As the year progressed, Thandekile let her guard down and in addition to forming solid friendships with her colleagues, she had a brief fling with Doctor Mthembu (Cedric Fourie) and she also fell in love with her close friend Mandla (Thulani Shange). “From her tough upbringing, Thandekile developed a thick skin and she kept people at arm’s length. She gradually lets her guard down and learns to trust those close to her,” explains Fanele, whose character’s traumatic past returned to haunt her when Thandekile’s estranged mom MaMkhize (Bongi Ndaba) was admitted at Durban Gen hospital.
Although MaMkhize refused to apologise for trying to force Thandekile into an arranged marriage with a wealthy older man – which led Thandekile to flee from home as a teen – Thandekile was still open to making amends. But MaMkhize shut down Thandekile’s efforts at repairing their relationship. “Even on her deathbed, MaMkhize renounced Thandekile. As difficult as it was for Thandekile, she overcame the ordeal and she’s stronger,” says Fanele.
When asked about her expectations for 2022, Fanele would like to see her character have more fun outside of work. “Thandekile likes to be in control of all situations, which is a result of her unstable childhood. I’d like to see her loosen up.” NB! See more on p13.