Green with envy
Bazothini’s jealousy towards her sister Nobuhle pushes her to the extreme in brand-new local drama show Isifiso.
Isifiso Season 1 Mondays (from 4 July) Mzansi Magic (*161) 20:00
Translated from isiZulu, isifiso means “the wish” and there’s nothing more that Bazothini (Nelisa Mchunu, read right) desires than her younger sister Nobuhle’s (relatively new Mbalenhle Mthembu) life in 13-episode drama series Isifiso.
From the outside, Nobuhle has it all: The lavish home, expensive cars and the attractive wealthy husband Siboniso (Melusi Yeni, Manqoba in Imbewu, see p26) who caters to her every need. “As a result, Bazothini goes on a quest to steal her sister’s life,” says Nelisa. It’s not that Bazothini despises her sister, it’s far from that. Since childhood, her mother MaNgobese (Duduzile Ngcobo, Dr Qwabe in Durban Gen, see p29) has compared her to Nobuhle and the younger sister always came out on top, and it hasn’t change much in adulthood.
In the pilot episode, it’s clear that MaNgobese looks down on Bazothini because she didn’t marry rich, which creates animosity between the sisters. “Bazothini wants to be seen and appreciated by her mother, and when that doesn’t happen because MaNgobese puts Nobuhle on a pedestal, Bazothini spirals out of control,” adds the actress. What Bazothini isn’t aware of is that her sister’s life is far from perfect and kind, loving Siboniso is the opposite of what Nobuhle describes him to be.
SIBLING RIVALRY
Despite Bazothini’s efforts, she is overshadowed by Nobuhle. At the start of the series, Bazothini is promoted to supervisor at the local supermarket, and she is excited to inform her family, but her joy is short-lived as Nobuhle arrives to their home with her new car, stealing all the shine and praise. “Bazothini is crushed that the achievement that she’s worked hard for amounts to nothing in MaNgobese’s eyes and is matched against Nobuhle’s car. Being someone’s second-best is never a good feeling and for Bazothini, that’s her reality and it’s not going to change,” explains Nelisa.
The resentful Bazothini begins plotting against Nobuhle and wants to see her fail. “As much as Bazothini tries to convince herself that she doesn’t care for MaNgobese’s opinion, she does.
She seeks her mother’s validation to the point that she starts losing herself in her rage.”
DESPERATE FOR ATTENTION
The constant criticism from her mother leads Bazothini to develop an inferiority complex. “When you’re told that you are a failure and you’ll never amount to anything, you start to believe it. That’s what happens to Bazothini, she feels small,” says Nelisa. In an effort to gain MaNgobese’s approval, Bazothini emotionally detaches from her husband Mhlengi (Ntando Mncube, Sibusiso in Durban Gen, see p29). “The more that MaNgobese talks down on Bazothini, the more she grows un-happy with her life. The jealousy and hostility that Bazothini shows towards her sister is really a cry for help,” Nelisa.
FALLING SHORT
MaNgobese’s reproach is a form of projection. As Nelisa points out, when MaNgobese was younger, she dreamt of marrying rich and living fancy, but none of that happened. “MaNgobese fears that Bazothini will struggle just as she does, and she doesn’t want that for her daughter. Instead of talking to Bazothini about her uncertainties, MaNgobese belittles her because that’s how she also feels about herself,” says Nelisa. Consequently, MaNgobese and Bazothini’s mother-daughter relationship is strained. “Bazothini realises that her mother will only value her if she becomes Nobuhle, so that’s what she sets out to do,” reveals Nelisa.
BECOMING A VILLAIN
Nelisa is best known for her role as ditzy hairdresser Fikile in soapie Uzalo (see more on p24). She explains that she auditioned to play Nobuhle’s best friend Julia (Zinhle Mabhena, Ntombi in House Of Zwide, see p30) in Isifiso, and soon after she was asked to read for the role of Bazothini. “I hope that people will see through this new character that I’m a versatile actress,” says Nelisa, adding, “I’m not just comical, I can also play an anti-hero and lead character like Bazothini, who’s actions will divide viewers at home.”
“I’m a versatile actress,” says Nelisa.