Dhlomo’s drama
Dr Dhlomo is desperate to save his family. But to do that, he needs to get his anger issues under control
It’s no secret that Dr Dhlomo (Nyaniso Dzeze) has been physically abusive towards the women in his life. But the charismatic doctor, who has tried so hard to hide his dark side, is finally starting to crack as he continues to abuse his wife of a few months Sne (Nombulelo Mhlongo). “Dhlomo was raised in a home where the only method of communication was violence and aggression. His dad was abusive towards his mother. Dhlomo learnt that in order to get a woman to do what he wants and to keep her in check, he needs to abuse her,” says Nyaniso.
This storyline will be heartbreaking and devastating, and while it will be hard to watch, it was equally hard for Nyaniso to portray. The actor drew inspiration for his character from his personal experiences as his mother was also physically abused by his father (read on).
FAÇADE OF HAPPINESS
In spite of her fear, Sne loves Dhlomo and would to anything to keep him happy, even if it means planning a dinner and pretending to be a loving couple in front of his family and friends. “Sne is asked to host a dinner party as Dhlomo wants to use this opportunity to show everyone that he’s a good person. He’s trying to make himself feel better. He doesn’t want people to know about the monster hiding deep down inside of him,” says the actor. “Even though Dhlomo is abusing Sne, he doesn’t see it as abuse. He sees it as a way of communicating his desires and needs, because to him treating a woman like this is a norm and he is blinded to the fact that Sne is suffering in silence.”
THERAPY & SECRETS
Dhlomo isn’t the only one hiding secrets. We know the baby Sne is carrying isn’t Dhlomo’s – it’s Dr Lindelani’s (Mike Ndlangamandla). While he can play happy family in front of dinner guests, what will he do when he finds out the truth about the baby’s paternity? Even Sibiya’s (Mthandeni Mbambo) advice of therapy to make his marriage with Sne work and to stop hurting her may not be enough to keep him from harming her when he finds out. “Dhlomo won’t go down without a fight, because as crazy as it sounds, and even though he hurts Sne, he loves her immensely and he will not lose her at any cost,” says the actor.
“I KNOW THIS STORY”
Nyaniso says that this storyline was both difficult and cathartic to portray. “My mom left my dad when I was two years old. While reading this storyline, I realised how much those wounds impacted me and have remained in my body and mine. This is an important storyline for all the people out there who are victims of domestic violence.”
PREVIOUSLY
Zandile fell sick during surgery, the Durban Gen staff had an encounter with an imposter, and the search for MacGyver was in full force.
IN THIS ISSUE
Zandile’s health improves but she’s far from building up a sense of community, Sihle formulates a plan that helps him land the job, and Bra Jon tells everyone about the drama that took place at the men’s conference. Calvin faces his demons as he recalls the day he was shot, Thabo and Mbali plan an unveiling for Sibusiso, Calvin looks for a promotion at work, and Thabo later tries to deal with his guilt in the best and safest way possible. Calvin is over the moon to be alive, and Agatha mourns Sibusiso’s death.
Agatha’s grand entrance at Sibusiso’s unveiling leaves tongues wagging, and Calvin turns the party up a few notches. Agatha goes back to her old ways, and Lwandle has trouble trusting Lindelani again. Thabo and Mbali decide to make peace with Agatha, while Thembi makes it clear to Jack and Calvin that whatever took place between them all was a once-off thing and will never happen again. Agatha battles with her grief but she’s struggling to stay afloat and turns to friends for help, and Jack, Thembi and Calvin seemingly aren’t done with each other. Calvin decides to take advantage of the quiet corners of Durban General hospital by playing hooky with both Thembi and Jack, and Agatha calls her pastor for more help. Thabo is about to make a bad decision, and MacGyver is still nowhere to be seen.