A game is afoot
Is Chief Azwindini genuinely helping his ex-wife Susan or is it a facade for his own selfish motives?
Everyone knows that Thathe Chief Azwindini (Gabriel Temudzani) only helps people if he’s going to benefit from the situation. However, it’s a different story with his ex-wife Susan (Maumela Mahuwa), who’s about to stand trial for the murder of the former mayor, which she didn’t commit and has been framed for. “Azwindini makes the decision to help her. This has everyone questioning his intentions. Is Azwindini helping Susan out the goodness of his heart, or does the chief of Thathe have ulterior motives?” says Gabriel.
“Azwindini is a good man at heart, and regardless of his shortcomings as a person, he genuinely wants to help Susan, especially since he has a soft spot for her. She is the mother of his children. But even though he’s decided to stand by her, it isn’t easy as he still feels conflicted about having to choose between Susan and his family,” says Gabriel adding that “my character’s family, especially his mother Vho-Masindi (Regina Nesengani) knows what a rebellious, manipulative person Susan can be. So to keep him away from Susan and not let him fall for her tricks, Vho-Masindi manipulates Azwindini into turning his back on his ex wife.”
SPOILER ALERT! CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS
With the pressure from his family to leave Susan to fend for herself and the requests of his son Vhutshilo (Vhutshilo Lidzhegu) to stand by Susan, Azwindini’s stress levels are at their highest. However, as a leader, he needs to show the people of his kingdom that he can be impartial… and in order to do this, he’s forced to condemn Susan. “Azwindini needs to assure the people that he will not let any bad deed go unpunished, regardless of his relationship with the accused,” says Gabriel.
But it looks like he just can’t win! As much as Azwindini is trying to stop the citizens of Thathe from gossiping about how he is handling this Susan situation, it gets worse! “Soon he finds himself caught in the middle of a more public debacle when a radio caller accuses him of anchoring himself to the throne using muti to reclaim his position after he was ousted late last year,” says the actor. And knowing Azwi, it’s not beyond him to use the ancestors…
Susan shouldn’t lose hope though – the not-to-distant future holds more surprises as she heads to the court docks to proclaim her innocence. “There are going to be a few surprise people backing her,” says Gabriel. One who won’t though is the royal family’s rival Tenda (Nat Ramabulana) who is circling like a shark that smells blood…
PREVIOUSLY
Azwindini was furious when he was told that Rosemary had been bailed out of jail and had gone on the run, and Vho-Masindi was hurt and upset to see Shaz using Vho-Mukondeleli’s cookbook. And there was more bad news for Vho-Masindi when she found out that someone had emptied Vho-Mukondeleli’s bank account.
IN THIS ISSUE
Things escalate to new heights in the Mudau house, and Susan is oblivious to the storm that’s heading her way. Vho-Masindi lands herself in trouble with a rash decision, Mpho is shocked when she learns who Rosemary’s sister is, and there’s major gossip when the former mayor’s body is exhumed as part of a murder investigation. Vho-Makhadzi makes a confession, the date for current mayor Susan’s court hearing is set, and Tenda is sceptical of Zama following something surprising taking place.
Vhangani is dragged into Vho-Makhadzi’s trouble and there’s no way out, Mpho decides to perform a ritual for Rosemary but she’s shocked when someone unexpectedly turns up at her house, and Susan is arrested and officially taken into custody. Mpho learns that Rendani is her spiritual guide, Vho-Makhadzi plans to find alternate ways to get money for gambling, and Tenda tries to convince Mpho that
Rosemary is a charlatan. Susan gives up the fight for justice and has everyone concerned that she may commit suicide, and Vho-Makhadzi misleads Rendani about a cash donation. Mpho wants Tenda to have nothing to do with Rosemary, and Vhangani receives a thank you from Vho-Makhadzi for being her designated driver, unaware of what’s really going on.
CAST: Azwindini Mukwevho Gabriel Temudzani •Borosi Amos Mulaudzi •Gizara Mukwevho David Sebe •Gugu Bukamina Cebekhulu
•Hangwani Mukwevho Constance Sibiya •Imani Zonke Mchunu
•James Motsamai Dingaan Mokebe •Kgosi Tebatso Mashishi •KK Mulaudzi Macdonald Tshifhiwa Ndou •Marang Sharon Seno •Mpho Ravele Azwi Rambuda •Mulalo Sydney Ramakuela •Mulimisi Humbulani Tsharani •Ndiwavho Shudufhadzo Mathagwa •Oxford Ndumiso Dlamini •Rendani Innocentia Manchidi •Reggie Musa Manqele •Rosemary Gugulethu Mzobe •Shaz Candy Magidimisa
•Susan Maumela Mahuwa •Tenda (Tendamudzimu/Tshamano) Nat Ramabulana •Thifhelimbilu Susan Ravuku •Uncle Lestsatsi Setlhabi Taunyane •Vhangani Kingsley Ramabulana •Vho-Makhadzi Eunice Mabeta •Vho-Masindi Regina Nesengani •Vho-Mukondeleli Elsie Rasalanavho •Vhutshilo Wavhudi Lidzhegu •Zama Yolanda Buthelezi