Season 3
Uzalo is a South African telenovela-turned-soapie created and executive produced by Duma Ndlovu which centres round two families - the Xulus and the Mdletshes - who are unknowingly bound to each other by their sons, who were swapped at birth.
These two young men carry the hopes and legacies of these families as they face the complexities of money, family and love.
In a country with a history as complex and multifaceted as South Africa's, what are the ties that bind? Is it blood-ties that make up the family unit, or the bonds forged with perfect strangers who often become dearer to us?
Exploring themes of identity, inheritance and beliefs, a shocking secret revealed on a deathbed kicks off this fast-paced telenovela.
Each half-hour episode delves into the lives of the Mdletshe and the Xulu families who are immersed in contradictory worlds of church and crime respectively.
The drama also throws the issues of family ties and loyalties against personal ambition into sharp relief – from loving patriarchs who exert unwelcome influence on their ambitious, young sons, to the tension created amongst family members when one of them decides to pursue their own career goals and reject the family business.
Uzalo delves into what makes these ambitious and successful, yet troubled families tick.
The Mdletshes are a God-fearing family with its patriarch pastor Melusi Mdletshe (Bheki Mkhwane) presiding over the charismatic Kingdom of Canaan Church and its promising gospel choir.
The church gives a strong moral standard that is in direct conflict with the Xulu family, ruled by Muzi Xulu (Mpumelelo Bhulose), which is invested in a life of crime.
Adding to the conflict, each set of parents have a firm set of ideas of where their intelligent and driven sons' careers should be going – much to the youngsters' chagrin.
The inter-family unease co-exists against tensions between the two families, who each represent opposite sides of the moral coin in their community.
Linked by an untold secret the families battle for the soul of KwaMashu Township in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, which provides the backdrop for drama, deceit and discontent to unravel.
An awkward love-triangle and lifelong friendship between the sons of the two families provides an additional dimension of rivalry to the drama.
Written by playwright-producer Duma Ndlovu, Uzalo is produced by Gugulethu Ncube and Pepsi Pokane. The series features an ensemble cast which includes Leleti Khumalo, who plays the pastor's wife Zandile Mdletshe; as well as Khumbulani 'Kay' Sibiya as Ayanda Mdletshe - the charming and ambitious pastor's son - and Naymaps Maphala plays Mxolisi Xulu, the apple that has fallen far from the tree, rejecting the seedy world of crime that is his family's lifeblood.
The series was shot on location in KwaMashu's F-section with an emphasis on using local talent and the province's infrastructure to create a true-to-life depiction of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.
Created by and Executive Producer: Duma Ndlovu
Executive Producer: Gugulethu Zuma-Ncube
Executive Producer: Pepsi Pokane
Series Producer: Mmamitse Thibedi
Head Writer: Phathutshedzo Aldrean Makwarela
Storyliners: Yolanda Mogatusi, Lehasa Moloi, Zolisa Singwanda
Head Director: Alex Yazbek
Directors: King Shaft Morapama, Bruce Molema
Season 3 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Leleti Khumalo ... Zandile "MaNzuza" Mdletshe
Dawn Thandeka King ... Lindiwe "MaNgcobo" Xulu
Naymaps Maphalala ... Mxolisi Xulu (as Nay Maps)
Kay Sibiya ... Ayanda Mdletshe (as Khumbulani Kay Sibiya)
Glen Gabela ... Pastor Melusi Mdletshe
Masoja Msiza ... Nkunzi
Nompilo Maphumulo ... Nosipho Xulu
Thembinkosi Thwala ... Mondli
Ntokozo Dlamini ... Mastermind
Sihle Ndaba ... Smangele Maphumulo
Khaya Dladla ... GC
Gugu Gumede ... Mamlambo
Nokuthula Mabika ... Thobile
Recurring / Guests
Londeka Mlaba ... Sibahle
Sifiso Simamane ... Captain Mthimkhulu
Luthuli Dlamini ... Advocate Zulu
Lindiwe Ndlovu ... Patjutju
Nompumelelo Ndlovu ... Jabulile
Ayanda Luthuli ... Bandile
Zimiphi Biyela ... Samukelisiwe
Ntombifuthi Dlamini ... Mrs Madlala
Thabo Mnguni ... Mr Mbatha
Joy Mbewana ... Aunty Bethwell
Sonto Maphumulo ... DK
Zona Maphumulo ... Sister Cele
Thandekile Mqadi ... Doctor / Smangele's Doctor
Xolani Ncobeni ... Mdunge / Police Officer
Sthembiso Bhengu ... Paramedic
Sifiso Dlamini ... Paramedic
Cebisa Zulu ... Baby / Nkosinathi
Dolly Goge ... Nurse 1 / Sunnyhill Nurse / Elderly Woman
Lindi Sibiya ... Nurse 2
Luzuko Zuko Yafele ... Male Nurse
Thulani Mengoe ... Male Doctor
Lungisani Kunene ... Oscar / Sunnyhill Guard
Slindile Sithole ... Wilfred
Mthembeni Gumede ... Doctor Masinga
Mondli Msomi ... Sunnyhill Guard
Zanele Tshabangu ... Sunnyhill Warder / Sunnyhill Guard
Nqobile Makhathini ... Sunnyhill Warder / Sunnyhill Guard
Talent Miya ... Sunnyhill Nurse
Sthembile Ncwane ... Sunnyhill Nurse
Liza Nkosi ... Sunnyhill Nurse
Luyanda Basi ... Hot Guy
Sthembile Nyanda ... Thandeka
Bongumusa Dlamini ... Pastor Dlamini
Nelisa Mchunu ... Fikile
Simphiwe Majozi ... Sbu
Zithulele Xaba ... Burning Man
Bathini Mkhize ... Old Woman
Mfundo Dlamini ... Security Guard
Nhlakanipho Zuma ... Security Guard
Spha Khambule ... Thug
Ayanda Ndlovu ... Shisanyama Waiter
Zinhle Ngubane ... Shisanyama Waiter
Zama Bhengu ... Shisanyama Waiter
Njabulo Ndlovu ... Shisanyama Waiter
Mafika Mchunu ... Police Officer / SAPS Police Officer
Sthembile Khuluse ... Police Officer
Nhlanhla Ngcobo ... Police Officer / Panel Beater
Berry Mbhele ... Police Officer / Sunnyhill Nurse
Simo Buthelezi ... Panel Beater
Phumlani Mayisa ... Panel Beater (as Phumlani Mayise)
Qiniso Ndaba ... Panel Beater
Nyalleng Thibedi ... Zekhethelo
Sthandwa Nzuza ... Innocentia
Thami Mzila ... Khomo
Thabang Ngema ... Thug
Mpumelelo Mbhele ... Thug
Bongani Manana ... Police Officer
Sgt Precious Ngcobo ... SAPS Officer
Sgt Sthe Khuluse ... SAPS Officer (also as Sthembile Khuluse)
Sgt Sanilisiwe Magubane ... SAPS Officer
Sthembile Khuzwayo ... Hair Salon Staff
Makhosi Hlongwa ... Hair Salon Staff
Dudu Khoza ... Radio Presenter
Ernest Msibi ... Amos
Lihle Shoba ... Buhle
Timothy Quinn ... Croupier
Mthobisi Zikhali ... Lotto
Melusi Buthelezi ... Mashonisa
Muzi Mbatha ... MC
DJ Sox ... Producer
Bheki Dladla ... Tipsy Guy / SAPS Police Officer
Sbonelo Sikhakhane ... Waiter
Mandisa Ngcobo ... Salon Customer
Mxolisi Zuma ... Bafana
Sabelo Khwela ... Station Owner
Xolani Mahoto ... Thug
Senzo Mbhele ... Thug
Amanda Mdlalose ... Hot Girl
Salma Mthini ... Hot Girl
Nkululeko Mkhize ... Policeman
Khehla Mhlongo ... Police Officer
Cebo Mthembu ... Police Officer
Bonga Zulu ... Panel Beater
Sbonelo Shandu ... Panel Beater
Sihle Magubane ... Shisanyama Waiter
Cebile Ntombela ... Shisanyama Waiter
Ace Luvalo ... Shisanyama Waiter
Nathi Nsibande ... Shisanyama Waiter
Lihle Ngcobo ... Shisanyama Waiter
Rory Booth ... Doctor
Nhlakanipho Mhlongo ... Gundi
Lwazi Mabizela ... Magwaza
DJ Chynaman ... Max (as DJ Cninaman and DJ Chinaman)
Sandile Magwaza ... Nurse
Sibusiso Nkosi ... Panelbeater
Simfumene Mbalwa ... Panelbeater
Nkululeko Zuma ... Panelbeater
Sanele Mthethwa ... Panelbeater
Sandile Cele ... Fred
Mondli Nkomo ... Man
Amanda Mtambo ... Mother
Thuba Shandu ... Police Officer
Gugulethu Madikazi ... Random Lady
Bongani Phenyana ... SAPS Officer
Lethukuthula Shandu ... SAPS Officer
Sbusiso Gumede ... SAPS Officer
Zolani Mvuyane ... SAPS Officer (also as Xolani Mvuyane)
SK Sikhakhane ... Driver / Sunnyhill Guard
Manqoba Vilakazi ... Woonga Boy
Nkanyiso Vilakazi ... Woonga Boy
Xolani Hadebe ... Woonga Boy
Ncamisile Nzidi ... Woman
Nick Ablett ... Tourist
Talia Guo ... Tourist
Lance Nayger ... Tourist
Nicole Koekemoer ... Tourist
Tristan Dickerson ... Tourist
Nomalungelo Dikeni ... Vendor
Londiwe Hlongwa ... Hawker
Khuthala Mbalo ... Hawker
Makhosi Khumalo ... Hawker
Tyra Kufa ... Hawker
Ntokozo Gumede ... Hawker
Ncamisile Manqele ... Hawker
Nosicelo Nolila ... Hawker
Bongani Mbatha ... Lawyer
Lunga Njoko ... Paramedic
Sbu Ngongoma ... Paramedic
Bonga Zulu ... Panel Beater (as Siyabonga Zulu)
Fikani Ngiba ... Security Guard
Njabulo Mhlongo ... Security Guard
DJ Nzwiri ... DJ
Amanda Tyler ... Nurse
Slindile Ngcobo ... Nurse
Mandisa Myeza ... Posh Client
Akhona Ndamase ... Client
Lethukuthula Mthembu ... SAPS Police Officer
Xolani Mvuyane ... SAPS Police Officer
Bongani Phenyana ... SAPS Police Officer
Sibusiso Gumede ... SAPS Police Officer
Bukhosibesizwe Zulu ... Man
Lungile Mkhize ... Patricia
Makhosi Shezi ... Usher (as Makhosazana Shezi)
Vusi Mdluli ... Usher
Simo Magwaza ... Mbhekiseni
Siyabonga Shibe ... Qhabanga
Sindi Ndlovu ... Nurse / Sunnyhill Nurse
Ntokozo Shibe ... Nurse
Nombuso Dlamini ... Hot Girl
Lungisani Mhlongo ... Police Officer / Police Guard
Mpilo Madlala ... SAPS Police Officer
Victor Biyela ... SAPS Police Officer
Phumzile Nkabane ... SAPS Police Officer / Officer Biyela
Cebile Kader ... SAPS Police Officer
Okuhle Danti ... Tozi
Lucky Simayile ... Ntuthuko
Luthando Mngomezulu ... Weed Dealer / Attacker / Boy
Njabulo Zulu ... Designer
Sphesihle Mbuyeleleni ... SAPS Police Officer
Mpume Mbebe ... SAPS Police Officer
Sfiso Mthembu ... SAPS Police Officer
Scebi Vilakazi ... SAPS Police Officer
Andiswa Myeza ... SAPS Police Officer
Nelly Ndhlhovu ... SAPS Police Officer (as Nelly Nhdlhovu)
Nkululeko Vilakazi ... SAPS Police Officer
Sicelo Khoza ... SAPS Police Officer
Sicelo Ngubane ... SAPS Police Officer
Mpumelelo Nxele ... SAPS Police Officer
Spha Ngcobo ... SAPS Police Officer
Nelisiwe Dlamini ... SAPS Police Officer
Nosisi Maseko ... SAPS Police Officer
Sandiso Mchunu ... SAPS Police Officer
Sphumelelo Xulu ... SAPS Police Officer
Siphesihle Cele ... JoJo
Mpume Mthombeni ... Maximba
Mduduzi Nombela ... Bhomu
Sgananda Shezi ... Dodeni
Samuel Zondi ... JoJo's Uncle
Sibusiso Biyela ... JoJo's Representative
Busisiwe Simamane ... Grumpy Client
Mbongeni Mthembu ... SAPS Police Officer
Nomcebo Gumede ... Mumsy
Mduduzi Nombela ... Bhomu
Masamkele Bhuqa ... Peaches
Xolani Khuzwayo ... Customer at Panelbeaters
Enhle Gambushe ... Woman at Shisanyama
Lethukuthula Mhlongo ... Restaurant Waiter / SAPS Officer
Raphael Mhlongo ... Dodgy Guy
Vumani Khumalo ... Dodgy Guy
Nozizwe Dlamini ... Elderly Woman / Church Woman / Boardmember
Sibusiso Shozi ... Joe
Zinzile Zungu ... MaDlamini (as Zinzi Zungu)
Zola Myeza ... Hleziphi
Thandi Ntuli ... Aunty Nosisa
Mandla Mhlongo ... Nyambose
Menzi Ntombela ... Jobela
Fikile Msomi ... Praying Woman
Allison Cele ... Marriage Officer
Nsimbi Cele ... Chief
Nobuhle Mbambo ... Chief's Wife
Xolani Henema ... Xolani
Bheka Mdluli ... Elderman
Mkhetheni Mgube ... Elderman
Sihlangusempi Cele ... GC's Uncle
Asandiso Matera ... Kinky
Nosipho Khomo ... Hot Chick
Mthenjwa Ndwandwe ... Warder
Senzo Mbhele ... Warder
Langa Mkhize ... Warder
Muzi Mkhize ... Warder
Smanga Ndlela ... Warder
Sphelele Mtshali ... Prisoner
Babo Ncwane ... Prisoner
Nomalanga Shabane ... Salon Client
Sanelisiwe Maphinda ... Upset Client
Futhi Ngema ... Frustrated Client
Sbongimpilo Sikhosana ... Mumsy's Body Double
Phumelele Shangase ... Robbery Victim
Amanda Ncombothi ... Victim's Daughter
Kwanda Vilani ... Hot Man
Sandile Zulu ... Hot Man
Jabulani Zuma ... Thug
Sindiswa Zondi ... Customer
Sanelisiwe Mbambo ... Client
Nompumelelo Mncwango ... Patron
Thandanani Mjuda Qwabe ... Mhlengi
Scelo Ngcobo ... Qonda
Phumzile Ntabane ... Police Officer
Siphesihle Mbuyeleni ... Police Officer
Sipho Ngema ... Terror
Thobile Mtshali ... Innocentia's Lookalike
DJ Nzwiri ... DJ
Bheki Ngwane ... Courier Guy
Ayanda Moqidiqidi ... Very Hot Guy
Gugu Mkhize ... Hawker
Zamani Masuku ... Shisanyama Waiter / Goon
Khaya Ndlovu ... Man
Langa Shange ... Tough Guy
Lethu Ntombela ... Goon
Philani Ndokela ... Asylum Man
Musa Mgazi ... Asylum Man
Bongumusa Kubheka ... Young Man
Nkululeko Shoba ... Angry Person
Mfanafuthu Nxumalo ... Angry Person
VO Gumede ... Sunnyhill Doctor
Wandile Qwabe ... Gundi's Friend
Mawande Mbambo ... Gundi's Friend
Sine Mhlongo ... Nurse
Pearl Ngcobo ... Nurse / Hospital Nurse
Xolani Khumalo ... Paramedic
Sazi Duma ... Paramedic
Thabiso Buthelezi ... Delivery Guy
Slindile Gavinga ... Sunnyhill Nurse
Bongi Manqele ... Church Woman
Fikile Shangase ... Church Woman
Rachel Mabaso ... Church Woman
Esmie Madonsela ... Church Woman
Ncami Radebe ... Khumbulani's Mother
Thobile Dlamini ... Woman / Church Woman
Mondli Mzizi ... Man
Ndumiso Sisya ... Man
Mbalenhle Makhanya ... Young Girl
Sihle Xaba ... Khumbulani
Codesa Sibiya ... Attacker
Sanele Nhlangothi ... Attacker
Lolo Mayongo ... Vendor
Seipati Mpotoane ... MaPadi
Nhlanhla Mthembu ... Man (as Nhlanhla Mabhodisa Mthembu)
Mthokozisi Buthelezi ... Sternman
Mfanafuthi Nxumalo ... Customer
Manqoba Shandu ... Delivery Guy / Drunkard
Sabelo Khwela ... Radio DJ
Nzuzo Mhlongo ... Taxi Driver
Sphamandla Khambule ... Nkunzi's Boy / MaJealous
Sakhile Cele ... Nkunzi's Boy
Sthembiso Nene ... Nkunzi's Boy
Mpho Barnabas ... Nkunzi's Boy
Vusi Gwensu ... Nkunzi's Boy (also as Vusi Gcwensu)
Mayvis Cele ... Church Woman
Smangele Zungu ... Church Woman
Nomalizo Hlubi ... Sosibo's Niece
Roockea Khuzwayo ... Stokvel Woman
Zethu Zitha ... Stokvel Woman
Dudu Latha ... Vendor
Slindile Nene ... Widow
Nkululeko Mwandla ... Young Man
Kodwa Bungane ... Young Man
Freedom Mkhize ... Young Man
Siphesihle Mdlalose ... Young Man
Fanele Zulu ... Young Man
Mfanafuthi Mabaso ... Young Man
Phumlani Mtungwa ... Young Man
Sphindile Zulu ... MaDlamini's Doctor
Sinenhlanhla Taylor ... Nurse
Zama Mngadi ... Nurse
Mamalizo Hlubi ... Nurse
Sandile Khwela ... Polygrapher
Winnie Sibiya ... Stokvel Lady
Nombuso Gcabashe ... Stokvel Lady
Sizakele Mzobe ... Stokvel Lady
Phumla Zweni ... Stokvel Lady
Sakina Nkonzo ... Stokvel Lady
Sibongile Mngadi ... Stokvel Lady
Smangele Mbongwa ... Stokvel Lady
Philani Mngomezulu ... SAPS Officer
Sicelo Magwaza ... SAPS Officer
Lungelo Msomi ... Nkunzi's Boy
Amanda Ntuli ... Zethu (as Amanda Ntulu)
Sphamandla Mdunge ... Librarian
Njabulo Zulu ... Wedding Planner
Mxolisi Manyukulu ... Physiotherapist
Siphelele Xakaza ... Client
Bobo Soki ... Fernando / French Guy
Bhekamaswazi Shabalala ... Judge Khanyile
Samke Buthelezi ... Phindile
Bongumusa Ngidi ... SAPS Police
Ruben Naidoo ... Lawyer
Nkosinathi Shandu ... Board Member
Dinguyise Zulu ... Board Member
Nonkululeko Dladla ... Tailor
Mavis Dingeni Mkhize ... Street Vendor
Veronica Mayise ... Street Vendor
Dolly Lata ... Street Vendor
Sibongile Mkhize ... Stokvel Lady
Captain Gwala ... SAPS Police
Msizi Magoso ... Sfiso
Monde Ntshazi ... David Mchunu
Talia Guo ... Estate Agent
Njabulo Shelembe ... Locksmith
S'bongimpilo Sikhosana ... Hot Girl (as Sbongimpilo Skhosana)
Wanda Zuma ... Hitman
Nina Mkhize ... Lawyer
Biki Gwala ... Sheriff
Ncane Majola ... Vendor
Bheki Khanyile ... Boardmember
Joyce Mhlongo ... Church Woman
Velenkosini Ntuli ... Guest Pastor
Sboniso Mnyandu ... SAPS Officer
Thami Ziqubu ... SAPS Officer
DM Ngobe ... SAPS Officer
SG Mbuyeleni ... SAPS Officer
NH Simelane ... SAPS Officer
Sizwe Chonco ... SAPS Officer