Get to know Mdala from Scandal

Mdala from Scandal real name James Sithole grew up in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga Province.

He relocated to Mamelodi in Pretoria zone 12 after finishing school. He subsequently began pursuing his interests in acting, producing, writing, and directing.

James began his studies at the University of South Africa in 2012. The brilliant actor enrolled at Youth In Trust State Theatre that same year to pursue Communication Arts and Films.

James went on to study language practice. This was due to his desire to be a versatile actor as well as a translator.

Scandal! actor James Sithole is a linguist of note and has used his remarkable talent and ability to speak 10 South African languages to his great advantage.

“I did language practice because I wanted to be an interpreter, it was like something I could fall back on. I used to interpret at church, so that’s the reason I wanted to learn to speak many languages. I can safely say I know all the official languages, excluding Afrikaans, and I am currently learning Swahili and sign language.”

Born in Kwa-Ndebele, Mpumalanga, he says while he was in Grade 1, he aspired to pursue a career as a policeman or soldier, however, while doing his matric, he met his peers from a youth development group whose duty was to engage the local youth in extramural
activities. He jumped at the opportunity.

James, like many on-screen actors, began his career in the theatre. He has acted in The Tragedy Of Samuel Omunye, penned by the legendary writer, poet, artist, and performer Masai Sepuru, and has experience in theatrical production and directing.

He received his first TV job on Scandal in December 2021! as Madala, a villain who advances his businesses through illegal means.

Madala was first introduced as Nhlamulo’s ex-boss, who arrived bearing a grudge after the other man tipped off the cops. His dark habits began to emerge as time progressed.

Mdala, who has recently been released from prison, wishes to begin a new life and raise a family. He is currently ignorant that Nhlamulo was the one who sold him to the police. If he finds out, that will undoubtedly affect things.

The role is a dream come true for James, always wanted to see himself on Scandal! He looked up to Sello Maake-ka Ncube and wanted to be cast as his other son who fixes the life of his drug addict son, Mangi.

As an actor, Sithole feels that knowing multiple languages means having more money in your pocket because it is easier to conduct business through language. “We have seen some shows that are specific on the language that must be spoken, and if you know all languages, you can get any job you want.”

On Scandal, his character Mdala is back in a big manner!, battling for what is rightfully his.

James is very private about his personal life, and keeps it away from social media as possible as he can. There are reports though that he is a family man.