Big news in the world of South African soap operas! Legendary stage and TV actress Thembi Mtshali-Jones is making her way to Mzansi Wethu’s hit soapie, Sibongile & The Dlaminis. If you’ve been following South African television, you’ll know Mtshali-Jones is no stranger to the spotlight. With an impressive resume that includes iconic shows like Sgudi ‘Snaysi, Stokvel, Silent Witness, and Imbewu, she’s a true gem in the industry.
So, what’s the scoop? Mtshali-Jones is stepping into the shoes of Slindile Nodangala, who recently parted ways with the show after a bit of a kerfuffle. According to insiders, Nodangala was let go after requesting a character name change that coincidentally matched her priest’s name. It seems that her intention was to honor her priest, but the production team had other ideas. Now, with Nodangala out, Mtshali-Jones has already begun shooting her scenes, and fans are buzzing with excitement!
Sources close to the production have been singing Mtshali-Jones’s praises, calling her the perfect fit for the role of Deliwe, Sibongile’s step-mother. It’s clear that Mzansi Wethu is gearing up for a grand reveal, with plans to announce her arrival in early 2025. “They want to make a big reveal next year,” a source shared. It sounds like they’re planning something special!
This exciting news comes on the heels of the recent Golden Elephant Lifetime Achievement Awards, where Duma Ndlovu, the mastermind behind Sibongile & The Dlaminis, honored both Mtshali-Jones and fellow actress Leleti Khumalo. During the ceremony, Mtshali-Jones expressed her gratitude towards Ndlovu, highlighting how he has encouraged her to embrace her artistry in all its forms. What a lovely sentiment!
But that’s not all—Sibongile & The Dlaminis has been busy expanding its cast. Baby Cele, another beloved veteran actress, joined the show recently as Deliwe’s sister. Cele has just returned from a world tour as a songstress, and we can’t wait to see what she brings to the table!
As Sibongile & The Dlaminis enters its second season, the excitement is palpable. With Mtshali-Jones and Cele on board, fans are in for a treat. So, mark your calendars for early next year when Mzansi Wethu makes the big announcement. It’s safe to say that the drama, talent, and excitement are only going to get bigger and better! Stay tuned!
