Latest news with #Uzalo
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘I died inside': Dawn Thandeka King on infidelity and heartbreak
Dawn was the latest guest on the Showmax talk show 'Untied'. Award-winning actress Dawn Thandeka King has opened up about the pain of betrayal and the strength it took to rebuild her life following her divorce. The Shaka iLembe star was the latest guest on the Showmax talk show Untied, which explores the raw realities of divorce through the voices of well-known South African women. Dawn candidly discussed the alleged infidelity that shook her marriage and how it left her deeply wounded. ALSO READ: Malusi Gigaba's attempt to halt broadcast of ex-wife's explosive episode on 'Untied' fails Dawn Thandeka King on fame, distance and growing apart She said the challenges began when she moved to Durban for her first major television role on Uzalo, leaving her husband and five children behind. 'The distance was the first challenge. And obviously now I'm in this industry, and I'm doing something that I truly love. It's going to show. I'm going to start looking like a happy woman. Not that I wasn't happy before, but something is happening to me that I never actually thought would happen. 'I think we, one, grew apart. And in our growing apart, I had found myself. Perhaps he hadn't found himself… The more I became famous, the more there was a rift — it just pushed us further and further apart,' she said. Dawn said what made it even more painful was the introduction of someone else into the relationship. 'I suppose this is the person he was speaking to about his troubles… He wasn't saying that to me. He was saying it to someone else. I think that killed me. I felt abandoned. 'It went back to the little girl who was not loved, who was looking to be loved. I died inside, and I thought this was it. For it to hurt me this deeply — that I can't see you as you anymore because you're seeing someone else, and now you can't see me as me anymore,' she added. Dawn also spoke about the courage it took to walk away from the relationship — a decision that, she said, marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with personal growth, spiritual discovery, and professional transformation. She said that her spiritual calling and connection to her ancestors guided her through some of her darkest moments. 'Because I then found an agency, and then my agency found me a job — and that was my first acting gig in 2012. I often wonder whether that was the reason I went through this journey that opened that door,' she said. NOW READ: 'Ma, life hasn't been the same without you' — Winnie Khumalo's kids on what would've been her 52nd birthday
News24
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘My time has finally come': Uzalo's Duduzile Ngcobo wins first award at 58
Supplied Duduzile Ngcobo was awarded Best Supporting Actress after only one previous nomination in 2021. She made her first red-carpet appearance at the awards and wore a cow skin outfit symbolising woman strength. She said her children and father played crucial roles in supporting her career from the beginning. Uzalo actress Duduzile Ngcobo recently received her first-ever recognition for her contribution to the entertainment industry, at the age of 58. The milestone happened at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film & Television Awards, where she was honoured with the Best Supporting Actress in TV award. Fighting back tears, a visibly emotional Ngcobo repeatedly expressed gratitude to her children, neighbours, family, colleagues and supporters. 'I don't want to cry because my makeup will be ruined,' she said as tears flooded her eyes behind the spectacles she wore on the day of the ceremony. Speaking backstage to City Press shortly after accepting her award, Ngcobo was still overwhelmed. I can't believe this. Pinch me. Duduzile Ngcobo With a decade of acting experience, Ngcobo has appeared in productions including eHostela, Durban Gen, A Soweto Love Story and Isithembiso. Despite her lengthy career, this was her first award, following a single prior nomination at the same awards in 2021 when she was still with Durban Gen, which was later canned. The win also marked her first red-carpet appearance. 'What makes me happy is that all this happened at home, in KwaZulu-Natal, where my umbilical cord was buried. It surely means that you should never turn your back on home,' she said. Ngcobo said she was grateful that the awards organisers had been watching her journey since Durban Gen. She further said she was not counting the years she had been in the industry without any proper recognition; she was focused on the craft. 'Everyone has their own time. If your time has not yet come, do not be jealous of other people or wish for their things; wait patiently. If you work hard and with love, your things will find you,' she said. As she laughed, she added: My time has finally come. This award will always be with me. I am even going to sleep with it until December. Duduzile Ngcobo The Umakoti Wethu actress said she was especially grateful to her three children and her father, who had supported her from the beginning. She shared how her two older children used to drive her to auditions and helped her run lines, while her father assisted in translating scripts. She also thanked her neighbours, the Stained Glass TV's cast and crew, and her supporters, saying they all played a part in her journey. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stained Glass TV (@stainedglasstv1) Ngcobo expressed appreciation for the Uzalo team, saying they gave her the respect she deserved as an elder and trusted her work. 'Sometimes when I am not at work, I feel lonely because when I am there, it is nice. I make so much noise, they reprimand me all the time. I thank the crew more than anything. I can feel their love,' she said. On the night of the awards, Ngcobo wore a cow skin outfit from head to toe, which she said symbolised the giant woman within her. She called herself a powerful woman, drawing inspiration from historical women figures, such as Princess Mkabayi kaJama and Queen Nandi kaBhebhe.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Nay Maps to host Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards this weekend
The awards are named after Simon Mabhunu Sabela, South Africa's first black film director. Former Uzalo actor Nkosinathi Maphalala, popularly known as Nay Maps, has been announced as the host of this year's Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards. 'I was chosen to host these awards and I was excited to do so as I believe in hosting such events that celebrate, acknowledge and honour the talent we have as a country and as a province,' Maphalala told The Citizen. The 12th edition of the awards will be held this Saturday at the Durban ICC. The awards are named after legendary South African actor and filmmaker, Simon Mabhunu Sabela. ALSO READ: Gayton McKenzie: 'Sustainable, long-term employment for most artists remains implausible' Simon Mabhunu Sabela an inspiration Despite Sabela's death more than three decades ago in 1994, the actor and film director left a lasting legacy in South African television and film. Sabela is South Africa's first black film director. He directed films like Ikati Elimnyama, renowned South African comedy film Ngaka, which starred Somizi Mhlongo's father, Ndaba Mhlongo. He also directed the 1975 film u'Deliwe, which starred Nonhle Thema's mother, Cynthia Shange. Sabela also has a long and successful career as an actor, being involved in more than 34 movies, both nationally and internationally. 'I am aware of uMkhulu Simon Sabela and the work he has done to contribute to this industry,' Maphalala said. 'He is South Africa's first black director and this is quite significant as a young black actor and creative because this serves as an inspiration and reminder that we are great and capable of great things.' Echoing Maphalala, chairperson of the board at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, said the awards honour the pioneer that Sabela was. 'The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards honour the legacy of a true pioneer in South African film, reminding us of the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge, and uplift,' Ndebele said. ALSO READ: 'Umjolo' dominates Simon Mabhunu Sabela film and TV awards The awards The awards celebrate KwaZulu-Natal's (KZN) ever-evolving film and television industry. 'With my roots and origins being from Bergville KZN, this is a true testament of how talented and blessed we are as a Zulu nation and how we as a nation have contributed immensely to the history of South Africa and Africa as a continent at large,' Maphalala said. Nominees for the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards were announced in June. Among the standout nominations was the Umjolo series of films on Netflix South Africa, which received eight nominations. 'Umjolo', which is a slang word for dating, was the theme throughout the four films that Netflix released in four months. The four films are: Umjolo: The Gone Girl, Umjolo: Day Ones, Umjolo: My Beginning, My End and Umjolo: There is No Cure. Actor Nkanyiso Makhanya, who featured in Umjolo: My Beginning, My End, is nominated in the Best Actor in a film category. The Best Actor category is the one which Maphalala is looking forward to the most. Maphalala, who is also a singer, said he could serenade the audience this weekend. 'It's not even me branching out because music has always been a part of who I am. So, who knows, I might just serenade you this coming weekend, but you will just have to be there to witness it,' said the actor. NOW READ: 'I am not a boy anymore': Mpumelelo Mseleku pays lobola
TimesLIVE
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
'I'm bouncing back': Siya B ready for Simphiwe Shembe Comedy Picnic
Comedian Siyabonga 'Siya B' Radebe has received a second chance after a difficult period in his life. Fellow comedian Simphiwe Shembe reached out to Siya B for his services for the upcoming Simphiwe Shembe Comedy Picnic scheduled to take place on July 20 at the Botanical Gardens in Durban. The former Uzalo actor told TshisaLIVE how Simphiwe reached out to him: 'Simphiwe sent me a voice note that started like a sermon and ended like a roast. I said yes before he finished. 'I'm honoured — he's a beast in this game and this event is something special. Being in the line-up means I must bring my A-game. I'm ready. 'I'm slowly bouncing back to who I was before. In the near future my fans can expect more shows, more content and maybe even a YouTube series. I've been working on a one-man special — and I'm planning to take over comedy clubs, taxis and possibly your aunt's birthday party. Siya B is only getting started.' The Ntuzuma-born entertainer says the audience at the Comedy Picnic can expect 'energy, chaos and smart stupidity' from his set. 'I'm coming with fresh material, wild facial expressions and maybe a few jokes about my uncle's WhatsApp status. If you don't laugh, your face is broken — not me.'
News24
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Radio Star Selbeyonce trades Ukhozi FM microphone for new adventure
After years of spinning hits and captivating listeners, the popular radio personality announces her departure to pursue an exciting new career path Weekday afternoons will never be the same again for Ukhozi FM's ardent listeners , who were accustomed to hearing the soothing voice of Selbeyonce, whose given name is Selby Mkhize. She together with Tshatha Ngobe hosted the afternoon drive show, Woza Nabanganebakho. The drive home for the listeners will never be the same, as Selbeyonce resigned from the station after 13 years. During her tenure on the show, she's become one of the most decorated radio jocks on the radio station. Although speculation are rife about the reasons of her departure on the show, Selbeyonce confidently tells Drum that she, Ukhozi FM management, as well as the SABC are 'awesome'. Drum recently reported that the star had reprised her role as herself on the country's top show, Uzalo. When we spoke with her, she mentioned that she was currently on set. Nevertheless, she took a moment to discuss what lies ahead for her. She says after more than a decade with the show, she has decided to step out and figure out what's next for her. She hints at a new journey that she is excited to embrace. 'It's been 13 years. I had resigned at the beginning of the month. I wanted a bit of time to myself to reflect, and get myself ready for the new journey ahead. Ukhozi, the SABC and myself are good. We are awesome,' she explains. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Selby 'Selbeyonce' Mkhize (@thisisselby) Meanwhile, Ukhozi FM's business manager, Lwazi Mthabela praised her for her dedication, saying that her talent, energy, warmth have shaped her into one of 'our most cherished presenters'. He adds that the reason for her deaprtufrom the station is to pursue other ventures in her career. 'She has been a vibrant and influential influenc, earning numerous accolades,' he says.
