(Leleti Khumalo)
Uzalo is a telenovela broadcast on SABC1 in South Africa. It
stars Leleti Khumalo, Bheki Mkhwane and Mpumelelo Bhulose.
A mere five months after it was introduced to South African
audiences, Uzalo enjoyed a major
triumph at the annual Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela Awards, with various members of
the cast receiving awards for their work on the production.
The awards ceremony, now in its third year, is an initiative
of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, and celebrates South African TV and film
and production talent, with a special focus on players from Kwa Zulu Natal.
Uzalo, which is
shot entirely in KZN, harnessed the skills of established and upcoming talent
to create what has become one of South Africa’s most watched TV shows. The combination
of intriguing storylines and exceptional acting has delivered audience figures
that are a direct testimony of the show’s popularity amongst viewers.
Five members of the Uzalo cast received trophies at the
event, namely: Don Mlangeni (Lifetime Achievement Award); Mpumelelo Bhulose (Best
Actor); Sihle Ndaba (Best Supporting Actress); Kay Sibiya (Best Newcomer) and Khaya
Dladla (Best Supporting Actor).
“We’re thrilled that our cast has been recognised this way,”
enthused Mmamitse Thibedi, Uzalo’s series producer. “This shows that the
calculated risks we took were the right decisions to make. The Uzalo cast are some of the most
hardworking actors I’ve ever worked with. They came in to rehearse when we were
still in pre-production, and that dedication shines through – they created a
chemistry that’s so powerful onscreen. We’re incredibly proud of them.”
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