In the realm of South African crime thrillers, ‘Devil’s Peak’ emerges as a riveting spectacle. Based on Deon Meyer’s acclaimed 2004 novel, this upcoming M-Net series is set against the backdrop of Cape Town’s gritty underbelly, capturing the essence of a city haunted by a vigilante serial killer, Thobela Mpayiheli, ominously known as the Assegai Killer. This five-episode saga revolves around the relentless quest of a shattered detective, Benny Griesel (portrayed by Hilton Pelser), who is on a tireless pursuit to bring Mpayiheli to justice. And right in the midst of this relentless manhunt, actress Masasa Mbangeni shines as Mbali Kaleni, one of the few university-educated female officers in the South African Police Service.
Mbali’s character navigates the treacherous waters of a male-dominated profession, constantly battling the demons of sexism and male privilege. However, her resilience shines through as she remains steadfast in her commitment to making a difference within the confines of a system fraught with challenges.
Masasa Mbangeni, who brings Mbali to life, sat down for an insightful Q&A session during a media event in Cape Town. Here, she revealed the depth and complexity of her character’s journey in ‘Devil’s Peak.’
Question 1:
Your character is an educated woman in a male-dominated industry. You experience a lot of sexism and male privilege in the workplace. So, what are some of the struggles that your character faced?
Mbangeni’s response: “Mbali, for me represents an altruism and a proud South African-ness about her, which I really enjoy. You would think with the education she has, she would pursue opportunities outside of a very wanky system. Like the policing system in South Africa. I think there is a part of her that genuinely wants – as the famous adage goes – be the difference and the change she wants to see in the world.”
Question 2:
What was it like adapting to South African identities without the stereotypes?
Mbangeni’s perspective: “It wasn’t difficult because Matt (Orton) and Deon (Meyer) do a great job in the writing. They really gift it to us in the way that they have written the series. For instance, Deon Meyer has such a deep care and love for South Africa and all of her people. Their complexions and complexities. Every way that he writes, whether it is ‘Heart of the Hunter’ or ‘Devil’s Peak,’ there is a deep love and care for South Africans. So, for me, it didn’t really feel like a challenge to adapt because I was already given people who took care of the character.”
Question 3:
What was the preparation for your character like, emotionally?
Mbangeni’s insight: “It was so wonderful. Jozua Malherbe (the director) did a ridiculous amount of rehearsal with us. Which was helpful, especially with us as the police unit. It created a familiarity and a safety. It also did feel weird because I am the only woman, a black woman. With these boys, so it was nice to feel that as Masasa and share those feelings with Mbali.”
Masasa Mbangeni’s portrayal of Mbali Kaleni promises to be a captivating facet of ‘Devil’s Peak’. A series that not only delves into the depths of crime but also unravels the complexities of South African society. All while offering a powerful narrative on the struggle for justice in a world filled with privilege and prejudice.
