Acclaimed actress Ayanda Borotho, known for her roles in Isibaya, Shaka iLembe, The River, and Sbongile and The Dlaminis, recently experienced an unexpected moment of healing while filming a deeply emotional scene for Ithonga. In the drama series, she plays Thandeka “MaKhumalo” Magwaza, a strong-willed mother caught in a web of power and betrayal.
During a funeral scene for one of her twin sons in the series, Borotho was confronted with the pain of losing her own twin brother—an old wound she hadn’t realised was still raw.
Taking to Instagram, she reflected on the moment, calling it a true depiction of art imitating life.
“I had broken down so many times, I kept asking God, when will it get better? I’m tired, I’m drained of the triggers. I wasn’t supposed to shoot the gun on this day. It wasn’t scripted. But I asked my director, the ever so gracious Nozi Nkelemba if we could allow MaKhumalo to bid farewell to her son,” she shared.
She also revealed that, despite never having fired a gun before, she felt compelled to do so in the scene as a way to express her character’s deep emotions.
“Mind you, I’m scared of guns, never shot one in my life. For me, it was more a character-motivated choice because I thought there’s a fiercely dangerous side to her that we have not yet seen. A mother who would kill for her children. She and Banele had a special bond,” she said.
Little did she know, this unscripted decision would become a powerful moment of closure.
“It was in this moment after the last bullet, that I finally let go of my twin brother. I didn’t know it would take me shooting a gun. But in this moment, God knew what it would take, and He gently led me to it, through my art. And so, when I collapsed on the ground, I knew he was no longer holding on, but he transitioned to holding me through. Trust the process,” she concluded.
Following the emotional scene, Borotho shared a heartfelt message for those who have lost a twin, wishing them comfort as they watched the episode unfold.
