Ntobeko Sishi, best known for his role in Gomora, has taken on an exciting new challenge as the lead in a powerful film set during apartheid South Africa. The movie, directed by Zamo Mkhwanazi, is titled Uhlanjululo — also known as Laundry.
The film is set in the 1960s and tells the story of a young man trying to protect his family’s business while also chasing his dream of becoming a musician. It explores the struggles faced by Black families and entrepreneurs under the oppressive apartheid system.
Sharing the news with his fans, Ntobeko expressed his excitement about the milestone:
“Last week a film I starred in world premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. My first feature titled Uhlanjululo (English title: Laundry). Seeing my face on the big screen for the first time felt like a childhood dream. I’m grateful for @zamobleach for being the incredible writer & director that she is. Thank you @philco1965 for your production and safe hands. Thank you to the rest of the cast and crew for making this such a joyful process. What a blessing to have been a part of this very special film.”
According to OkayAfrica, Uhlanjululo is Zamo Mkhwanazi’s first feature film as a director. The story is set in 1968 and highlights the struggles of a Black family navigating the harsh realities of apartheid. The film premiered in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and has been praised for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of life under a racist regime.
The movie follows protective father Enoch Sithole, played by Siyabonga Shibe, who runs a family-owned laundry business in a part of town marked “whites only.” Despite being allowed to operate there, the family faces intimidation and threats from the apartheid government. The laundry business soon becomes a safe space for Black people in the community.
When Enoch is arrested and imprisoned, the responsibility of saving the family falls on his sixteen-year-old son, Khuthala, played by Ntobeko Sishi. Khuthala must fight to free his father while also putting aside his own dreams of becoming a musician.
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