Legendary stage and TV actress Thembi Mtshali-Jones is stepping back into the spotlight, joining the cast of Mzansi Wethu’s hit soapie Sibongile & The Dlaminis.Known for her iconic roles in Sgudi ‘Snaysi, Stokvel, Silent Witness, and Imbewu, the award-winning actress is once again teaming up with filmmaker Duma Ndlovu in his latest production.
Reported by ZiMoja, Mtshali-Jones takes on the role of Deliwe, replacing Slindile Nodangala, who was fired last month after reportedly requesting a character’s name be changed to honour her priest. Nodangala’s sudden exit from the show opened the door for Mtshali-Jones to join the star-studded cast, and she’s already started filming her scenes.
Reported by ZiMoja, according to insiders, Mtshali-Jones was the ideal choice to fill the role. “They want to make a big reveal next year,” shared a source from the production. Mzansi Wethu is expected to formally announce the actress’s arrival early next year, with plans for a dramatic entrance that will captivate fans of the soapie.
The actress’s collaboration with Ndlovu is a full-circle moment, having worked together in the past. Just recently, Ndlovu honoured Mtshali-Jones alongside fellow veteran Leleti Khumalo at the 2nd annual Golden Elephant Lifetime Achievement Awards. At the ceremony, Mtshali-Jones praised Ndlovu for pushing her to explore her craft in deeper ways, saying, “He encouraged me to explore myself as a holistic artist rather than just an artist.”
The addition of Mtshali-Jones isn’t the only exciting change for Sibongile & The Dlaminis this season. Veteran actress Baby Cele has also joined the cast, playing the sister of Deliwe. Cele’s return to South African television comes after touring the world as a singer, and her appearance has added even more star power to the production.
