Photo: Uzalo official
Photo: Uzalo official
Uzalo may be the youngest soapie on our screens, but that youthful charm has captured hearts and minds across the country.
The no-holds-barred drama is now into its fourth season, and it shows no signs dropping its standards any time soon. In fact, the jewel in SABC’s crown is the current holder of the “Golden Horn Award for Best Soapie” from Safta.
But don’t stress if you feel you may have missed the boat on this one. We’ve compiled the total history of Uzalo into one detailed overview. Here’s everything you need to know about the show that’s got tongues wagging in Mzansi.
What is Uzalo about?
Uzalo follows the trials and tribulations of two families in the Kwa-Mashu township of KwaZulu-Natal. The F-Section has had the privilege of becoming a real-life TV set, where the production teams have used – and renovated – a real-life settlement instead of a TV studio.
The connection between these two families? Their eldest sons were switched at birth around the same time Nelson Mandela was released from prison. Their adoptive heritage couldn’t be from two more different backgrounds, either…
The Mdletshe family play a significant role in the management of the Kwamashu Kingdom Church and the Xulu family run a car theft syndicate. Everything from religious identity, sexual relations and hard-hitting portrayals of drug addiction feature in this soapie, and it’s had viewers gripped for over three years.
When did Uzalo start?
Here’s a fun fact for you – Stained Glass Productions, the team who brought Uzalo to our screens, have Jacob Zuma’s daughter Gugulethu on their executive panel. The Zuma family are still massively supported in KZN, and locals have shown this “homegrown drama” just as much adoration.
Uzalo is written by playwright-producer Duma Ndlovu and is produced by Gugulethu Ncube and Pepsi Pokane. Four years ago, they got the green-light to produce 300 half-hour episodes for the telenovela, and the team have never looked back.
Their first episode was an iconic moment for South African television, as five million viewers tuned in to see what all the fuss was about in February 2015. An overwhelming majority have been returning every weeknight since.
Notable cast members
Glen Gabela plays Pastor Melusi Mdletshe.
Masoja Msiza plays Nkunzebomvu (Nkunzi) Mhlongo.
Gugu Gumede plays Hlengiwe (MaMlambo) Mlambo.
Nompilo Maphumulo plays Nosipho Xulu.
Khumbulani Kay Sibiya plays Ayanda Xulu (Mdletshe).
Naymaps Maphalala plays Mxolosi Mdletshe (Xulu).
Dawn Thandeka King plays Lindiwe Xulu.
Nokuthula Mabika plays Mabika.
Ntokozo Dlamini plays Mastermind Maphumulo.
Uzalo: Season-by-season guide
First Season
It all kicked off with a bang. The Xulu household had their panel-beating business investigated, as local law enforcement sniffed around their illegal car theft ring. Mystery surrounded the character Mastermind, and his little black book of secrets became the source of huge intrigue.
Mxolisi and his parents both end up getting arrested, creating a massive family crisis. Mxolosi’s sister, Nosiphi, is forced to get an abortion and questions are raised as to who the baby daddy could have been. Mastermind and Ayanda are both in the frame.
The first season ended with the Xulus behind bars and the Mdletshes trying to digest the news of the switched babies. The truth of Ayanda’s blood family is out, and conflict arises as the truth unravels.
Season Two
After Mxolisi moved in at the Mdletshes, Nkosinathi had to be ready to move to Cape Town for his first year at university. He heard something he wasn’t supposed to and disappeared without a trace. He had come across Mxolisi and his mother at the panel-beating shop, and eavesdropped on a conspiracy to steal more cars.
It was revealed that Mxolisi had killed Nkosinathi. Mxolisi has tried to clean up his own mess by framing his cousin Bandile for murder. All this after he moved in with the religious Mdletshes!
Mxolisi’s mom had to deal with the harsh reality that the son she raised – who isn’t even hers – has a murderous streak. She struggled with her conscience about how she could forgive the prodigal child.
As for Mxolisi, his own conscience never gave him a break after he killed his brother. He continued to grapple with the guilt of framing his cousin for his devious acts.
Season Three
Many of the revelations from previous seasons were addressed, but with one huge plot twist. Pastor Mdletshe returned to Kwa-Mashu. The spotlight also swung to GC this season, as he’s forced to play a straighter character.
The plot decentralised from the two families linked by secrets as more screen time is devoted to secondary characters. GC’s own personal plotlines brought drama and tension to every episode.
Season Four
The fourth season is currently underway and taking the same old twists and turns that have kept us glued to our screens for the last few years.
However, if you’re in the mood to catch up with Uzalo and you don’t want to come across any spoilers, we’re going to be really kind here. You can catch up with season four via our comprehensive episode guides:
What happened in Uzalo in July?
What is happening in Uzalo in August?
What awards has Uzalo won?
The show has won both commercial and critical acclaim during its successful run. Uzalo was barely six months old when it cleaned up at the Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela Awards, with various individual awards going their way.
Five members of the Uzalo cast received trophies at the event – Don Mlangeni (Lifetime Achievement Award); Mpumelelo Bhulose (Best Actor); Sihle Ndaba (Best Supporting Actress); Kay Sibiya (Best Newcomer) and Khaya Dladla (Best Supporting Actor).
They’re also a regular fixture at the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas). Their most recent accolade was the Most Popular Soapie award at the glitzy ceremony held in March.
So that’s everything you need to know about Uzalo. It’s been one hell of a journey so far, and there’s so much more to come. Like the rest of Mzansi, we’re huge fans of the show and hope it continues to enthrall us for years to come.
How to watch Uzalo
You can watch the latest episode of Uzalo here. We upload brand new episodes of the show shortly after their scheduled air time of 20:30 on SABC.
