BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– A year later on Scandal!
Local actress Gcebile Dlamini yesterday marked a year since she joined the most watched TV soap opera Scandal, which airs on eTV on weekdays at 7:30pm.
She portrays the role of MaHilda. Scandal is the second-most-watched soapie, following Uzalo. The series is watched by at least 4 433 177, according to TV SA stats released last month. The soapy omnibus airs on Saturdays.
The first episode aired on January 3, 2005. The storyline is based on the constant conflicts, intrigues, family feuds, and shameful secrets of the people involved in the Johannesburg media house. It was created by Gloria Medupe.
When reached for comment, Dlamini said it has been an incredible journey. She said: “The journey of joining the most popular soapy in SA has been amazing because it is different from other series I have acted on before. It is different because of the love shown to me by the cast and the crew and how people appreciated the character I portray and how they see themselves and some can relate to it. When you play a role that can impact people’s lives, you see that you are doing something.”
She went on to add: “It is incredible and heart-warming, as Scandal has been there for years, and I am working with renowned actors. Now that I am in this space, it is not easy and you have to work very hard. It is not just talent, but how you work with people—what mark do you leave?
When asked how she bagged the role, Dlamini shared with this publication that she got the role through casting Thandeka Nodada, whom she had worked on before in other TV local series.
The actress shared with the publication that Nodada, for her character, knew exactly what she wanted. She said: “For MaHilda, I never auditioned and she said this was a character for you. When I got it, it was originally for three shoots, and fortunately, they extended the contract, and it has been a year now.”
Dlamini says that people recognise her on the streets as they love the character of MaHilda. She concluded by saying: “When I come home, I feel like a princess when I come to Eswatini. The love I receive since the time I enter the border and people tell me we are so proud of you and you are ours.”
Dlamini has acted on Judge Thenjiwe, Housemates, Skeem Saam, Abangani short stories, short films, as well as directing backstage, just got the TV advertisement gig. She won the Naledi Award. Dlamini is a drama mentor at Dumisani Masilela Theatre and director at Johannesburg Independent Community Theatre.
