SABC1’s Amalanga Awafani has kicked off September with a fresh dose of comedy, drama and mystery, with reality television star Akhonamathemba ‘Sweet Guluva’ Zwane making his debut on the series this week.
Sweet Guluva joined the Season 2 cast on Friday, 11 September, playing Ngwenya, the firm but entertaining manager of the local watering hole in Nquthu.
His arrival comes as the drama continues to unfold around the characters and relationships at the heart of the series, with more new faces expected to bring further twists to the storyline this month.
Sweet Guluva makes his acting debut
For Sweet Guluva, the role marks a return to one of his first creative passions – acting.
The reality television star, who is also a musician, said the opportunity was particularly meaningful because of the show’s connection to his hometown of Nquthu.
“I am happy about the opportunity to play Ngwenya on Amalanga Awafani since a lot of people don’t know that one of my first loves was acting. When I got a call back from the producers, I saw this as a once in a lifetime opportunity, the show is set in Nquthu, and I am also from Nquthu,” he said.
He added that the show’s combination of drama and music made the role an especially natural fit for him.
“The series resonates with me as it is about drama and music. I love acting and I make music. Viewers can expect some seriously funny moments with a firm character,” he said.
As Ngwenya, Sweet Guluva brings a more humorous energy to the series while taking on the responsibility of running the local watering hole.
Thandeka Nodada brings a darker mystery
The comedy will soon be accompanied by a more mysterious storyline when award-winning actress Thandeka Nodada makes her debut on Tuesday, 29 September.
Nodada plays Nandipha, a sophisticated and influential businesswoman who enters Thembi’s life as a mentor and mother figure while seemingly offering her a path towards a bigger future.
On the surface, Nandipha appears to be generous, successful and genuinely interested in helping Thembi. However, her true intentions may be far more complicated.
Nodada has warned viewers not to take the character at face value.
“Nandipha’s character truly embodies the saying, ‘If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.’ She is gracious, motherly, helpful and business savvy truly a Mother Teresa figure. But is she really?” she said.
“Audiences will enjoy discovering the many layers of the character, particularly as Nandipha’s seemingly nurturing nature begins to reveal a darker,” she added.
Her arrival is expected to add another layer of suspense to the series as Thembi navigates the opportunities and relationships presented by the mysterious businesswoman.
Heritage Month celebration through music
While the series continues with its dramatic storylines, Amalanga Awafani will also celebrate Heritage Month through a special episode centred on music and culture.
The episode, airing on Thursday, 24 September, will feature the Amabutho concert at the Soweto Theatre.
The celebration brings together music, storytelling and South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage, with the show highlighting Nguni, Pedi, Setswana and Sesotho cultures.
Music acts Sannere and Feza are also set to make special appearances.
The concert will mark a first performance for aboMzala, Sabelo and Fenda, bringing the on-screen musical duo together on stage for the first time.
A message against abuse
The Heritage Month celebration will also carry a serious social message.
A tribute song dedicated to women will address the unfair treatment and abuse experienced by women in relationships with abusive partners.
The storyline and performance aim to use music not only as entertainment, but also as a platform to reflect on issues affecting women and communities.
With Sweet Guluva now officially part of the cast, Thandeka Nodada preparing to introduce a character with potentially hidden motives and a Heritage Month celebration still to come, Amalanga Awafani is set for a busy September.
The series airs Monday to Friday at 18h30 on SABC1 and is also available on the SABC Plus app.
