Siphesihle Vazi is taking on a new challenge as he joins SABC1’s Amalanga Awafani as Dr Thokozane Jobe, a confident, ambitious and charming medical professional who could become the latest love interest in Stha’s complicated life.
Vazi makes his debut on Monday, 24 August 2026, entering the story initially as Stha’s doctor. What begins as a professional relationship soon develops into something more complicated, with Thokozane emerging as a potential romantic partner and someone who appears to offer Stha the emotional stability she may have been missing.
But there is more to the character than his polished appearance suggests.
Thokozane is described as a man who likes to be in control, leaving viewers to question whether his seemingly perfect relationship with Stha is genuinely as healthy and straightforward as it appears.
A new face in Amalanga Awafani
Amalanga Awafani, meaning “Days are not the Same”, is a Stained Glass TV-produced telenovela that airs on SABC1. The show’s second season premiered in May 2026 and continues the story of former Maskandi stars and millionaire twins Sabelo and Thembi Gumede after they lose everything and are forced to start again in Johannesburg.
The season has introduced the Duma family and widened the show’s story beyond the Gumedes, bringing new relationships, conflicts and secrets into the mix. The drama continues to explore what happens when people are forced to rebuild their lives after losing wealth, status and the security they once took for granted.
Stha’s storyline is now taking another turn with the arrival of Thokozane, whose presence introduces both a potential romance and a new layer of uncertainty.
Vazi’s rise from presenter to actor
For Vazi, the role represents another step in a television career that has moved between presenting, acting and entertainment.
Born and raised in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, Vazi first became widely known as a presenter on SABC1’s Selimathunzi. He joined the programme in 2015 after being selected from hundreds of viewers who took part in a talent search.
He went on to build a broader entertainment career, including presenting work on television and radio, and previously hosted the Weekend Gig Guide on Ukhozi FM. His acting credits include Makoti, where he played Mthoko, and The Queen, where he portrayed Mlungisi Khoza. He has also appeared in productions including Muvhango and Black Gold.
Vazi has also worked as an event host and red-carpet presenter, adding to his experience in front of the camera.
Why Dr Jobe matters
Vazi says joining Amalanga Awafani is particularly meaningful because of his long association with the SABC1 family.
“I’ve been incredibly blessed to grow within the SABC1 family,” Vazi says, reflecting on his journey from Selimathunzi to his own project, She Is DJ, and now the drama series.
He says Dr Jobe’s storyline also gives the production an opportunity to explore issues around parental and step-parent rights.
“Dr Jobe enters the story at an important time, touching on parental and step-parent rights – a conversation we don’t often have openly,” he says.
For Vazi, the role is therefore about more than simply adding another romantic character to the show. He hopes the storyline will entertain audiences while encouraging conversations in South African homes.
He also thanked Stained Glass for giving him the opportunity, saying he had wanted to become part of the production company “for the longest time” and that, after 11 years, the opportunity had finally arrived.
A romance with a question mark
Thokozane’s arrival comes as Stha’s profile continues to grow and she begins imagining a bigger future for herself.
On the surface, the doctor appears to offer exactly the kind of support she needs. His confidence, ambition and charm make him an intriguing addition to her world, but his controlling nature could complicate the relationship.
That tension is likely to make Thokozane one of the more closely watched new characters as the season progresses.
With Sabelo trying to save his music career and relationship, Sugarbasin making increasingly dangerous choices, the Dumas’ secrets threatening to explode and Reginald Gumede unexpectedly returning from the presumed dead, Amalanga Awafani is heading into another turbulent chapter.
Amalanga Awafani airs Monday to Friday at 18h30 on SABC1 and is also available on the SABC Plus app.
