Londeka Mchunu ‘Zanele’ Finally Exits House of Zwide

Londeka Mchunu’s portrayal of Zanele in the beloved South African soapie House of Zwide has been nothing short of mesmerizing. With her well-crafted narrative arc, striking fashion sense, and the emotional depth she brings to the screen, Mchunu has captivated audiences since her character’s introduction. Zanele’s journey, marked by personal and professional hurdles, has resonated deeply with viewers, making her one of the standout characters in the series.

However, fans recently received the surprising news that Zanele will be taking a break from the show, as Mchunu has opted to pursue an opportunity in London. This decision comes at a pivotal moment in the storyline as Zanele grapples with the aftermath of losing Zola’s baby—a tragedy that significantly impacts her character’s development and outlook on life. During a heartfelt conversation with Faith, Zanele reveals her intentions to make a fresh start in London, indicating that her life is no longer the same.

Wednesday 14 August 2024: Zanele explains to a stunned Faith that she intends to make a fresh start in London as her life's no longer the same after losing Zola's baby.

This exit not only alters the dynamic within the show but also creates space for new leadership at House of Zwide. With Zanele stepping away, the stage is set for Ona and Nkosi—played by Nefisa Mkhabela and Wanda Zuma, respectively—to take on prominent roles in the fashion house. Their youthful energy and fresh perspective signal a potential renaissance for the brand.

Ona and Nkosi have a vision of creating a trendy, collaborative design hub that embraces innovation. Yet, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, particularly financial ones. How they navigate their contrasting ideas and work together may determine the fate of House of Zwide. The series effectively poses the question: Will their partnership thrive, or will their differences lead to conflict and chaos?

Thursday 15 August 2024 : Nkosi becomes even more upset when Zanele initially refuses to tell him the real reason why she's leaving. But under continued pressure from Nkosi, Zanele finally tells him about Zola's baby and the miscarriage. 

Friday 16 August 2024: Nkosi is moved by what Zanele has been through and accepts her decision to leave even though buying her out jeopardizes his and Ona's plans for the collective. 

Londeka Mchunu, besides acting, is a scriptwriter for House of Zwide. As she prepares to leave her acting role, she will continue her work behind the scenes as a scriptwriter. She has showcased her skills across various productions for Bomb Productions. Due to her writing qualifications, the production house has offered her a position as a scriptwriter for the show.

Mchunu initially pursued a degree in Corporate Communications but chose to leave it behind in favor of her burgeoning acting career. Her departure from “House of Zwide” signifies a pivotal moment for her character, Zanele, while also paving the way for new storylines and character dynamics under the direction of Ona and Nkosi. As viewers prepare to say goodbye to Zanele, they eagerly anticipate the fresh narratives to come.