Mbali Ngiba fired from Umkhokha due to bad relationship with MaMzobe.
In the popular Mzansi Magic telenovela Umkhokha: The Curse, the character of Zodwa, portrayed by actress Mbali Ngiba, has reportedly been written off the show. According to sources close to the production, Ngiba’s tumultuous relationship with her co-star Deli Malinga, who plays the role of MaMzobe, was the primary reason for her departure, according to ZiMoja
The sources reveal that Ngiba and Malinga frequently clashed on set, with Ngiba feeling that she deserved the same level of treatment and compensation as the more experienced Malinga. “Ngiba always compared herself to Sis Deli,” the source said. “Deli is a veteran who earned her stripes, and she has been in the industry for longer than her. Both ladies are talented and beautiful, but to compare yourself with Deli, it would be pushing it.” The constant arguments between the two actresses reportedly made the work environment uncomfortable for the rest of the cast and crew.
“Ngiba always compared herself to Sis Deli. Deli is a veteran who earned her stripes, and she has been in the industry for longer than her. Both ladies are talented and beautiful, but to compare yourself with Deli, it would be pushing it.Imagine two strong women in one room arguing. It was a mess,” the source said.
Ngiba’s desire for a higher salary, which she requested after Malinga received a raise, is said to have been the final nail in the coffin. “I think she forgot her place until the producers chose Malinga over her,” the source added. When Ngiba announced her departure from the show in March, she expressed her gratitude to the production team and her supporters, but declined to comment further when contacted for this story.
The production company, Rhythm World Productions, has not confirmed the reasons behind Ngiba’s departure, with the PR manager stating that the show’s storyline and character dynamics are subject to change as the telenovela progresses. The matter remains shrouded in controversy, with both Ngiba and Malinga choosing to maintain their silence on the issue.
Mbali Ngiba security guards incident
Prior to leaving Umkhokha, Mbali Ngiba engaged in a heated dispute with security guard at Hotel Sky in Sandton, Johannesburg.Some argued that it is impolite to show disrespect towards individuals’ occupations, especially considering the prevalence of high unemployment in our nation.
The video footage of the incident shows Ngiba verbally assaulting the security guard, insulting him and his salary, and even banging on the tables in a display of frustration. The actress was heard making remarks about the guard’s position and educational qualifications, suggesting a sense of entitlement and a lack of respect for the security personnel.
Following this incident, there were reports that Ngiba had also been fired from her role in “Umkhokha” due to the altercation. However, the actress later came forward to publicly apologize for her actions, acknowledging the inappropriate nature of her behavior and the potential consequences it may have had on her career.
#RHODurban star, Mbali going off at security guards. pic.twitter.com/6kgphAZCUX
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 2, 2024