TV stars Nompilo Maphumulo and Menzi Biyela reportedly return to Uzalo.
In the ever-evolving landscape of South African television, the news of Nompilo Maphumulo’s return to the popular soap opera Uzalo has generated a wave of excitement among viewers. Maphumulo, who made a significant impact playing the role of Nosipho Xulu, is set to grace the small screen once again, much to the delight of the show’s loyal fans, source confirmed.
Yvonne Siphuka, the communications officer of Stained Glass, the production company behind Uzalo, confirmed the highly anticipated news. “We are thrilled to welcome Nompilo back to the Uzalo family,” she expressed. “Her return promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as her character will be shown in prison, unveiling a new chapter in the captivating storyline.”
Maphumulo’s departure from Uzalo last year to join the cast of Generations The Legacy had left a noticeable void in the show. Her character, Nosipho, was sentenced to prison for the murder of her husband, Mfu Gwala, played by Menzi Biyela. This dramatic turn of events had a significant impact on the viewership of Uzalo, which had once boasted an impressive audience of 11 million.
According to statistics from the Broadcast Research Council of South Africa, the show’s viewership has since declined, with Uzalo now reaching 5 million viewers, while Generations The Legacy has claimed the second spot with 4 million viewers. This sharp drop in audience numbers has undoubtedly raised concerns among the show’s producers, who have sought to address the issue by bringing in new faces to captivate the viewers.
Among the notable additions to the Uzalo cast are Brenda Mhlongo, former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs star Siyabonga “Bhele” Nomvete, and former Bafana Bafana captain Neil Tovey. Additionally, the producers have hinted at the possible return of Menzi Biyela’s character, Pastor Gwala, to further entice viewers and keep them glued to the screen.
The Uzalo producers, led by King David Mokwevho, have remained undaunted by the viewership challenges. “We are not afraid,” Mokwevho stated. “We are still ahead of our colleagues, and we remain confident in our ability to captivate our audience.” However, he acknowledged the growing competition from streaming platforms like Netflix and Showmax, which have drawn in a significant portion of television viewers.
Despite these challenges, Uzalo remains a powerhouse in the South African television landscape, and the return of Nompilo Maphumulo is poised to rejuvenate the show’s popularity. Viewers eagerly await the unveiling of Nosipho’s next chapter, as the producers promise to deliver a thrilling and engaging storyline that will keep audiences glued to their screens.
