Mncedisi Shabangu, an actor, dramatist, and theater director, passed away on Sunday, July 23. He was slated to portray Mthambisi Phakathi, Gabisile’s mistress and the new villain in Uzalo.
The 53-year-old actor Mncedisi Shabangu had been cast in the part of Mthambisi Phakathi and was set to begin filming on July 27 in Uzalo. He passed away after complaining of chest problems and vomiting.
Sowetan was informed by the SABC1 soap opera that Shabangu’s successor will be revealed soon.
Uzalo shares more details about the character in a statement:
“Mncedisi was going to play a role of a reputable businessman who amassed his wealth through crime. Phakathi always makes sure that his dark side is never revealed. He came into our world wanting nothing but revenge from the Magwaza family who took everything from him. He fell in love with Gabisile bringing friction in Nkunzi’s world.”
According to the program, the entrance of Phakathi’s character to the plot was going to shake Nkunzi’s world (played by Masoja Msiza).
Phakathi, a respectable businessman, is about to develop feelings for Gabisile (Baby Cele), who has been in an intermittent relationship with Nkunzi.
In addition to playing the evil Khulekani Ngobese in plays like Secret Agenda, Ways of Dying, Call Us Crazy, Best Wedding Ever, and The Head and The Load, the late actor-playwright-and-theatre director also appeared in other productions. He was awarded a SAFTA for this performance.
His parts in The Lab, The Other Woman, Home Sweet Home, Rhythm City, iNumber Number, and many other films will also be remembered by the star’s fans.
The burial will take place at the Alliance Church of SA in KaNyamazane, Mpumalanga, on Saturday, July 30.
According to the magazine, Shabangu’s memorial ceremony for Gauteng will take place next Tuesday, August 2, at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre.