“The Most Accurate List”: SA Picks Their Top 5 Most Iconic Mzansi TV Characters, Including MaNtuli
- South Africans remembered some of the most iconic characters in the history of Mzansi television
- People rated their favourite actors who amplified their roles and made a show worth watching for many seasons
- Some social media users were disappointed that the list did not include top villains like Lindiwe Dikana and others produced by the Fergusons
South African television has come a long way from producing shows like Velaphi to making top-notch quality content like Shaka iLembe.
Source: Getty Images
Although new material is praised, the people of Mzansi looked back at some of the most iconic characters on TV. They acknowledged shows like Isibaya, The Queen, and three others.
A TikTokker was excited to compile the list and shared:
“These were some really great characters. South Africa truly has really great actors and even better storylines. We just need to find that consistency as an institution.”
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SA’s top 5 most iconic TV characters
The character who earned number five on the list was Mzansi Magic’s Mgijimi from Isibaya, played by Siyabonga Thwala. The character was first known as Mpiyakhe Zungu, who was then believed to be dead.
He returned in the chilling form of a ghost and a mysterious, feared figure who haunted the valley. The storyline kept viewers hooked, blurring the lines between death, ancestral spirits, and vengeance.
Diamond Mabuza took fourth place, played by Zolisa Xaluva. Mabuza was a polished but deadly drug lord who clashed with the Khoza family, which brought betrayal, power struggles, and shocking twists.
The TikTokker explained the character’s placement on his list:
“He would be higher, but he died too quickly. This guy has the most aura l've ever seen. Legit, this guy is just too iconic. I remember when he killed someone because that guy said, ‘I'll buy your product over my dead body.’ If that's not iconic, I don't know what is.”
Coming in at third place is MaNtuli from SABC 1’s Skeem Saam, played by Dieketseng Mnisi is a fan favourite. The character is a no-nonsense, sharp-tongued single mother of three children.
MaNtuli is fiercely overprotective of her kids but often clashes with them because of her tough love and stubborn ways. The character’s longevity and portrayal of the average African mother is what Mzansi fell in love with.
In second place, the TikTokker remembered Gaddafi from Generations, played by Vuyo Dabula. He was a former soldier who became a dangerous crime boss known for his bloodthirsty nature, power moves, and complicated relationships.
The TikTokker said:
“Already with the name, you know it's about to go down. You don't get that name by being normal. This guy is just in a league of his own. This is who every man wants to be like man or woman can control him. He does what he wants when he wants. No one will tell him anything.”
In first place, we have David Genaro on Rhythm City played by the late Jamie Bartlett. He was the ultimate crime lord and manipulator. Genaro controlled the Johannesburg underworld while dabbling in the music industry.
The character became the country’s cultural icon and was often labelled as the ‘King of Villains’.
SA responds to Top 5 most iconic TV characters
Some people were not convinced that the list was solid, as they did not see some of their favourite characters:
Source: Getty Images
@MONGWA EVENT sighed:
“I was expecting to see Sandra Stein, our beloved lawyer.”
@Li.phelo asked:
“Lindiwe Dikana?”
@valuetainment was disappointed:
“I guess Sibusiso Dlomo and Mandla Ndlovu didn't exist.”
@Charmgal@13 said:
“MaNtuli deserves her flowers.”
@zwayetovenofficial commented:
“Bro! Since I was in Grade 2, she’s been MaNtuli kayi 1. Now I’m 22.”
@Mandisa Malevu highlighted:
“Naomi from Rymth City remains goated for me.”
@Buhle Nzimande👑💎 added:
“Samson Ndlovu from Isibaya deserves to be here. Bheki Mkhwane's performance was effortless and executed to perfection. Also, he's the reason why people(mostly our elders) are always saying Number One whenever they approve of something. That right there is what you call cultural impact.”
@khanyisasikhuphel wrote:
“I would replace Diamond with Lindiwe Dikana.”
@194107121127580 commented:
“FINALLY! Someone is giving David Genaro his flowers. What a character, man. Probably the most accurate list.”
Watch the TikTok video below:
SA raves about Mzansi Magic's new telenovela
Briefly News also reported that Mzansi Magic has won many hearts with their new telenovela Inimba, which has been trending since the day it aired. People online have been raving about the show and praising the production behind it.
Viewers were impressed with the show's great storyline, as they were hooked since the first episode. South Africans are excited to see the story unfold.
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Source: Briefly News
