Uzalo Actor Simphiwe Majozi on How the Show Shaped His Career

• Simphiwe Majozi has been on Uzalo since 2015 and says he is grateful for how it's helped him grow as an actor
• The actor's character, Sbu Makhathini, recently had a major transformation, going from being a gangster to a pastor
• He's previously had to dispel claims that he was an abuser after his ex-girlfriend publicly claimed he was physically abusive during their relationship

It started as a cameo, a role he was only supposed to step into for a limited time. Ten years on, Simphiwe Majozi has become a key figure on the hit SABC1 soapie Uzalo.

The actor, who portrays the comic role of Sbu Makhathini, says the show has played a vital role in shaping his career.

He recently told Daily Sun that he was repeatedly offered smaller roles on different productions but each time he turned them down, opting to stay loyal to Uzalo.

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It's the best decision he's made, the 44-year-old says.

"My producers asked me to stay and that paid off. It has made me grow and I've gained a lot of experience."

Simphiwe goes from gangster to pastor

After a decade as a gangster, Simphiwe's character Sbu underwent a major transformation when he became a man of the cloth.

Simphiwe says he found it difficult to suddenly portray the role of a pastor but he enjoyed the challenge.

Simphiwe ate, slept, and breathed his character, to the point that he often felt like Sbu even when he wasn't on set.

But he's an actor, and nailing difficult roles is part and parcel of the job, he adds.

"I'm able to portray any character because I work as a tool of performance, and I'm not just a human being."

Simphiwe Majozi refutes abuse claims

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Simphiwe has previously had to defend his name against abuse and infidelity allegations made by an ex-girlfriend.

Kekeletso Mahlelebe publicly accused the actor of physical abuse and being unfaithful during their time together.

Simphiwe, who has since found new love, hit back at the claims, saying his former lover was viewing him through the lens of his character, Sbu, rather than who he is in real life.

He released a public statement emphasising his respect for women and said his sisters, friends and female colleagues could attest to that.

Part of the statement read:

“The allegations come as a shock to myself and close friends and family as I am a firm believer that if things do not work out in a relationship, it does not mean that we need to be in a fight and get to a point where we drag each other's good name and person.“

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Lebo M and ex-wife at it again

In a previous entertainment story, Briefly News reported on a war of words between Lebo M and his ex-wife, Pretty Samuels.

Pretty claims her former husband was an abuser and a fraudster who cheated the South African Revenue Services.

Lebo has denied the claims and labelled them "defamatory".

Source: Briefly News