Introducing Chief Nomkhosi Mhlongo...
But wait, no, she isn't
actually the Chief, even though she should be.
Sibusisiwe Jili made her debut as Nomkhosi on Uzalo on Wednesday night (7 June) for a storyline that's going to explore what it means to be a rightful heir.
The bad news for Nomkhosi: she has to fight Nkunzi and win.
The good news: she has an ally who's as pissed off as she is.
Her best friend Mzamo Shezi arrives this Tuesday 13 June, played by Lindah Majola - most recently seen on Mzansi Magic as Langa in The Wife.
These are the official bios of their characters, followed by snaps of them behind-the-scenes on location:
Nomkhosi
Only child and daughter to Chief Shepherd Mhlongo.
Her looks could get her anything she wants but this girl always goes about things the hard way.
She never abuses her status for selfish reasons but believes that all men are equal.
In this rural and traditional village, yes, she believes women have equal rights as men. She is what some would call a feminist.
This is what sets her apart from the rest, this is what makes some hate her.
She feels quite strongly about her beliefs, all of them. And that is why she believes she deserves the Chieftaincy after her father’s passing.
Nomkhosi was groomed for this - to lead.
After completing her university studies, she came back to the village to lead, to better her people.
The hatred and undermining from village men has brought out a dark side in her. If she wants something, she gets it and by all means necessary.
What she wants right now is her rightful seat - the Chieftaincy seat.
When Nkunzi comes to the village and claims the Chieftaincy, it means only one thing for Nomkhosi - War.
She is determined to fight her own cousin to avenge her father’s death and become the ruler of her village.
Whether she is the rightful ruler or not - that is the story for another day.
What is clear is that she must rule and in order to do so - Nkunzi must die.
Mzamo
If "failed dream" was a person - it would be Mzamo.
He left his village for a Security Guard training course but returned home with a Drama certificate. He believes that fame will grant him the respect his community has stolen from him because of his sexuality.
But in general, the guy is an entertainer. He is big on the social media streets but followers are scarce. All this "failing" frustrates Mzamo.
He longs for his win and lo and behold here it comes.
The death of his best friend’s father comes as a shock but is also a stepping ladder for his dreams. His very own best friend will become the Chief of the village, thus making him the right-hand to the most powerful person in the entire village.
Now, that’s how you get back at haters. Power and influence.
His plans obviously fail when Nkunzi grabs the Chieftaincy seat for himself.
Mzamo has endured a lot of hatred for being a gay person in the village. All this hatred has thickened his skin and has made him a bit of a tough guy.
The hatred still lingers in the village and he is always ready to repel it with hate. His only true friend is Nomkhosi, who is also prejudiced against for her feminine views.
This is the strong bond that these two share.