By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@Mozaik.
Fans of “The Wife” must brace themselves for a few changes when the popular telenovela returns in November.
Wiseman Mncube will replace Bonko Khoza, as the new Mqhele.
Mncube actor, playwright and director is best known as Jama in eHostela, a performance that earned him the Best Actor in a TV Drama Golden Horn at the 2020 SAFTAs. He also played Sibonelo in Uzalo and will star in the upcoming epic Shaka iLembe.
Primarily a theatre actor, Mncube has worked on numerous stage productions since graduating with a diploma in Drama from Durban University of Technology in 2011, including Nothing But the Truth, Horn of Sorrow, Meet Bro Six Two, Culture Clash, Amambazo The Musical, Have We Been Heard and Mashu the Musical.
His play The Weeping Candle won the Best Production and Best Script Awards at Khaya Multi-Art Centre in KwaMashu during the isiGcawu Festival in November 2012. It was later staged at the Stable Theatre in Durban.
Bonko meanwhile has became a household name during The Wife’s run, hailed as “the national husband” by fans and nominated for DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice and SAFTA Awards for the role.
“Having had the privilege to play Mqhele Zulu for two seasons, I realised I’ve taken the character as far as I can,” said Bonko. “I’m part of finding the perfect replacement and will be watching from the sidelines to support and offer advice where needed. I know that the actor who takes over will build from where I left off, so I’m looking forward to joining the 5am club to see how the incredible love stories between the brothers and their wives play out this season. It’s not often that a show this powerful comes into the world, so we should continue to champion and encourage the talented people who will take us forward in S3.”
Season 3 of The Wife starts production later this month and is set to launch on Showmax in November 2022.
Gaisang K Noge will hold the lead role of doctor Naledi Montsho, who is in love with Qhawe Zulu (2022 DStv Mzansi Magic Viewers’ Choice Rising Star winner Kwenzo Ngcobo).
Most recently, Showmax premiered The Wife: Behind the Veil to take viewers and fans of the show behind the scenes to find out more about the Zulu brothers and the women who love them.