After successfully playing Mqhele for two seasons in The Wife, Stained Glass, the production company behind the record-breaking show has confirmed that Bonko Khoza has left the production.
It is without a doubt that Bonko embodied the character of Mqhele. He became a household name with a legion of fans, and his exit will leave many fans disappointed.
In a press release, the production company said it is currently looking for Bonko’s replacement.
“We know fans are going to find it hard to let go of their picture of Mqhele as Bonko, just as they found it hard, when he was first cast, to let go of the bug-eyed Mqhele they had pictured from the book,” says series producer Kamogelo Aphane.
She continued “But The Wife has shown that when you go looking for new talent in South Africa, you find it. So we encourage the 5am club to open up their hearts to the next Mqhele, and help us continue to open up the industry,”
Bonko has become 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 realize I’ve taken the character as far as I can,” says 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 5 am 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.”
Confirming an end of a beautiful era, Bonko shared a picture with a touching caption on his Instagram account. “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride," he wrote. Fans have wished him all the best in his future endeavors.
queen_noziphozee "Oh my Bhutiza Sad as it is😢😢😢, I know the Lord have greeter plans for your journey. nokky.ndima "The Last slide senza u touch angifuni ukungasho"
ndlangamandla_zie "We will follow you wherever u go! Keep doing your thing"
lihlewakhe "Yo it so sad but all the best. In ur future endeavors ,ill miss u though 😢😢😢❤️
naledi1144 "I wish you all the best in everything that you are pursuing currently and in the future. Thank you for making us fall in love with our husband uMqhele. I don't know how I will deal with watching the wife and not seeing you 😭💔💔 but I will be strong. Once again, thank you"
