Sadly, Fezile Makhanya's latest role on the Mzansi Magic telenovela, The Queen, as Tebogo Ncube, came to and end almost as quickly as it began. But, even though the villain is 6-feet underground - his actions have left a lasting impact; on his on-screen wife and her family (The Khoza's), on the viewers who were captivated by the story line and most importantly, on the man hwo's acting skills made it all possible.
Makhanya took to his Instagram to share some very honest reflections with his followers about what this role taught him, how his life has changed because of it and what change he wants to see in society moving forward.
Check out what he had to say:
"Honestly, as a man, I'm guilty of not taking abuse more seriously. Playing Tebogo has opened up my eyes to its harsh realities. It's easy for us as actors to go back to our real lives after the director has called cut. For some people, the scene continues. Everyday, a Tebogo beats and possibly kills a Kea. I've read so many stories of women who relive their daily nightmares as they watch this abuse storyline unfold. It’s heartbreaking! I may not have the solutions to curb this issue, but all I know is that ENOUGH is ENOUGH! It's time for us men to stand up and protect our women! The reason why there are so many social ills in society is because real men say and do nothing, while monsters under the cloak of "Ngiyindoda" run riot and cause generational destruction. Fellas, let’s do right by our sisters! I say NO MORE! I say NO to women and child abuse! STOP abuse!
Thank you @ferguson_films and @connie_ferguson for the opportunity to tell this important story. Thank you for trusting me with it. Thank you for the cast and crew for their unwavering support. I won’t lie, it drained me to play Tebogo but it has changed my life immensely."
If you would like to get more involved in the fight to raise awareness for and eradicate domestic violence you can contact the following places:
Brothers for Life:
Tel: +27 12 366 9300
Fax: +27 12 366 9301
ADDRESS: 257 Brooklyn Road, Block D, Equity Park, Brooklyn, Pretoria, Gauteng, 0011, South Africa
Violence Help Line: 0800 428 428
Rape Crisis, Cape Town: 021 447 9762
Rape Crisis, Port Elizabeth: 041 484 3804
Greater Rape Intervention Project Counselling Help Line: 083 310 1321
POWA(People Opposing Women Abuse):
Head Office: Berea
Postal Address: PO Box 93416, Yeoville 2143, Johannesburg
Telephone: 011 591 6803
Fax: 011 484 3195
Web address: www.powa.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook.com/powa.berea
POWA Legal Advice
Email: [email protected] |[email protected]
Counselling
Email: [email protected]
POWA Evaton
Telephone: 081 383 7698
POWA Soweto
Room 10 Nthabiseng Centre, Chris Hani Hospital
Telephone: 011 933 2333/2310
POWA Katlehong
667 Monise Section, Katlehong 1431
Telephone: 011 860 2858
Fax: 011 905 211
POWA Vosloorus
1620 Ditshego Street, Vosloorus Rehabilitation Centre
Telephone: 011 906 4259 / 1792
Main image credit: instagram.com/fezile_makhanya