Last night's episode on SABC 1's popular sudser Uzalo, left avid watchers of the show singing Nosipho played by Nompilo Maphumulo and Njeza played by Nkanyiso Makhanya's praises for their acting. Viewers have dubbed their GBV scene, as one of the most-heart-wrenching scenes from the drama series ever.
The episode tackled the scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV) which is very rife in the country. It depicted how women suffer from domestic violence in their relationships.
Njeza assaulted his buttered and bruised girlfriend who was lying in the middle of the road whilst the community was watching and filming her. What angered many was that whilst she was being assaulted the community did not help her out or try to reprimand the culprit.
The emotional scene hit home and Tweeps likened it to what happened in most relationships in our society.
It’s Toxic, It’s Violent, It’s Deadly. It’s Everything Love is NOT 🚨🚨
"A thought-provoking and informative storyline. We hope to have shed some light on the scary reality of Abusive Relationships. It may have been triggering for survivors to watch however we are here to say, YOUR STORY IS YOUR POWER! We hope to have positively influenced victims and abusers to seek help,' shared the show.
Speaking to Daily Sun Nkanyiso said most people think he is Njeza in real life and sometimes they want to attack him . He calmly explains that he does not do what his TV character does. "When fans meet me they think I am Njeza. They forget I am Nkanyiso in real life." He said even men sometimes want to attack him which proves that not all men are abusers.
Tweeps reacted to the episode.
@ BeynonSammy tweeted "(The characters of) Nosipho & Njeza did a fantastic job tonight depicting what is a very real issue facing many people in our beloved country. Well done to the entire @Uzalo_SABC1 production team for using storytelling to not only educate but to give hope (to survivors). #Uzalo
@Yaya_Brainz "Nosipho & Njeza really nailed this scene.... I can't believe this is what our brothers put our sisters through Angikho right ke tuuu manje it felt so real #Uzalo
@Babalwa27102824 "Uzalo is portraying the best storyline right now on GBV, this scene where Nosipho is being shamefully beaten to a pulp by Njeza and the community taking videos and gathering around to watch and doing nothing is EXACTLY what happens in society. Sad reality "
@nonkumthembu "As horrific as today's episode of #Uzalo was, it is the realities of so many South African women. There's no romanticizing GBV. You can't tell half the story or you are misrepresenting the experience. A brilliant depiction by the cast."
Some of the viewers slammed the show and said their storyline was too sensitive but others said defended it and said it highlighted a real problem.
@leko_af "Nothing is unnecessary here! Y'all hate the truth and the behind the scenes of GBV, Uzalo is doing what they have to do to portray exactly how GBV is! Big ups! The abusers and their defenders hate this scene so much #Uzalo."
