Concerns are mounting over the mental health of former Uzalo star Siyabonga Radebe. The actor who portrayed Vikizitha Magwaza, in the SABC1 soapie, is said to have been admitted to a mental health clinic. It is suspected that the actor may be suffering from mental illness.
Read More: Siyabonga Radebe Reportedly Dumps Uzalo
Read More: Siyabonga Radebe Reportedly Dumps Uzalo
The 38-year-old actor joined Uzalo in February and admitted that the show saved him after he was said to have been broke and started commuting in taxis.
He broke the hearts of many people after reports emerged that he was leaving the show in August. According to a report on Isolezwe, Siyabonga is in a bad mental state since he has been admitted to a mental facility for weeks now.
Apparently, his condition is not getting better as he was seen was wandering around naked in the hospital. "He appears to be a very mentally disturbed person," said a source inside the hospital.
Another source from Ntuzuma, where the actor stays said people in the area started being worried about him after he moved back there. Community members apparently used to see him talking alone while walking.
"He was seen walking down the street wearing a gown and holding a cup of tea. He was not walking a short distance with that cup and gown. We suspect that something has disturbed his mind as he is a person who often seems to have a lot on his mind," said the source.
The actor apparently decided to leave the show due to inside politics. His character, however, left the show after it took e a break due to the belittling between MaGwaza family members.
Now, it is unclear whether he will make a comeback or not. Uzalo publicist Nomfundo Zondi said according to the show's records, Siya is still part of the Uzalo family. However, she is not sure what's happening between him and the showrunners. This is because he is not present when they film.
Uzalo and the SABC recently announced that Fanele Bhengu has joined the show as Omuhle Gela's replacement. Another actor who is joining is fan-favorite Nkanyiso Mchunu who is set to play Siphamandla “Wizard” Nkosi.
Wizard grew up in South Africa with a fascination for computers and coding at a very young age. He comes from a respectable family of academics but has always been the black sheep of the family, rebellious and always getting himself into sticky situations but running at the first sign of trouble. His curiosity has led him to be an expert hacker.
“Being allowed to dive into such a colourful and intense story has been challenging but fulfilling. I look forward to my new journey on Uzalo and the SABC family. I believe the audience will love the magic we made” – Fanele Ntuli.
“Joining Uzalo has been a dream come true for me. Uzalo is the biggest platform of them all and the highest storytelling platform in the country. I am thankful to get another chance to showcase my versatility as an actor because I do not want to be known as a one-dimension actor. Wizard gives me a chance to show that I can play other roles. He is one complex character. Working alongside Wiseman Ncube, playing the role of Sibonelo, and Masoja Msiza, who plays Nkunzi, has been amazing and looking forward to working with the cast and crew” – Nkanyiso Mchunu.
Image Credit: Instagram