Stained Glass, the production company behind The Wife, has confirmed that Wiseman Mncube will play Mqhele in S3 of the award-winning, record-breaking, Twitter-topping Showmax Original telenovela.
Social media has been abuzz following Entertainment blogger Phil Mphela after he broke the news via his Entertainment Alert over the weekend.
"We have it on good authority and can reveal that Wiseman Mncube best known for playing the lead in the Mzansi Magic series eHostela is taking over the role of Mqhele Zulu," reports Entertainment Alert.
Wiseman 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.
As Mqhele, Wiseman replaces Bonko Khoza, who 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.
“What actor wouldn’t want to be part of The Wife?” asks Wiseman, who’s a fan of both the book and the show. “Mqhele is a very interesting role and I’m in my element: there’s a lot to chew on and play off, from the love story to the anger to the care. uBonko carried the role with so much respect and power. I’m not here to replace Bonko but to start my own journey as Mqhele and take things from where he left off and run with it in my own way.”
“Wiseman is a versatile performer with multiple accolades; Mqhele and his madness are in safe hands,” says series producer Kamogelo Aphane. “Wiseman’s work ethic and command of Zulu will take Mqhele to new heights this season.”
Tweeps have reacted to Wiseman's newest gig and they think he's a good replacement for Bonko.
I always wondered why Wiseman Mncube wasnt a Zulu brother. He was born for that role. Wishing him luck as the new Mqhele....p/s Mqhele still aint shiiii 😑
Bonko said was amazing Mqhele for two seasons. “Having had the privilege to play Mqhele Zulu for two seasons, I realize I’ve taken the character as far as I can,” said Bonko.
He continued “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.”
