Rami Chuene emerges as new wicked ‘Muvhango’ stepmother

The popular Venda-language soap opera in April started the process of introducing an entirely new family to the storyline when it announced that well-known TV actor Siyabonga Twala had joined the cast for the fourth season of the SABC program. Portraying the role of business man Busani Mojalefa, his character arrives in Johannesburg with wife Joyce, played by Zikhona Sodlaka, and presents a threat to the Mukwevho and Muladzi families.

The plot thickened on Monday with the introduction of Chuene’s character, who is Busani’s stepmother, her husband Phatudi Mojalefa (Owen Sejake), and his bitter ex-wife Nandi (Thembi Mtshali-Jones). Resentment and animosity within the Majolefa family is rampant after Phatudi divorced Nandi to marry Khomotjo, who used to be his secretary and who is understandably perceived as a gold digger.

“My role is interesting because it seems like she’s a gold digger whereas she’s not, and all she wants is recognition and respect,” Chuene is quoted by IOL. “Khomotjo set her sights on a married Phathudi at a time when he was growing his business empire and the act made her the sworn enemy of his stepson, Busani. While the years have passed, Busani’s and his mother Nandi’s anger and resentment have not diminished.

“She’s a rural girl from Limpopo who wanted the high life. But she isn’t just a bimbo with a short skirt, she has brains and knows what she wants and how to get there.

“She makes a point of proving that she is worth something. She does get a bit jealous; she doesn’t like people in her territory. And she is prepared to fight. Born into poverty, she tries very hard to stay away from it.

“Let’s put it this way she isn’t the pap, boerewors and chakalaka girl. She wants oysters. She is all about the glitz and the glamour.”

‘Muvhango’ airs on SABC2 at 9pm, Monday to Thursday.

– TEAMtalk Media