Local celebrity makes a national appearance
Allens Neck resident Slindile Nodangala – better known as Mam’ Ruby on the popular soapie Generations was recently chosen as a brand ambassador for the Trinco Tea “Brighter Future” campaign and as such, can now be seen on packs in stores nationwide.
Single by choice, Nodangala believes very strongly that South African women need to value and love themselves more and not be afraid to stand alone. This is why Mam’ Ruby’s character and personality resonates so deeply with Nodangala behind the camera and in real life too.
“Ruby is such a complex character to play. It doesn’t matter how bad things are, Ruby always find something positive in each situation. What viewers don’t know is that it’s hard for her to be happy all the time – sometimes it’s easier to cry. However, Ruby is protective, kind, proud and best of all, she is very passionate. Being a part of the number-one soapie in Africa is an honour. Working with the talented and professional cast of Generations makes my job so much easier and more enjoyable” said Nodangala.
Nodangala was trained by the best of the best in the drama industry – Gibson Kente. “I was inspired by his belief that performing is a calling. You have to have a passion for it and it has to be something that is a part of you. I learnt so much during my training with him,” said Nodangala. Her career began in 1989 when she was part of a community group that was run by the late Mamma Thandi Zulu. In 1990, she was cast in Gibson Kente’s “Oh Come The Day” production and also played a part in his show called Umfowethu which was on stage at PACOFS Bloemfontein.
Subsequently, Nodangala worked with Umathanda Kitchen, also known as Steve Dyer. He was in the process of producing an album, and she performed as one of the backing vocalists and toured Zimbabwe and South Africa with him. Thereafter she joined Stimela as a backing vocalist and went on to do school productions at the State Theatre between 1994 and 1995. The following year, Nodangala joined Arepp and worked with the organisation for a year. In 1997, she joined the Mmabatho Arts Council. Three years later, she went to London to play the understudy role of Rafiki at the Lyceum Theatre.
Nodangala then came back to South Africa in 2001 to play a role in Mitch Albom’s Ernie. Immediately thereafter, she was cast in the role of Grizabella in Catz which saw her tour the world for five years. Highlights included performing in countries like China, Taiwan and Lebanon. “The best part about performing in different countries was that I was able to meet wonderful people like Prince Charles, Prince Edward and his wife, Tim Rice, Shirley Bassey, Elton John and the Prince of Jordan,” said Nodangala.
After travelling the world, she returned to the State Theatre in 2005 to participate in a show called Mapule. In 2006, she was part of a Pieter Torien show at Montecasino called Stepping Out. The following year, she worked for the Durban Playhouse and worked on shows like African Mother Christmas which was written and directed by Gcina Mhlophe. At the same time, she was working on radio stories with the Ukhozi drama department. In 2008, Nodangala was involved in a very serious car accident in which she nearly lost her life. Luckily, the damage was limited to her leg and after three months in in hospital she was in the clear.
In that same year, Ukhozi auditioned for Generations and the rest, as they say, is history.
