Omuhle Gela out at SABC1's Uzalo in contract fight, Stained Glass TV show not shut down due to unfilmed scenes.

by Thinus Ferreira

Actress Omuhle Gela has quit her job at Uzalo this week over a contract fight with the producers after just five months working on South Africa and SABC1's most-watched TV series.

Omuhle Gela who appeared as Nomaswazi, Njinji's (Thembi Nyandeni) daughter became upset after the Stained Glass TV production allegedly decided to change her contract from what she agreed on initially.

On her Instagram page, Omuhle Gela on Friday said "I've unfortunately made the decision to leave the show with immediate effect". 

The actress who had roles in SABC1's Generations - The Legacy as well as on Mzansi Magic's (DStv 161) Zabalaza and The Queen and e.tv's Umlilo, is known for her role as Busi Motsamai in SABC2's Venda soap Muvhango. She relocated from Johannesburg to Durban to join the Stained Glass TV show.

Nomfundo Zondi, Uzalo publicist, confirmed to TVwithThinus that Omuhle Gela quit over a contract fight.

"Omuhle Gela, who portrays the role of Nomaswazi Magwaza will no longer be part of SABC1's hit show Uzalo due to not agreeing to contractual terms."

"We will update you about future developments regarding this. Stained Glass wishes to thank Omuhle once again for being a part of our family and we wish her success in her future endeavours."

Nomfundo Zondi said there's no truth to rumours that started circulating that Uzalo had to shut down because of Omuhle Gela's abrupt exit from the Durban-based soap since scenes in which her character appeared could no longer no be filmed.

"Just to clarify, production did not shut down or halt," Nomfundo Zondi says.

Uzalo remains the most-watched show in South Africa and drew 6.35 million viewers to the KwaMashu-set series in September.

Season 8 of Uzalo introduces new ensemble cast to the KwaMasha drama led by the ruthless matriarch of the Magwaza family.

by Thinus Ferreira

The 8th season of the most-watched show on South African television will debut on Friday 4 March when Uzalo on SABC1 will introduce some new characters into the KwaMashu-set primetime series in the form of the Magwaza family.

"We are excited for audiences to experience a reimagined Uzalo," says Stained Glass TV executive producer Pepsi Pokane.

"The production team promises a season of high-stakes drama, riveting storylines, creativity, and skilful production. The production has several new faces joining the show, and it is a great pleasure to work with this impressive talent."

"We are confident that our viewers are eager to continue experiencing authentic stories that represent their everyday realities in a way that resonates with them."

The 8th season of Uzalo will usher in a new ensemble cast led by the Magwaza family that might be more than a match for the notorious Nkunzi.

The Magwaza family matriarch Njinji, portrayed by Thembi Nyandeni, is described as "a ruthless wolf in sheep's clothing" whose power-play dealings will "shake the whole Kwamashu community" according to the show.

The character of Njinji is introduced in Uzalo with her daughter, Nomaswazi Magwaza (Omuhle Gela), described as "a beautiful, smart, and conniving woman that moves stealthily, much like her mother".

Cousin Vikizitha Magwaza (Siyabonga Radebe) is described as "a charming and lethal criminal with his eyes fixed on Nkunzi's throne. 

Then there is Simon Nsimbi (Ronald Mkhwanazi), Njinji's son, right-hand man and described as a "voice of reason".

The police force is expanded with Constable Biyela (Thabisile Zikhali), described as "an honest and well-educated woman determined to keep the department on the straight and narrow".

The character of Flavia (Sthembile Mhlongo) is a "focused and independent career woman".

In addition to these new characters, Amahle Sishi (Hope Mbhele) enters the world of Uzalo as a "fun and liberal woman that captures the attention of Lilly". 

Kwanda (Sandile Mfusi) makes his arrival in KwaMashu "as a driven and charming man that woos Nonka into his attractive web, concealing his ulterior motives".