Legendary stage and TV actress Thembi Mtshali-Jones is the latest personality to join Mzansi Wethu soapie, Sibongile & The Dlaminis. The award-winning actress, who made a name for herself on Sgudi 'Snaysi', Stokvel, Silent Witness, and Imbewu, will rejoin Duma Ndlovu in his production of Sibongile & The Dlaminis.

REPLACING SLINDILE NODANGALA

Mtshali-Jones joins the cast after Slindile Nodangala, who played the role of Sibongile's step-mother, Deliwe, was fired from the production last month. Nodangala was fired from the soapie after she allegedly requested that a character name that is similar to that of her priest be changed. This, according to sources she said, was to honour her priest. Mtshali-Jones has started shooting her scenes to replace 52-year-old Nodangala.

SUITABLE FOR THE ROLE

Sources close to the production team told ZiMoja that Mtshali-Jones is the perfect candidate for the role vacated by Nodangala. The source added that Mzansi Wethu will announce the arrival of the veteran actress early next year. "They want to make a big reveal next year," said the source. Two weeks ago, Duma Ndlovu honoured Mtshali-Jones and another legendary actress, Leleti Khumalo, at the 2nd annual Golden Elephant Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony held at the Market Theatre. Mtshali-Jones spoke glowingly about the filmmaker, producer and playwright, Ndlovu, who encouraged her to explore herself as a wholistic artist rather than an artist. Meanwhile, in its second season, Sibongile & Dlaminis added another veteran actress, Baby Cele, to be part of the production. Cele, who is the sister of Deliwe on the soapie, started appearing a fort-night ago after touring the world, where she is a songstress.