Award-winning actor, Vuyo Biyela, who plays Mlilo Hlophe on the The River has bid farewell to the telenovela. He shot his last scenes on 1 April. He wrote on his Instagram account: "Mlilo Hlophe was born and a year later he has left the scene. The love he's received has been nothing short of amazing.  

MEMORY LANE 

He said the memories he had at the production were indescribable. "I'm typing this long essay with teary eyes, not because I'm sad, but because I'm grateful for the opportunity that Tshedza Pictures gave me to showcase my abilities and live this character." Biyela joined the telenovela as Mlimo Hlophe in June last year. Biyela wrote: "It is with great sadness that I have to bid farewell to uMlilo Hlophe who has become a part of my life. Thank you to the crew, wardrobe and make up team, my amazing drivers and most importantly to Mashoba Paddy Mazibuko for spotting me in Durban at the auditions and believing in my talent." As soon as the Hlophe family was introduced on The River, there were always fireworks between them and another wealthy family, the Dikanas.  

VIEWERS FAVOURITE 

Biyela gained fans when he took the role of Mlilo like a duck to water. Some viewers hated him for being a cruel son from the Hlophe family. Biyela adds," My directors ngiyabonga for guiding me and helping me grow in every possible way your efforts have never went unnoticed. I really appreciate everything you've done for me given that The River was my first ever big project,' he said, adding that he leaves the telenovela with a Royalty Soapie Award because of the platform that was given to him by the production. Biyela surprised many people when he won the Royalty Soapie Award in his debut as a television actor. 

LAST SEASON

Earlier this year, Tshedza Productions announced that season 6 which premiered in February was the telenovela's final season. Executive Producer Phathu Makwarela said when the The River was created seven years ago, they knew they wanted to tell a story that will have a beautiful ending. "Now on its sixth season, we feel the time is right to bring the story of these beloved characters to an end, on our own terms and when viewers still treasure the show. As the saying goes, 'a good dancer always knows when to leave the stage', and now it's that time for The River,'  Makwarela said.