Sydney Ramakuwela, a familiar face on the set of Muvhango, has made a comeback to the popular soap opera after a one-year hiatus.
His departure last year was fueled by a contract dispute, with sources citing a downgrade from a global contract to a call contract as the catalyst.
In June 2022, Ramakuwela’s departure was rooted in a sense of disrespect from the production company. He said he left because he felt disrespected by the production company and knew they didn’t want him hence they changed his character.
However, as of Friday, 5 January, Sydney Ramakuwela is back, reprising his role as Mulalo.
According to Ndumi Mdletshe, the show’s spokesperson, there were no issues between the actor and the production team, contradicting earlier reports.
Mdletshe expressed the production’s delight in welcoming Ramakuwela back.
“We’re unaware of any issues between him and the production team. Therefore, we can’t comment on this.”
Muvhango lost two million since actors Elsie Rasalanavho, MacDonald Ndou, and Sydney Ramakuwela, who played the roles of Vho-Mukondeleli, KK Mulaudzi, and Mulalo Mukwevho exited the soapie.
TVSA reports that the soapie earned 3.67 million viewership in December 2021, 3.9 million viewership in January 2022 when KK and Mulalo were still part of the soapie.
The soapie dropped to 1.72 million viewers in July after the departure of Mukondeleli’s character and it dropped to a further 1.58 million viewers in August.
The drop could be because viewers have been complaining about the lack of direction in storylines, and constant introduction of new characters among many things.
MUVHANGO 25TH SEASON CHANGES
Muvhango is gearing up for its 25th season with significant changes, including the return of Buhle Samuels as Matshidiso.
Additionally, a new family, the Netshitanganes, is set to join the cast. Mudi Mudau will debut as Nkele Dikeledi Netshitangane on 19 January, portraying an alpha female and ambitious Limpopo businesswoman determined to dominate the male-dominated construction industry.
Sinete Nemakonde will play Reneilwe “Rene” Netshitangane, Nkele’s daughter, making her debut on 11 January.
Former Skeem Saam actor Aubrey Mmakola is set to join the cast as Tshililo Netshitangane, described as a gentle yet troubled soul.
Singer and actor Tshepo Mosese is making a return to the small screen, portraying the character Manditi, a ruthless man who stops at nothing to achieve his goals, adding a villainous touch to the upcoming season.