The viewers of the popular SABC2 soapie, Muvhango, might soon learn that all their heartache and worries about Gabriel Temudzani leaving the soapie were all in vain.
Word is that the actor, who played Azwindini Mukwevho, has not left the show and is still very much part of the call sheet. A fortnight ago, Muvhango released an official statement confirming the actor's departure.
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Viewers last saw the Chief of Thathe on May 8 when he was apparently set alight by Tenda (played by Nathaniel Ramabulana).
The actor also did multiple interviews confirming his departure from the show after 23 years. However, the biggest shocker followed shortly after the announcement and Temudzani's “exit”.
City Press has learnt that he didn't actually leave the show; it was all a publicity stunt to boost ratings.
It is said that the actor will be back on the show, but not as a ghost. This was confirmed by a source close to Word of Mouth Productions.
The source said:
"He wanted to leave and production had agreed but the channel refused, so production had no choice but to meet his demands with the pressure from the channel."
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The source revealed that viewership numbers of the show had dropped since they fired MacDonald Ndou and Sydney Ramakuwela, who played KK and Mulalo, respectively; hence, they couldn't risk losing another prominent actor.
The source added:
When contacted for a comment, Temudzani said we must contact the soapie's publicist, Kgomotso Ndwandwe, for more accurate information.
Ndwandwe said:
Temudzani being back on screen will be a win for the viewers who had threatened to stop watching the show.