Sex, lies and pastor-gate

Khanya Mkangiso plays Aphiwe Nzimande in Isidingo

Khanya Mkangiso plays Aphiwe Nzimande in Isidingo

Published Nov 23, 2015

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Aphiwe Nzimande (Khanya Mkangisa) is upset about Nina crying wolf about Pastor Gabriel Mothusi abusing her when it is her who’s the real victim, writes Debashine Thangevelo

SHE planted her feet in the industry as a presenter (YOTV and Shield Teen No Sweat Dance Challenge). But Khanya Mkangisa, being the go-getter that she is, spread her wings and ventured into acting. The decision worked in her favour and she couldn’t have asked for a better vehicle than Zone 14 (as Asanda).

Since then she has hopped around many TV sets and, along the way, presenting took a back seat.

But it helped her hone her craft.

On her most memorable character to date, she says, with no hesitation, “It was with Rockville, definitely. I have never played such a demanding role. She is a village girl who comes to Joburg looking for work to support her family back in the Eastern Cape but gets caught up in a world of drugs and prostitution and eventually dies from an overdose. To this day, people stop me to say that was my best role. And they got to see how versatile I am as I have been playing mostly young and school girl-type roles.”

When she landed the part of Aphiwe Nzimande (Skhu’s sister) on Isidingo last year, she was over the moon.

The 20-something actress admits, “I grew up watching Isidingo and I always wanted to be a part of the show. I knew the character would be going home – it was a month-long role. But I decided to be on my best behaviour and deliver my best performance. I really wanted to be back.”

And her strategy paid off. In July this year, she was called back on set.

Of course, the writers fleshed out her character to help viewers form a greater bond with her.

She says, “When they introduced her, you could tell she was from a small town. Her mind was all over the place when she got to Horizon Deep. Like most teenagers, she didn’t know what she wanted to do. But she was headstrong and ambitious, at the same time. Also she has a good head on her shoulders as she comes from a close-knit family, who are very watchful over her.”

While her disposition hasn’t changed – her recent lack of good judgement has gotten her into heaps of trouble.

As for being beaten by Pastor Gabriel Mothusi, she explains, “I wouldn’t say she is gullible. But she wants to believe that everyone has good intentions. And because it’s a Pastor, she doesn’t see the need to question anything that someone else might question. She doesn’t think a person of that stature would do anything to harm anyone, let alone her. Also, she looks up to him as a church leader.”

She continues, “ Even when the Pastor confessed to viewing her as a partner and not in a professional light, she is confused. That’s why she goes back to get him to explain what he actually means.”

Now any other woman would be furious with the Pastor, but not Aphiwe. The actress reveals, “She does let him know that she forgives him because she knows that he is not a bad person, just a misguided one.”

But that matter is far from laid to rest when Nina comes out saying that she was also abused by him.

She offers, “When Nina, who is a shady character to begin with, jumps on the bandwagon, it doesn’t make Aphiwe’s story look serious.”

And to make matters worse, there is still the unresolved feelings for Calvin, who was in a relationship with Charlie.

Mkangisa says, “This storyline was linked to her affair with Calvin. She is still infatuated with him.”

Meanwhile, Mkangisa recently returned to presenting. She proudly reveals, “People have been asking if I would consider presenting again. I was waiting for the right opportunity. Then Selimathunzi came along. I have been with them for a little under a month. I’m still finding my feet though, as it’s a different market.”

The presenter-actress also has her sights on breaking into the film industry. As always, she is waiting for the right project to come along.

Isidingo airs on SABC3 on weekdays at 7pm.

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