From countryside stages on KZN’s South Coast to national TV, actor Simphiwe Majozi’s star is on the rise in local entertainment, writes Latoya Newman
Simphiwe Majozi has been catching the eye of arts and entertainment creatives since his youth, largely as a result of his natural talent and zest for the arts.
First, back in his home of Mtwalume (near Port Shepstone on KZN’s South Coast), he grabbed the attention of local dance and theatre organisations from as young as 7 years old.
With few prospects for development there, and after the death of his parents in 2001, Majozi moved to KwaMashu township near Durban where, through the Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre, he was encouraged by the opportunities in the arts.
This was to be the defining move in his young career as he later caught the eye of renowned theatre writer, director and TV actor, Bheki Mkhwane (Isibaya, Uzalo), for his production called Have We Been Heard?
The musical was staged last year at the Durban ICC as part of celebrating 20 years of democracy in South Africa.
Majozi also featured in Mike Mvelase’s (popularly known as Khaphela from SABC’s Generations) show, Kwasuka Sukela, which was staged at Durban’s Stable Theatre.
And now the young actor, and marketing graduate, has scored a role on South Africa’s newest telenovela, Uzalo, on SABC 1.
In an interview, an elated Majozi, who has featured on the show over the past three weeks, discussed his latest move up the entertainment ladder.
“I auditioned for the part last year. I went through two auditions in Durban, then had to go to Joburg for another and then back to Durban for a third audition before I got the part.
“My character, Sbu, is a young thug who is addicted to drugs. He makes a living from car hijacking and other criminal activities for the big boss, Xulu. Despite his addiction he’s been given a second chance and is trying to prove himself to the boss.
“But at the same time there is a lot of tension between him and Xulu’s right-hand man.”
Majozi said that after he moved to KwaMashu in his youth, he witnessed some thuggery and drew on this for his character reference: “But I also did some research on drug addicts and how the drugs make them behave, to be able to feed into my character.”
While his has not been written in as a permanent character on Uzalo, with his last episode airing in late June, Majozi said he believes this big break has opened doors for him.
“I’m hoping this platform on TV will allow other directors and producers to notice me more. I will also be vigorously auditioning because now that I’m on a show like Uzalo it will hopefully give me that extra boost.”
With his passion still lying with theatre, Majozi said he hopes to one day venture into directing and producing.
“I’m very grateful to Duma Ka Ndlovu who spotted my talent during the Uzalo auditions. I believe this role will open a new chapter in my life.
“I’m also grateful that television production in KZN is on the rise as this presents more opportunities for us.”
• Uzalo, SABC1 at 8.30pm, Monday to Wednesday.