Scandal toasted its 10-year milestone last week. The Tonight spoke to two of its stars...
SANDY MOKWENA plays BRA EDDIE KHUMALO
THIS multilingual veteran actor has left his footprints in the film and TV industry.
But despite his accomplishments as an actor, he isn’t much for conversation. But that’s okay, I suppose. After all, it is his character, Bra Eddie Khumalo that audiences have fallen in love with – a tour de force in the media sector and a devoted father and husband.
He started shooting his scenes in October 2004. Mokwena recalls: “We had a workshop for our characters from July to October in that year. I really learnt a lot,” adding: “I’m growing as the show grows. And Bra Eddie has developed well over the past decade.”
His favourite co-star, he says, was Stephina Zwane, who played his teenage daughter Lolo.
Mokwena notes: “I draw inspiration from Bra Eddie. He appears to be tough. But he has a heart too.”
As for him playing this character with such authenticity and, in so doing, endearing him to viewers, Mokwena responds: “It’s a collective effort.”
If he could work alongside any actor, he says Denzel Washington would be at the top of his wish list.
In the meantime, he is perfectly at home with the soap. In celebration of its birthday, he laughs: “Let’s keep on Scandal-ising…”
JOYCE SKEFU plays MALETSATSI KHUMALO
SHE is the glue that keeps the Khumalo family together – very much like Isidingo’s Agnes Matabane used to be. Joyce Skefu’s faith really unifies her with her character.
Recalling how she bagged the role, Skefu reveals: “I cannot remember the actual date because we work in advance. But I do remember that e.tv didn’t have the Sotho- speaking audience and that was why I was roped in. It was a big element for me and the show.”
She describes her time with the soap as “a joyful journey with many storylines”. The writers deserve praise for beautifully transforming her character and redeeming her from her scandalous past. (Before Maletsatsi became a respectable woman in the community, she was in the oldest profession in the world – a lady of the night.)
On her best and worst storylines to date, she offers: “The best was when Lucas received Christ as his saviour. The worst was when my son-in-law was killed in front of me and died in my arms.”
Expanding on the popularity of her character, she reveals: “I would have to say my depth and understanding of the craft has a lot to do with it. And I always stay true to the character.”
So if she could have any of the former actors return to the soap, who would it be? “Siyabonga Shibe, who played Kills. He had a strong presence for the screen.”
As for her sentiments on Scandal turning 10, she shares: “Where you are is as important as who you are. We have built a solid foundation for 10 years now and it’s time to build a skyscraper with the show and be grateful for the opportunity.”
• Scandal, Monday to Friday on e.tv at 7.30pm.
Scandal fact file
• The first episode of Scandal aired on e.tv on January 10, 2005 at 8pm.
• he soap has a crew complement of about a 100 people: from the writing department to wardrobe, props, casting, cameramen, lighting specialists and sound technicians.
• The soapie has won the following awards over the years:
2007 Golden Horn Winner for Best Post Production;
2007 Golden Horn Winner for Best Actor in a Soapie – Vusi Zwane, played by Siyabonga Twala;
2008 People Crystal Award – Best Local Soap/Drama;
2008 People Crystal Award – Best Ensemble Cast in a Local Soap/Series/Drama;
2014 Golden Horn for Best Ensemble in a TV Soap.