The plot of Isidingo (SABC3 at 6.30pm) has soap addicts glued to the screen. Why? Thandeka's plan to dupe gangster Georgie Zamdela (aka Papa G) into believing she is his daughter backfired. Kholeka Qwabe chuckles when I ask her what will become of her character Thandeka.
"Although I have given the money back to Georgie, I am being hunted by Bra Fox. It will be a thrilling rollercoaster ride for the viewers. There are going to be a few explosive scenes when I find out who betrayed me and I take drastic action," she enthuses.
Having attained her honours degree in drama at Wits University in 2002, Qwabe signed up with an agent the following year.
She made her entry into television as Mandisa, an assistant in a modelling agency, on Bubomsana on SABC1. Given the fact that she appeared in only a handful of theatrical productions - Reservoir Dogs, Six Characters in Search of an Author and Tshepang: the Third Testament - the changeover was a tad difficult, she tells me.
"I was new to both mediums. I had only done theatre for a couple of months and I acted in just one professional production - Tshepang. Television is scarier, but it is exciting at the same time. As a newcomer, there have been insecurities floating around, but my flexible personality helps me overcome it. The experience I gained from having done a few television adverts also comes in handy."
For her performance in Tshepang, Qwabe received a Best Newcomer nomination in the Naledi Theatre Awards 2003 and a Best Actress nod in the Fleur de Cap Arts Awards in the same year.
"Do you remember the rape of baby Tshepang a few years back?" she asks.
"The play was loosely based on the baby who was raped. I played the mother, who became a recluse and was ousted from her community. Of course, that is not exactly what happened to the real mother. I was pretty excited about the nominations. It was mind-blowing to be selected among some of the best talents in South Africa. I may not have won, but the nomination looks impressive on my CV; I am now taken more seriously as an actress when I go for auditions."
It was in March last year when Qwabe auditioned for the role of Thandeka. She was determined to get the role and made painstaking efforts to look the part.
"I dug into my box of old and unused clothes and pulled out a vest, crumbled blue shirt, tatty jeans and a cap, which I used back-to-front. Dressed in thug attire, which was inspired by the movie Set It Off, I pitched up for the audition. The Isidingo guys obviously liked what I had to offer because I got a call back. The rest is history," she recalls.
What has the experience of working on a hugely popular soap been like?
"It is amazing what the role of Thandeka has done for me in terms of popularity. Everywhere I go now people recognise me. Being on Isidingo has also opened doors for other acting opportunities. With me being a workaholic, I thrived on the demands of being on set really early, getting into costume and doing what I have to in front of the camera. In the recent scenes where I had to be hysterical, that took a lot out of me emotionally. Even the time when Thandeka was in prison and she had to beat Cherel, it was quite hard."
From the end of this month, Qwabe's character will no longer be seen on Isidingo.
While saddened to leave the team, where her fellow actors helped her hone her acting skills, the newcomer is optimistic about the road that lies ahead.
"I've got a small part in Mzanzi 2 where I play a prostitute. I am also going to a lot of auditions. There is a strong possibility I will be going to Vienna with the Tshepang production.
My Secret life
If I have time to myself I sleep.
You wouldn't know it, but I'm very good at talking.
You wouldn't know it, but I'm very bad at ice skating. I almost broke my leg trying it last year.
Movie heaven comedies and horror flicks.
Comfort eating is having ice cream, mangoes, Bar One chocolate and chocolate cake.
When I was a child, I wanted to be a nun. Ja, it's funny because I now play prostitutes and gangsters. It just made sense, at the time, because I did not have to worry about a boyfriend and getting a job.
I drive/ride I have a really cute 1968 Beetle. It is so beautiful; it has mag wheels and leather seats.
But it has to be fixed so I am currently getting around in other people's cars.
All my money goes on airtime. I spend very wisely, though. I buy a couple of pairs of shoes at times.
At night I dream of going overseas to study.
My favourite building is a small farm house. You can see it when you are on the N4 to Witbank from Pretoria.
My biggest regret I can't think of anything right now.
If I wasn't me, I'd like to be Beyoncé Knowles.
My favourite work of art Nothing comes to mind.
The shop I can't walk past is YDE. They have the most beautiful pants I have ever seen.
The song to my life is Brenda Fassie's Life is Going On.