Slindile Nodangala won’t be returning for the new season of the popular local telenovela, “Sibongile & The Dlaminis”.
The Durban-born actress played cruel stepmother Deliwe Mbambo in the hit Mzansi Wethu soapie.
“Mzansi Wethu bids farewell to Slindile Nodangala,” said M-Net’s director of local entertainment channels, Shirley Adonisi.
“With the story evolving and new characters joining the cast, Deliwe's journey has come to an end.”
“Slindile's portrayal of Deliwe was both captivating and divisive, making her a stand-out character. Her talent has shone brightly on this show and others across Mzansi,” said Adonisi.
“Despite her departure, there's plenty to look forward to in the new season, including new secrets, Sibongile's next chapter and the future of Vuma's love life without Deliwe.”
Meanwhile, Baby Cele, Azande Mkhungo and Ntando Zondi have joined the show’s second season, which premiered on July 29.
In addition, newcomer Nsikelelo Mthiyane has taken over the role of Sibongile, who was portrayed by Luyanda Zwane in the first season.
Meanwhile, Zimoja reported that Nodangala, who has also featured in “Scandal!” and “Rhythm City”, left “Sibongile & The Dlaminis” after production allegedly refused to change the name of one of the characters.
The online publication said that according to a source, the actress requested that they change the name of one of the characters because her priest has the same name.
The source added that, at first, the production team thought she was joking and her request was not taken seriously.
“She said she wanted to honour her priest by not using the name. She became uncomfortable sharing scenes with the character because she left like she was being disrespectful to her priest.”
Nodangala could not compromise her religion over the soapie, the source said.
“Then she chose the easiest way out, to walk out of the series. There were instances when she could not even pronounce the character's name when she was doing her scenes because she felt bad,” the source added.
“Surely the congregation knows she is an actress and it was just a coincidence that she acts along with the person who shares a character name with her priest. I suspect she was called out at church.
“Some people take acting seriously and they forget that it's just for entertainment.”
∎“Sibongile & The Dlaminis” airs on Monday to Wednesday at 6.30pm on Mzansi Wethu (DStv channel 163).