POLYGAMY continues to spark conversation across Mzansi, and actress Nombulelo Mhlongo believes her role in Scandal! is both timely and educational.
The 33-year-old from Pongola, KZN, says portraying MaDlomo, a rural wife trying to adjust to life in the city, has had a profound impact on both her personal life and acting career.
Nombulelo, who is winning hearts through her powerful performance on the e.tv soapie, said her character highlights Mzansi's evolving polygamy dynamics.
"It's tackling a big topic in Mzansi, where women stand now and what polygamy means in this generation. It's not like before when women were forced to say yes," she told Daily Sun.
Nombulelo believes the storyline carries an empowering message for women.
"It teaches women about their worth. It shows that no matter how long you've been in a relationship, five, 10 or even 20 years, you can still walk away and start afresh.
"You should never be afraid to live for yourself as a woman. It taught me that you shouldn't hold on to something that no longer serves your purpose."
ALSO READ | DJ Poizen's memorial and funeral details announcedOpens in new window
Nombulelo revealed that polygamy is not only a topic she acts out, it's part of her lived experience.
"My mum comes from a polygamous family, so it's something I grew up seeing," she shared.
When she first found out about the character she'd be playing, Nombulelo admitted it required some personal reflection.
"She's older than me, so I had to step outside of myself. As performers, we sometimes make the mistake of judging our characters. But respecting the role and the script is what's most important," she said.
Outside of acting, Nombulelo is ready to spread her wings in the music industry.
She revealed she'll be dropping her first single this month.
"I'm so excited! I've got Mawhoo and the Q Twins on it," she said.
With her acting and music careers taking off, Nombulelo is proving she's not only playing powerful women - but she is also them.
