Phumlani Mayeze, the 41-year-old actor from KwaMashu, north of Durban, is better known as the hilarious Mzwezwe on SABC1’s popular soapie, Uzalo. Despite his growing fame, the reality of his life is far from the glitz and glamour that many might assume comes with being on television.
Phumlani Mayeze’s Humble Beginnings
In his community, Mayeze is often treated like a blesser, simply because he appears on TV. However, his day-to-day life is much more modest. He still resides at his parents’ house and regularly takes taxis to get around. “People in my neighborhood think I’m rich since I’m on TV,” he says, bursting into laughter. “When they see me, they ask for money. They even expect me to pay their taxi fare. It’s overwhelming.”
Mayeze explains that these expectations force him to budget carefully, even for the extra money he has to hand out. “I can’t refuse them money. I can’t say I don’t have it. How can I not have money when I’m on TV almost every day? That’s what they would ask me.”
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Grounded
Despite the pressure from his community, Phumlani Mayeze has learned to cope with the situation by maintaining a positive attitude and staying true to himself. He emphasizes that he lives within his means, refusing to fall into debt or depression over others’ expectations. “I was unemployed for a long time until Uzalo rescued me. Now that I’m acting on one of the biggest shows, it doesn’t mean I should live my life according to others’ expectations,” he asserts.
Uzalo actor Phumlani Mayeze
Mayeze, who is a father to a 14-year-old daughter, has grown accustomed to the challenges of being a local celebrity. He remains focused on his career and personal growth, refusing to be swayed by outside pressures.
From Human Resource Graduate to Uzalo Star
Before his rise to fame, Phumlani Mayeze studied Human Resource Management at a Durban college, graduating in 2009. However, finding a job after graduation proved to be a struggle. When he learned that Uzalo would be filming in his hometown of KwaMashu, he seized the opportunity to get involved.
“I found out where they were going to shoot their scenes. I went to the studio to help clean up before they started shooting,” he recalls. A chance encounter with a casting agent from Mizan Casting changed his life, leading to his role on Uzalo. Initially starting as an extra, Mayeze’s persistence paid off when he was cast as Mzwezwe in 2020.
Looking to the Future: Phumlani Mayeze’s Ambitions
Mayeze’s journey from an unemployed graduate to a beloved character on one of South Africa’s biggest TV shows is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a testament to perseverance and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, no matter the odds.
Looking ahead, Phumlani Mayeze hopes to expand his horizons by branching out into other shows and possibly venturing into TV directing. “I’m learning about acting every day. I spend time with established actors who teach me a lot. I also attend auditions to try my luck,” he shares.
For Mayeze, nothing in life comes easy, and his advice to others is clear: “Go out there and seek what you want.” His journey is proof that success is not handed out on a silver platter; it must be earned through hard work and dedication.