Nelisa Mchunu returns to 'Uzalo' as the cunning Fikile

After a four-year hiatus, actress Nelisa Mchunu’s return to SABC 1’s top-rated TV show, “Uzalo” as Fikile.

Viewers last saw Fikile when she left her long-term boyfriend heartbroken and looking for answers. Now she returns still as cunning and conniving as ever. Her undeniable, endearing beauty and history with Sbu overwhelm him so much that he has no choice but to let her back into his life.

Mchunu had this to say on her return to "Uzalo", “What to expect from my character’s return is the same ‘Beyoncé’ energy and wild ride between the old Fikile and the new Sbu. 

“My sentiments are that ‘Uzalo’ will always be my first home. What I learnt being on ‘Uzalo’ has stayed with me as I’ve grown and reached new heights in my career. I’ll be reconnecting with people I’ve known for years, and I’m excited to meet the new team members.”

While she was away from Uzalo, Mchunu appeared on shows such as “My Brother’s Keeper”, “Isifiso”, and “Shaka Lembe". Viewers will see Nelisa on “Uzalo” from Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

The cast shake-ups don't end at Mchunu; viewers will also be introduced to Mondli Nkomo as Mr Dongwe and Jamy Lee Simons as Joanne.

Simons’ character Joanne Davids is Ashley’s mother and finds herself entangled in Nkunzi’s world. Nkunzi is everything her husband Brandon is not: dangerous, impulsive, unpredictable, and deeply charismatic.

Simons shared her excitement about working with a beautiful group of people in a wonderfully charged environment.

“Everyone, from the catering to the directors and staff, is so wonderful. The cast and crew have brought out the best in me with their energy, and I am beyond grateful. I had no idea where things would go with a character like Joanne.”

Viewers know Ashley as Nkazimulo’s girlfriend; now they meet her mother, Joanne. An old school beauty and party girl who was tamed by her religious husband. When Joanne’s daughter, Ashley, spirals into distress after Nkazimulo’s kidnapping, Joanne starts spending time with Nkunzi, helping him cope. 

“She’s an intriguing character navigating through life with a feisty persona. She has a lot of personality; however it appears that over the years, the light inside of her has been dimmed.”

Simons makes her debut on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Mr. Dongwe portrayed by Nkomo makes an unexpected return to the Xaba house on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Mr Dongwe is MaDongwe’s husband and Lilly’s father. After being a loving and dedicated husband for years, he made a drastic decision to abandon his wife and daughter, leaving them homeless. For about a decade, he was nowhere to be seen.

Nkomo commented and said, “I am excited and thankful to Stained Glass TV for the opportunity to join ‘Uzalo’ as Mr Dongwe, and I hope that as he returns to rebuild his family, Mr Dongwe will be able to unite the family, and his daughter Lilly will be happy to have her father back after being away for so many years.”

King David Mukwevho, of Stained Glass TV Head of Productions shared excitement over the cast shake-up.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Fikile’s character back into our world, a fan-favourite whose presence has always brought excitement and depth to the storyline. 

“Alongside this, we’re equally inspired by the fresh energy our new characters have brought to the show. It’s been incredible to see how audiences are embracing both the familiar and the new faces.”

SABC1’s Head of Channel Ofentse Thinane added, “The addition of the new and returning cast adds a little bit more of a dynamic twist to the storylines and we look forward to seeing how the audiences receive the planned updates.”

“Uzalo” airs Monday to Friday at 20:30 only on SABC 1.

IOL