Actor Bongile Mantsai
Bongile Mantsai has made a highly anticipated comeback to Scandal!, reprising his role as the notorious Mthunzi Mayiza after a three-year break.
The actor, however, insists that he is nothing like the ruthless character fans have come to know.
Speaking to TshishaLIVE at a media screening hosted by the show’s executives at Sasani Studios in Balfour Park, Johannesburg, Bongile reflected on his return to the hit e.tv soapie.
“I’ve got mixed feelings. I’m excited—I thought Mthunzi was no more in the storyline,” he admitted.
“Coming back is about reconnecting with the old Mthunzi and what viewers liked about him. You must bear in mind, I’ve played many characters similar to this villain. I had to go back to my toolbox to see what happened before and how to reconnect.”
Despite portraying Mthunzi with chilling precision, Bongile emphasized that his real-life personality is far from his on-screen persona.
“I grew up in a church family—my father was a bishop in Stellenbosch. I feel I’m different from this evil guy. I’m a soft man and a loner,” he shared.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity of rejoining Scandal!”
The screening also introduced new cast members set to shake things up in upcoming episodes. Botlhale Baitsiwe, better known as Nia Brown, joins the show as Tshidi, while Wright Ngubeni takes on the role of Bostotso.
Other fresh faces include Danny de Bruyne as De Wet, Owen Sejake as Sammy Day, Khutjo Green as Kedibone, and Bongani Gumede as Ephraim.
Head writer and creative producer Grace Mahlaba revealed that Mthunzi’s return was driven by audience demand.
“We had to bring Mthunzi back because during that time, we scored a high volume of viewership. His absence started a huge dialogue about why we let him go, so he is back, and we’re happy to have him.”
