Mangaliso Mthembu is a bright, bubbly girl with big dreams.
“When I was five, I used to watch a soap opera called Isibaya and dream of seeing myself on TV,” smiles Mangaliso. That dream became a reality in 2022 when her mom, Zama, told her about a casting call for a child actor in One Weeks, a family comedy series. After a video audition, she anxiously awaited the outcome, praying daily for the role. Her perseverance paid off when she received the life-changing news – she got the part.
MAKING MEMORIES
The young actress, who is now in Grade 6 at Reddam House Ballito, was bursting with excitement as she prepared for her first role. “I was so happy! My mom gave me the script, and I practiced all day,” she says. Her first taste of professional acting took her to Johannesburg, where she filmed for two months. The experience was beyond anything she had imagined. “I expected strict people on set, but everyone was so fun and supportive,” she says. Among her many memorable moments on set, one stands out: filming a wedding scene in Soweto. “We were flower girls in big dresses, dancing and singing despite the thunderstorm outside. It was unforgettable,” she beams.
EMBRACING THE ROLE
Mangaliso plays Angie, a sharp-witted, sarcastic, yet kind-hearted ten-year-old girl. Preparing for the role was a mix of practice and instinct. “I’d practice my lines every day and stay in character between takes,” she says. The guidance from the show’s writer, Chris Q Radebe, who also took on the role of producer and director, was invaluable. “He was the one who loved me the most on set,” she adds with a laugh.
STRIKING A BALANCE
Despite the demands of filming, Mangaliso managed to balance her schoolwork with her budding acting career. Filming wrapped just in time for her to focus on her studies, though she admits it was a busy period. Yet, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s a dream come true,” she says. Looking ahead, Mangaliso dreams of continuing her acting career, possibly venturing into singing and rapping, and even writing.
Mangaliso’s parents have been supportive throughout the experience, but encourage her to stay humble. “My mum and dad always tell me not to let the fame get to my head,” she says. Zama is extremely proud of her daughter’s accomplishments and overall approach to life. “She’s teaching me to manifest my dreams and put them out into the universe,” she says.
WATCH THE SHOW
One Weeks is a family comedy about Fana, a charming high-school dropout from Soweto. He can’t believe his luck when he finds himself dating Lihle, a very successful lawyer. He has to rely on the help of Lihle’s 10-year-old daughter, Angie, to avoid losing her to rich men. New episodes are released every Monday on Showmax.
Details: One Weeks is streaming on Showmax: www.showmax.com;
IG: @mthembu_princess; Tiktok: @mthembuprincess
Photograph: @ZIYANA_MEDIA
