A year after announcing that he was stepping away from acting, award-winning actor Abdul Khoza is making an unexpected return to screens.
The “Shaka iLembe” star is joining SABC1’s “Uzalo”, where he takes on the role of Ma-Ten-Ten, the leader of the feared “Amantaliyane” biker gang set to shake up KwaMashu.
His return comes after he shared an emotional farewell to the industry, revealing that he had decided to walk away from acting.
At the time, Khoza posted what he described as one of his final audition tapes to give aspiring actors an honest look at the realities of the profession.
“So I decided to share one of my last auditions that I did this year before I decided to simply quit acting,” Khoza wrote.
“This is a way for me to show those who still wish to pursue a career in acting that we all go through the audition process,” he added.
He also thanked supporters who had followed his journey over the years, saying he would never have discovered his talent without them.
Before that, the actor penned a heartfelt open letter reflecting on both the highs and lows of his career, admitting that while acting had allowed him to inspire audiences, it had also taken a toll on his mental health.
He described feeling broken, isolated and exhausted despite his success in the industry. Now, Khoza steps back in front of the camera lens, this time as the charismatic but dangerous Ma-Ten-Ten.
According to the show’s producers, the character arrives in KwaMashu after Nkunzi’s arrest with plans to take over the Mhlongo empire.
Although Ma-Ten-Ten presents himself as polished, stylish and charming, he is a ruthless criminal whose difficult upbringing in an orphanage shaped his belief that survival comes before everything else.
Joining him is actress Londeka Sishi, who plays his foster sister, Lungsta. She is described as the brains behind the biker gang’s operations, using her intelligence and ability to read people to stay one step ahead.
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The “Amantaliyane” gang also introduces Mbuso Zulu as Cash Money, one of the gang’s most loyal and intimidating members, while Lungani Mabaso reprises his role as Phefeni.
Last seen fighting for his life after being shot during the heist that landed Nkunzi behind bars, Phefeni returns with unexpected links to the biker gang, setting the stage for unfinished business.
The arrival of the gang marks a new chapter for the long-running telenovela, with shifting alliances, power struggles and revenge expected to take centre stage.
Speaking about the new additions, Stained Glass Productions co-founder Gugu Zuma-Ncube said the new characters were created to disrupt the world viewers have become familiar with completely.
“Every great story needs characters who completely disrupt the world we’ve come to know. Ma-Ten-Ten and Lungsta are layered, compelling and unpredictable.
“They don’t simply arrive to cause chaos. They challenge every character around them and force impossible choices. We are excited for viewers to experience this new era of ‘Uzalo’.”
