Uzalo's breakout star Tsepo Doncabe shares lessons on teen fame and future ambitions

News24

09-05-2025

Growing up, he always wanted to pursue acting, but the dream was not within reach, because there were no known actors in the area he lived in, so achieving it seemed like a pipe dream.
In his determination to pursue his life-long dream of becoming an actor, he decided to get into theatre, which paved the way for him to ultimately enter into the entertainment industry.
Tsepo Doncabe stars as Nkazimulo on Uzalo, the country's biggest show.
The star chats to Drum candidly about the pressures of fame at a young age, how he found his feet in the industry, what he still plans to to do within the industry.
'I actually got my first gig on Shaka ILembe, at that time I had already gotten the Uzalo role, so I appeared on Uzalo first. Before I appeared on TV, I did theatre for five years while still in search of a big acting break,' he says, adding that he's got no formal training in acting, but pure talent.
Achieving fame at such a young age can have its drawbacks and Tsepo is well aware of this, as he notes that many older actors have taken fame to their heads.
'The pressures of fame are there, because I've seen older actors, especially on social media doing some crazy things, because of fame and not being able to handle the pressures that come with being famous. I unfortunately don't care about what other people think of me.'
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His former colleague Wiseman Mncube played a significant role in shaping him for the big screen. when Tsepo started out in the industry, he mentored him and showed him the ropes, which is something he will never forget.
'Wiseman took me in and showed me what the industry is about, and he offered advice and really helped me to find my feet in the industry and for that I'm grateful, because now I'm growing in leaps and bounds. There are things I still want to do within the industry, such as starting my own production company, and directing my own work,' he asserts.
The Durban-born actor is aware of how dark Nkazimulo is, and maintains that they are nothing alike. However, he believes that when viewers hate his character it proves that he is doing exactly what the writers want from him as an actor.
'The things Nkazimulo does are hair raising stuff, and I as Tsepo on the other hand, I'm a layed back guy, who when I set something on my mind, there's no turning back. I go for it. I wish to play more challenging roles that showcase my versatility as an actor. When a character is dislikes a lot, it shows that I'm doing my best an actor, so I regard as a good thing.'
The star also reveals that before he got into acting, he was heavily into poetry, which is a craft he also wants to harness.
'I love poetry, and I didn't just want to become an actor, but I also enjoy poetry. I love writing, and while I'm still growing, everyday in the industry, intend to also grow my poetry aspirations,' he concludes.