Latest news with #AkhonamathembaMbele
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Sweet Guluva's next act: 'Big Brother' star takes on 'Black Gold' drama
Sweet Guluva, the breakout star of 'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5, is making waves in the entertainment industry with his acting debut in BET Africa's new telenovela 'Black Gold'. Image: Instagram Since being crowned 'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 winner earlier this year, Sweet Guluva (real name is Akhonamathemba Mbele) has wasted no time turning his reality show fame into a multi-faceted career. From securing brand partnerships to stepping into music and now making his acting debut, the 23-year-old is steadily building on the ambitions he spoke of after his R2 million win. Guluva has joined the cast of 'Black Gold', BET Africa's latest telenovela series, which promises a gripping mix of betrayal, legacy and the fight for power in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. At the centre of the story is media personality Nomalanga Shozi, who plays Amandla Zungu, a principled daughter of the soil whose life is shattered after being falsely accused of her father's murder. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Her stepmother, Florence, portrayed by Dawn Thandeka King, is behind the betrayal, conspiring alongside Sello Maake KaNcube's character Tom Motsepe. The cast also features Nomsa Buthelezi, Warren Masemola, Zamani Mbatha and many others. 'Black Gold" is a celebration of African storytelling at its finest, rich in culture, layered in emotion, and driven by a stellar cast that brings these powerful characters to life. "At BET Africa, we are committed to showcasing narratives that reflect the beauty, strength, and complexity of black lives. 'This series is a tribute to black resilience, black love, and the unbreakable spirit of our communities,' said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and GM of Paramount Africa and Lead for BET International. Mandla N, executive director at Black Brain Pictures, added: 'Creating 'Black Gold' was a game-changing experience; it shook us as much as it will shake the audience. "Partnering with BET on this co-production is more than just making a show; it's about reinvesting in our industry, breaking barriers, and taking a bold step forward for local storytelling and long-term growth. 'Black Gold' is raw, emotional, and unapologetically authentic storytelling.' In addition to his acting career, Guluva is also making waves in the music industry. In June, he collaborated with DJ Zinhle on a single titled "Sweet Guluva", which also features Nokwazi and Ndloh. DJ Zinhle revealed that the collaboration stemmed from her admiration for him and a personal connection, as she attended school with his mother, Bongiwe Zwane. The song's isiZulu lyrics celebrate his rise to fame, with a refrain that playfully asks, 'Umuntu onjani lona? Uhlanyisa umhlaba wonke madoda' ('What type of person is this, who captured the hearts of so many?'). When he left the 'Big Brother' house, Guluva shared with 'Independent Media Lifestyle' that he is gunning for every corner of the entertainment industry, from voice-overs and presenting to radio and music. Less than a year later, he is already ticking those boxes, making the most of his moment in the spotlight. "Black Gold' is set to premiere on BET Africa (DStv channel 129) on August 18 at 6.30pm.
News24
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Big Brother Mzansi S5 star, Sweet Guluva mourns the loss of his sister
Known for his gentle nature, bubbliness and charismatic personality which ultimately made him a fan-favourite on Big Brother Mzansi S5 contestant and the 1st runner up of the show. Akhonamathemba Mbele (23), affectionately known as Sweet Guluva is a South African socialite and reality TV personality who gained widespread recognition after appearing on the popular show Big Brother Mzansi. He made a lasting impression on audiences with his charismatic personality, wit, and social game. Guluva has since leveraged his platform to build a successful career, inspiring many with his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for life. However, his world was recently shaken by the devastating loss of his beloved sister, Lwazi Zwane. The news was confirmed in a statement issued by his team which was then posted on Sweet Guluva's Instagram story. The statement reads. 'We're deeply saddened to share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Sweet Guluva's beloved sister, Lwazi Zwane,' describing this as trying times for Sweet Guluva and his family, as everyone would anticipate, the team further pleaded for understanding and privacy to the public. 'This is an incredibly difficult for him and his family, and we kindly ask that you please bear with him as he takes time to mourn and process this great loss.' The statement further expressed immense gratitude for the continued support shown to Sweet Guluva, and made it known that memorial service details will be shared in due course. 'Your continued support, love, and prayers mean the world, and we thank you for the kindness you've shown him. Further updates regarding memorial arrangements will be shared when the family is ready.' The statement concluded with a tribute message to Lwazi, 'May Lwazi's soul rest in eternal peace. She will be missed dearly.' Currently mourning Sweet Guluva hasn't made a personal public statement as of yet. Since the news surfaced, tributes have been pouring on social media for the reality star and his family as supporters and industry people alike extended their support and condolences. Sweet Guluva's team issued Guluva
