Bulelwa Hoala

Award-winning South African actor Mduduzi Mabaso celebrated his 50th birthday on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
Mabaso, who is popularly known for his role as “Suffocate” on the e.tv soapie Rhythm City, marked the milestone by sharing a personal note, reflecting on the ups and downs of life.
“50 years of some sad, hard and beautiful moments it was not easy,” he began.
“Fifty years of life, love, laughter, and lessons learned. Today, I stand before you not just older, but wiser, stronger, and more grateful. I’ve lived through triumphs and tribulations, and I’ve come out the other side with scars that tell stories and wisdom that guides me,” Mabaso wrote reflecting on his life’s path.
The seasoned performer also reflected on the importance of embracing both challenges and blessings. As he steps into a new chapter, Mabaso says he’s filled with hope and anticipation.
“To my loved ones, thank you for being my rock, my support, and my joy. Your love and encouragement mean the world to me.”
He ended his message with an ode to God and his ancestors, saying:
“Here’s to the next chapter! May it be filled with purpose, joy, and adventure. May we all continue to inspire, uplift, and love one another. Cheers to 50 and beyond! 🎉🥳 Thanks to God and my ancestors for protecting me for 50 years another fifty will do …happy birthday to myself.”
Meanwhile, his wife, Fatima Metsileng Mabaso, paid tribute to him with a heartfelt social media post. She shared a throwback photo of him as his iconic character Suffocate and listed many of his past roles in a touching caption.
She wrote:
“HA P P Y B I R T H D A Y L E G E N D
50.
SUFFOCATE – RHYTHM CITY
MGEDEZA – DIEPCITY
MANYISA – HEARTLINES
KGOTSI – SKALI LE MEOGO
PAPI – ZONE14
FIERCE – YIZO YIZO
GENDENYANE – SHAKA ILEMBE
MSIZI – HOUSE OF ZWIDE
MSIZI – BLOOD LEGACY
PETER – INTETHELO
KHULEKANI – THE ESTATE …..T B C …..”
Mabaso currently stars as Msizi Shange on e.tv’s House of Zwide. He also played the role of Shaka’s stepfather, Gendeyana on Shaka iLembe season 1.



