By Katlego Sekhu
Last year, Streaming giant Netflix acquired the rights to stream all the seasons of the iconic South African series Yizo Yizo. The drama aired between 1999 – 2004.
Set in a fictional school, Supatsela High, Yizo Yizo was commissioned by the South African Department of Education through a campaign called Culture of Learning, Teaching, and Service (COLTS).
The show was aimed at creating awareness around the challenges faced by learners and educators in high schools in townships.
Since Yizo Yizo started streaming on Netflix, viewers have had the opportunity to relive some of the moments that shaped their childhoods. In turn, this has left many wondering what happened to some of the original cast members.
Here’s what happened to some of the cast from Yizo Yizo season:
Meshack Mavuso – Javas
The rebellious yet flamboyant Javas was played by actor Meshack Mavuso who we can all agree owned that role. The name Javas still follows him to this day.
Mavuso, who’s gone on to star in shows like Isidingo, Hijack Stories, Zalabala, Durban Gen, and The River, currently stars in the drama, Lenyalo Ha Se Papadi alongside Mapaseka Koetle.
The comedy follows the drama that ensues after Desmond (Mavuso Magabane) and Mpho (Koetle) decide to end their marriage, and try to navigate a new life of co-parenting, family, finances, and attempting to date – all while still living under the same roof!
Speaking to 959 Breakfast with Dineo and Sol in 2022, the legendary said that the industry has changed a lot compared to when he started. “Now they don’t put a lot of focus on the craft. They just ask you how many fans you have on social media before they hire you,” expressed Mavuso.
Innocent Masuku – Bobo
Innocent Masuku’s Bobo was another fan-favourite. Sadly drug addiction has deterred him from achieving his full potential as an actor. He opened up to Kaya 959 about his battle with addiction.
“There’s so many regrets I have because I lost so many opportunities while I was using. Drugs cost me to lose all my friends, family stopped trusting me and I can’t get that time back, you understand. Everything you saw on-screen was what was happening off-screen which is the sad truth and I felt completely trapped. Yizo Yizo was like a mirror which was reflecting everything that was happening in my life.”
Moreover, the actor said that he had undergone rehab to help him clean up his act. “I need to do everything I can at the moment, take it a day at a time, a step at a time, and not dwell on the past. I can’t change that,” said Masuku.
Nomsa – Charmaine Mtinta
Actress Charmaine Mtinta played Nomza in Yizo Yizo and won an Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for the role.
Mtinta has gone on to become one of SA’s most decorated thespians, starring in shows such as Generations, Isibaya, Scandal! and more recently How To Ruin Christmas.
Patrick Shai – Edwin Thapelo
Ntate Patrick Shai played the noble teacher Mr Edwin Thapelo who embodied what a great educator should be. Shai passed away in 2022, reportedly by suicide. He was on The River 1 Magic before his untimely passing.
Lorraine Mphephi – Mantwa
Lorraine Mphephi played the “forward” Mantwa in Yizo Yizo for three seasons. Her last notable role was as ‘Pam’ in Isibaya.
A picture perfect moment between @Boity & Lorraine Mphephi from @Isibaya! #SAFTAs2014 pic.twitter.com/eVAj8DosWp
— South African Film & Television Awards #SAFTAs (@SAFTAs_1) March 5, 2014
Sandy Mokwena – Ken Mokoena
The late Sandy Mokoena played corrupt teacher Ken Mokoena who took over the reins as headmaster after Mr Mthembu’s resignation. Ken was the total opposite of Sandy’s role on Scandal! as Bra Eddie. He passed away on 25 January 2018 in the morning of natural causes at the age of 68.
Dear Mark Fish:this 👇👇👇 is Bra Eddie/Sandy Mokoena,so please DON'T………..#MarkFishChallenge #RIPBraEddie #RIPSandyMokwena pic.twitter.com/rWD1O1FRW7
— SHEPHERD (@MalumeSharepart) January 25, 2018
Patrick Ndlovu – Mr Mthembu
Legendary South African actor Patrick Ndlovu played the no-nonsense Principal of Tsupapele High, who was a firm believer in instilling discipline in his learners, even if it meant using corporal punishment.
Apart from Yizo Yizo, Ndlovu has starred in many other leading roles, including Ntate Moloi in Zone 14. Ndlovu passed away in 2023.
Goldfinger yena ke problem everywhere he is… From nako tsa Ntate Moloi on Zone 14⚠⚠⚠ #TheQueenMzansi pic.twitter.com/bLRJ1rJ7pf
— Lebza (@officiallebza) February 22, 2017
Sthandiwe Kgoroge – Zoe Cele
Actress Sthandiwe Kgoroge played Zoe Cele, a teacher fresh out of University who believed in using progressing and creative methods to educate learners. A big favourite with the learners at Supatsela.
Sthandiwe is set to star in the forthcoming Shaka Zulu biopic, Shaka iLembe. The actress and her husband celebrated Kgaroge’s 21 years of marriage in 2022.
Hazel – Nomonde Gongxeka
Nomonde Gongxeka played Hazel, Supatsela’s IT girl. After leaving Yizo Yizo, Gongxeka went on to work behind the scenes. She has worked at MTV and the SABC.
“I like to call myself a child of the arts because as much as I am not in front of the camera anymore, I still get this rush through my body every time I step on set even as a producer when I see other actors and actresses go through their lines and get ready to shoot. I have been in many theatre productions and even danced for many years so the art is in me,” she told Zalebs.
Ronnie Nyakale – Papa Action
After Yizo Yizo Ronnie Nyakale has gone on to feature in many shows including Rhythm City, Number Number, and Generations: The Legacy. Nyakale is married to Lebogang Mashilo.
For Ronnie Nyakale to get his famous character before he retire🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️ pic.twitter.com/4LYUiPa7BW
— Nema Jnr 🦂👑 (@KingNema_Jnr) June 8, 2022
Tshepo Ngwane – Thiza
Actor Tshepo Ngwane, known for playing Thabo ‘Thiza’ Nonyane in Yizo Yizo season 1, passed away in 2015 aged 39. Ngwane died at the Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Jabulani, Soweto, after a short illness. He is survived by his mother Sonto Mashinini, children, sisters, and brothers.
Rewatching Yizo Yizo… Just remembered that Thiza aka Tshepo Ngwane died in 2015 at age 39 😩😔 pic.twitter.com/A8ox4fFhy4
— Mrs Noma 🔆 (@MrsNoma) April 24, 2023
Christopher Khubeka – Gunman
Actor Christopher Khubeka who played Gunman died in 2017 aged 39 by suicide. He was found dead in his home in Pretoria North.
According to a suicide note the actor left behind, reportedly seen by Sunday World, he took his life after making a discovery that his wife was having an affair.
Yizo-Yizo in one photo @bomn
— The-General ✌🏾 (@SihleGeneral10) June 24, 2022
Dumisane Khumalo (Sticks), Innocent Masuku (Bobo) and Christopher Khubheka 🕊️ (Gunman)
Photo 📸: 2003 pic.twitter.com/DSmqkY2QV6
Ernst Msibi – Chester
After Yizo Yizo actor Msibi (Chester), leveraged his success on Yizo Yizo to propel his acting career to greater heights. He’s gone on to feature in Zone 14, eHostel, Gomora, and Uzalo.
In 2021 Msibi got married to the love of his life, Nkosingiphile Nana Zondi – the pair had been dating for more than four years. Their wedding was officiated by Bishop Makamu.
Read Next: Generations: The Legacy bids farewell to Ronnie Nyakale
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