Thami Mngqolo, a celebrated South African actor, is famous for his portrayal of Senzo Dhlomo in the TV soapie Generations. In a recent interview on King David’s Podcast, Mngqolo spoke candidly about the cast’s struggle with salary disputes and how they fought to save the show.
The Struggle for Justice
Mngqolo was dismissed from the show, along with 15 other cast members, in 2014 due to dissatisfaction with salary negotiations. The group sought help from politicians, including then-President Jacob Zuma and Hlaudi Motsoeneng, but their efforts were in vain. In the interview, Mngqolo stated that they decided to escalate their efforts, “We aren’t making progress here, let’s escalate. It was a collective decision, it was 16 of us. We started having meetings with Hlaudi Motsoeneng,” he said.
However, Motsoeneng’s proposal of a three-year contract did not come to fruition. The actors held weekly meetings and even traveled to Nkandla to speak with the president. A turning point came when on-screen father Menzi Ngubane was denied a salary increase despite his hospitalization. Mngqolo stated, “Come negotiations time, this man got zero raise. Menzi was what broke the camel’s back.”
Personal Life
Despite the turmoil, Mngqolo has managed to maintain a positive personal life. In the podcast, he spoke about his healthy relationship with his former partner, actress Joanne Reyneke. The couple, who share two children, ended their eight-year relationship in 2018. Reyneke reflected on the separation during an interview, saying, “Whenever you get to feel in a relationship like ‘maybe I deserve more’ or ‘maybe I’m not what you deserve,’ it’s time to part.”
Despite the separation, the couple has successfully transitioned to co-parenting, with Reyneke praising Mngqolo as a “great guy” and “a wonderful dad.” The former couple released a joint statement, emphasizing their decision to keep their personal lives private while addressing the end of their relationship to avoid speculation.
Lessons Learned
Thami Mngqolo’s experiences showcase the trials and tribulations of working as a talented actor in the entertainment industry, particularly in the South African soap opera realm. The resilience and unity displayed by the Generations cast during their salary dispute demonstrate the strength of their convictions and their commitment to artistic integrity.
In navigating the complexities of both his professional and personal life, Mngqolo has proven his adaptability and determination. His story serves as a testament to the importance of fostering meaningful relationships and standing up for oneself in the face of adversity. Such tales offer invaluable insight into the lives of actors and the often-unseen challenges they face beyond the screen, while also inspiring others to stay true to their values and pursue their dreams.
