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Nokuthula Ledwaba, who used to play Tshidi Khuse on e.tv’s “Rhythm City”, has resurfaced on “Umlilo”

Actress Nokuthula Ledwaba has bounced back on television following a short break. Ledwaba, who is famous for playing Tshidi Khuse on e.tv’s “Rhythm City”, left two years ago after spending six years with the soapie.

The 32-year-old has resurfaced on the new e.tv drama series, “Umlilo”, after taking what she calls “a well-deserved break”.

Ledwaba was born in Mofolo, Soweto, but grew up in Soshanguve.

After playing the role of Tshidi, Ledwaba felt she had outgrown the character and wanted something new and exciting.

Furthermore, she left because most people that she had started with on “Rhythm City” had left such as Zenzo Ngqobe, Nzipho Nkelemba, Lucia Mthiyane and Wright Ngobeni.

The tall and dark actress is now a mother to Lewatle. Since her mother was a single parent, she watched how she struggled to raise her three children while Ledwaba stayed with her aunt.

She asked herself if she would be a good mother or not, so she took the break.

“It was one of the most difficult decision I had to take. I know that many people always want to be on television because they want to stay relevant. But for me it was about my daughter, I wanted to bond with her.”

She plays Khwezi in “Umlilo”, which explores a polygamous marriage and interpersonal dramas of a family.

Ledwaba acts alongside Hamilton Dlamini, who is Mnqobi Simelane, Nomzamo Mbatha (third wife) and former “Generations” star Gcina Mkhize (first wife).

Khwezi, Mnqobi’s second wife, was brought in because Mnqobi wanted an heir. However, Khwezi, who is a career woman, has been trying not to fall pregnant for the past seven years.

“I told myself that when I return to television, it would have to be through a good show and this storyline excites me.”

She believes that “Umlilo” aims not to criticise or glorify polygamy but to highlight that such marriage arrangements do exist .

While away, Ledwaba worked for Radio Ubuntu, an online station owned by the Department of International Relations.

She worked for four hours, which allowed her to spend more time with her daughter.

Ledwaba presented an entertainment show and stopped after the elections.

She also founded the Big Sister Foundation with her four friends. The foundation acknowledges people who work hard but are underrated.

Their aim is also to sponsor young girls who come from disadvantaged backgrounds with matric dance dresses. Big Sister Foundation further plans to tackle bullying at schools. – Sowetan.