Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Mbulelo Mpofu, mbulelo.smpofu@gmail.com
LUTHULI Dlamini, known for his prolific online presence, presented a persona of a man who could talk for hours.
However, as he sat down for an interview with the Saturday Chronicle at Banff Lodge in Bulawayo’s Hillside suburb, he quickly established some ground rules.
Personal life? Off-limits! Family matters? Strictly private! And rumours circulating about his financial status? Absolutely not for discussion!
Born 59 years ago at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, Dlamini’s life took an early turn when he emigrated to the United Kingdom at the tender age of one. Returning to Zimbabwe in 1974, he spent his formative years shuttling between Mhlahlandlela and his rural roots in Emanxeleni, Ntabazinduna.
Dlamini’s journey then led him to South Africa, where he quickly rose to prominence through his captivating performances in various television productions.
While his portrayal of Stan Nyathi in the popular eTV soapie, Scandal, undoubtedly garnered him widespread recognition, it might surprise many to learn that this isn’t necessarily his most cherished role.
“No, it would be the role of Christopher in a stage play I did at the Liberty Theatre on Mandela Square in Sandton. This is because the play was based on an award-winning book in London that I had never read before.
“When I was offered the role, I was drawn to it because it was challenging and complex, it was a lovely piece for all of us. I understand why he won the award because it was a lovely piece,” he said.
Asked to encourage the new generation of thespians, Dlamini said: “Continue to love what you do, and continue being passionate about chasing new ideas, and education. Be passionate about innovation, ingenuity, (and) invention in your craft. Be knowledgeable about your craft. Love your craft so much so that you wake up in the morning and Google more about your craft.
Learn more and have the attitude that you’ll never stop learning. Things are developing so fast in the world today so you have to keep up.”
The seasoned actor expressed his optimism about the potential of Zimbabwe’s film industry. After spending years abroad, Dlamini is eager to reconnect with the creative scene in his home country.
“Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve seen a lot of potential within the film sector and other facets of art. As I was watching a play at the Bulawayo Theatre, I could see how invested these young ones are. There’s so much more we could do to help them,” said Dlamini.
Quizzed on whether he will feature in a soapie soon, Dlamini cheekily said: “Yes, no, definitely, well . . . look, I don’t know. The space I’m currently in and have always been in is that I will work until the day I die, doing what I love doing.”
Dlamini is a spiritual, scientific, and astronomic man.
“Isintu is a religion that existed before all other religions and it worked. Those values of humanity, empathy, I feel like we are losing and that they aren’t emphasised enough in other secular religions. Isintu sethu is as old as the stars and was developed because it worked for its society, that is, abantu.”
Dlamini, who spent over two decades in the UK specialising in dramatics and theatre before moving to South Africa, reflected on his roots with pride.
“From a young age, it has all been theatre, stage work. Acting was what everyone else was doing. I tried football, but it didn’t work out. I was always acting,” he reminisced.
His first acting gig was at the Bulawayo Theatre in the 1970s, where he played two roles in the play “The Baobab Tree,” being a “wise owl” and the “monkey.”
With an impressive career that includes memorable roles in popular television series such as Scandal, Jacob’s Cross, and Generations, Dlamini has become a well-respected figure in the South African entertainment industry. Though he doesn’t know much about the current crop of actors now, Dlamini vehemently remembers the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa).
His parents, grounded in culture, nurtured Dlamini on the education ethos where Dlamini and his siblings were taught to value their culture and education. He is not just an actor; he is also an engineer, scientist, and a devoted fan of Highlanders.
Dlamini revealed that he is set to participate in this year’s Imiklomelo kaDakamela, hosted by Chief Mbusi Bekithemba Dakamela of Nkayi on April 4-5.
“I’m even embarrassed that it’s been this long since I was away. I need to come back and reacquaint myself with the scene. There’s a lot I have to learn and see,” he said.
Despite refusing to comment about rumours that he is homeless, Dlamini previously addressed the claims on Instagram.
“I’m fine, I promise I’m not homeless. Be sure of your sources of information. Don’t compromise your integrity for 15 cheap minutes of fame.”
Recently, Dlamini assumed a new role as an independent film producer, an endeavour which saw him release “The Cold Father,” a move he described as traumatic.
“It was traumatic in the sense that I’ve never wanted to be behind the camera. I left paperwork in business when I left the corporate world and decided to be an actor. It was traumatic in the sense that it was also by force but a blessing in disguise because I’ve learnt so much about my industry,” he said.
With the nicely-trimmed lawn serving as a backdrop to our conversation, Dlamini alluded to such a place as a perfect specimen to his ideal resting spot after a long day at work.
“I relax in a garden, a pretty garden like this. With friends, family, I love my grandchildren, just the serenity of a beautiful environment. I look for this kind of serenity,” he said.
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