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Getting to know Londeka Mchunu

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Londeka Mchunu
Londeka Mchunu

Londeka, or Ndeka to those close to her, is responsible for bringing to life S’negugu, a delightful character on the Mzansi Magic telenova Isithembiso. S’negugu is a reformed — but still conniving — blessee and student navigating her way through a big city. In real life, Londeka is a carefree 24-year-old with the most unparalleled wig and weave game.

I’m originally from eMsinga but grew up in Clermont, a township in KZN.  I never miss an opportunity to mention that eMsinga is my birth town because it’s important to always be proud of one’s roots. When I was six years old, my mom chose to stay behind because she worked as a teacher there while my siblings and I moved to Clermont.  We had oSisithat took care of us, but my mom made it a point to visit us every weekend. I come from a big family — I have eight siblings, some with their own moms — and we didn’t live together until much later on. We’re now one big happy family.

My mom keeps me sane. I lost my dad when I was two but we’re closer now that I’m older. We’re as tight as thieves and I’ll always be grateful for the sacrifices she made for us. I know I can pick up the phone anytime I’m feeling angry, frustrated or stressed and she’ll have a solution. I still run her transport business, even though it’s tricky doing it between Joburg and Durban. 

Growing up, I was very sporty. I reached provincial trial level from primary school and played netball, hockey, touch rugby and soccer. In high school, I slowly neglected my passion for sports because there comes a time in most teens’ lives when having a match on a Saturday afternoon when your peers are out partying becomes uncool [chuckles]!

Acting came about by chance. In 2016, a friend told us that Bomb Productions was scouting for new talent for an upcoming drama series, and suggested we send our details. I’d been running errands all day and hadn’t paid attention to the text messages, so my friends forwarded my details on my behalf. I attended the audition knowing I had nothing to lose.

I was a corporate communications student at Varsity College when I got the Isithembiso role. I made the difficult decision to drop out, as I’d found a new passion in acting. Truth be told, what I was studying was merely to have a degree to fall back on.

I was initially hesitant about moving to Joburg, and nervous about finding my feet and new people to trust. This is why I still visit Durban at every chance I get. If I’m not on set, you’ll find me back home. This year, I’m making more of an effort to attend industry events and open myself up to new experiences. I don’t want the industry to swallow me whole and lose myself in the process, which is why I choose to steer clear of the limelight.

WANT TO READ MORE THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE? GRAB THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF TRUE LOVE, ON SALE NOW! 

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