Former ‘Inimba’ actor on masculinity and fatherhood

ACTOR Tshepiso Jeme’s exit from Mzansi Magic’s hit telenovela Inimba left many of his fans heartbroken, after they grew to love his character, Likamva Mabandla.

- OLUTHANDO KETEYI

ACTOR Tshepiso Jeme recently left Mzansi Magic's telenovela Inimba. | Instagram

(Instagram)

Likamva's story arc explored his complex relationship with his father, Hlathi Mabandla, who is portrayed by Sisanda Hewana.

Jeme is a father, husband, and son, and in an interview with IOL, he reflected that the male characters on Inimba are beautiful in their differences.

“They are layered, they are flawed, they are complex, they are human, and what makes them different is what makes them beautiful.”

He describes his TV dad, Hlathi, as a typical man, a traditional father that many viewers can relate to. On the telenovela, viewers have witnessed Hlathi’s stern behaviour, with his decisions always being final.

“He's like a typical result of the world and the ideas that we've shaped around men, socially as well as culturally. A man doesn't cry; Hlathi barely shows emotion. His decision is final. There's no negotiating with a man like Hlathi.

“His view of the world is so linear. It is one way, and that’s what we knew our fathers to be, what your dad says is final.”

From the character of Hlathi, Jeme has learned that his way is not the only way of being a man.

“Hlathi is teaching us to say maybe there are flaws in what we have depicted men to be, and then you look at a man like Sydney Zondo. I think he’s a gorgeous example of the kind of father I aspire to be, both as a husband and as a father myself.”

Legendary actor Siyabonga Shibe portrays the character of Sydney, and Jeme explained that he loves how Sydney loves his family, from his wife to his children. While Sydney's actions may be debatable in terms of whether they are healthy, they are rooted in love.