Actor Tshepiso Jeme recently exited Mzansi Magic's telenovela "Inimba", where he portrayed the character of Likamva Mabandla.
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Actor Tshepiso Jeme’s exit from Mzansi Magic's hit telenovela "Inimba" left many of his fans heartbroken, especially after they grew to love his character, Likamva Mabandla.
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 seen 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.
“It’s heartwarming because he cares, he listens, he prioritises their sanity, he prioritises being there for his family and making sure that they know they are loved.
“He goes all out and makes sure that what his children want, they get. I take that from him: make time for your family. It doesn’t matter how busy you are, make time for your family.”
Jeme loved the openness and realness of the character Thulani Mabandla (Zizi Peteni), who doesn’t sugarcoat anything.
“Likamva would confide in Thulani more than he did in his father, because his father is one-dimensional in the way that he views the world. But with Thulani, he would just tell it like it is.
“He’d find humour in it, but also some seriousness in it. All these qualities are different, but they are lovely at the same time.”
Jeme made his television acting debut in the Mzansi Magic telefilm "Indlalifa". In 2019, he landed his first starring role when he was cast as Zithulele in the 1Magic drama series "iThemba" and later was on the e.tv soapie "Scandal!".
"Inimba" is a long-running format, which is slightly different from the series Jeme has previously been involved in, which were filmed over shorter periods. Jeme shared that the experience of being on the "Inimba" production was life-altering for him, both as a person and as an actor.
“Having to learn how to pace yourself, shooting the entire year, learning how to prioritise certain things, learning how to rest, finding rest in the midst of shooting six days a week, and learning to make time to read the lines and do the necessary creative work.
“By that, I mean reading your lines, making character analysis, having time to speak to the creators and writers, and making a creative contribution. I’ve learned ways to navigate through that.”
Working on a telenovela set allowed Jeme to watch his performances, review them, and adjust accordingly for his next scenes. He shared that the experience will forever shape how he approaches his work and applies himself on different sets.
He admits that the process was mentally challenging, having to grasp his scripts within short timeframes while filming daily.
“You’re working against time, but the camera picks it up if it’s not real. You can’t fake authenticity in that regard. You need to come prepared. You need to make sure you know your marks and your lines, because other people come prepared.”
Jeme has huge praise for his on-screen mother, Thumeka, portrayed by award-winning actress Zenande Mfenyana. He praises her dedication to the work, calling her a wonderful professional who studies her lines even while cooking at home.
Jeme studied BA Dramatic Arts (Honours) at the University of the Witwatersrand. The actor is a firm believer in education and encourages those who ask him about getting into the industry to go to school.
“I’m a huge believer that one needs to go to school for acting because the skills you acquire don’t only make you a better performer, but also help you tell the difference between many things; between quality work and understanding how to convince yourself and your body that it’s not you going through this, but the character.
“I give a lot of credit to my formal education for the kind of actor I am and how I’ve grown, being able to bridge different skills and understandings and make them look as simple as they come.”
Jeme’s exit from "Inimba" was part of a creative direction for the telenovela’s story arc, but it has left fans wondering what’s next for the actor.
People in the entertainment industry often experience quiet seasons, and during those times, Jeme finds hope and optimism by investing in other important facets of his life, including his relationship with his wife and child, as well as reading.
As a firm believer in God and divine timing, Jeme remains grounded. “If I get to be part of a project, there’s a purpose for that. If I’m not on set, I know God has something in store for me.”
In time, things will fall into place. Jeme has already been approached for three projects.
“I’m humbled that people saw the work and felt I was best fitted for these projects. It’s a matter of timing. I’m not scared of not being on set because I’ve never lacked by the grace of God.”
Jeme has ambitions to return to school, further explore educational opportunities, and continue refining his skills so that when the opportunity comes, he is ready.
IOL